Leupold 6x32 Wind River Katmai, Water Proof & Fog Proof Roof Prism Binocular with 8.1 Degree Angle of View, U.S.A

2010-11-23T19:00:00

I really wanted to love these binocs, and in some ways I do. The optics are extremely bright and sharp, the FOV is superb and the depth of field enhances the birding experience. However, I immediately returned them, for the following reasons: While they do indeed focus at 4.5 ft, the result is disconcerting, because the parallax effect creates two distinct overlapping circles with the bright area existing only at the central overlapping area. Thus their usefulness for butterfly or insect observation is severely compromised-- in fact I think they would give one headaches if used too long in close focus. After trying them out for distance viewing for a few minutes, I began to suspect that the optics were misaligned. So I considered asking for a straight-up replacement. Briefly. Then I started getting frustrated because the eye relief (exit pupil) is exceedingly long. Unless they are held steady at a precise angle and distance from the eye, there are pronounced dark, floating "kidney bean" effects that ruin the view. Furthermore, the twist-out eye cups are not long enough to allow bracing the binocs against the eye socket... and, they are cheaply made and tend to collapse back into retracted position at the slightest touch. I found myself trying to hold the binocs with an awkward hand position to keep them steady... but even when I did this, the eye cups would not stay extended, and even when they were extended they did not prevent bright sun from intruding on the view. This is a terrible shame, because the glass is really excellent. If I were an eyeglass wearer, and could live with the close-focus view, I might just tape the the eyecups in permanent extended position. However, after doing so the binocs would not fit into the nice but extremely snug-fitting carry case that Leupold provides. So, reluctantly, although I highly recommend the glass I cannot recommend the product.

Skychaser

2006-08-03T21:00:00

Great Buy for the Money Well Made Very Clear and Bright Optics.

Steve