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Posts Tagged ‘Leupold Binoculars’

When you hardly notice the weight in your hands while you are watching some curious little warbler in the brush, you know you have purchased a good pair of binoculars for yourself. With good binoculars you sometimes feel like you are looking with your own eyes only the view is closer, magnified and clear. How big do you want that image to be? Well, that will depend on many things. How heavy will the binoculars be with extra magnification? Can you hold the binoculars steady if they are magnified more than 10 times (10x)? How heavy will the binoculars be with extra magnification?

So tell me, how much of the area can you see around the bird? That is your field of view. Field of view refers to how much you will see through the binoculars in relation to a fixed distance from the object you are observing. It will be helpful to have a wider field of view to be able to find small birds in the brush and across wide expanses of ocean or desert terrain. In addition to weight and magnification and comfort in the field, you want to keep in mind how much you can see. What is the field of view for those binoculars?

If you are wear eyeglasses or have macular degeneration or other uncorrected vision conditions, this is likely to affect which binoculars are best suited for you.While you may need higher magnification for viewing, it is harder to hold those heavier binoculars steady and in focus. Consider getting a tripod to help you keep it steady.

Let’s clear up what those numbers mean. If your binoculars are labeled 10×42, it means you will be seeing things magnified ten times. The first number is the magnification, 10x. The size of the objective lens is described in millimeters in the second number. So in this case the diameter of the lens at the other end of the eyepiece is 42mm wide. A larger diameter lens is not only heavier, but it lets in more light and you can see things more clearly in less light than with a smaller lens.

Waterproof binoculars are essential for me. Are these binoculars sturdy, durable and compact to fit my hands? Will they be able to withstand being dropped now and then? Of course, if you wear your strap around your neck all the time they are less likely to fall, but, just in case, are they sturdy? I have lost a lot of lens covers at overlooks.

If you choose the best binoculars that fit you that also fit your budget and you will be a happy birdwatcher and even have some cash in your pocket for lunch, maybe. Just relax and look around. The binoculars you buy are intended to enhance your field trips or birding expeditions, so don’t stress out over them. Take your time and read some reviews. Every manufacturer has a website full of detailed information and there are plenty of reviews online for you to compare while you are still looking.

I confess that I really like using Leupold binoculars. I know I have a fine pair of excellent quality binoculars that are waterproof, fog proof and guaranteed for life. I choose the 10×32 because they fit me well, even though they are a bit bigger than my compact Bushnell Binoculars at 8×25 that I carry with me wherever I go for casual or surprise birding.

To tell the just plain truth, when your binoculars feel like an extension of your hands and you can see clearly and well, you have just found your best pair. Remember to stay within your budget and check on the field of vision and depth of field while you are looking. That is what it takes when you get right down to the details.

Leupold is the Optics Authority of America. With 100 years of history in America they have been creating and refining optics for many purposes. These engineers have made optics for hunting and birdwatching and super high tech military needs. Optical precision and care in construction cannot be beat. Leupold is a company that is designed for success and will outlast recessions like the one we have right now.

I like compact binoculars because I have small hands and often carry my binoculars far into the field or woods on hiking or backpacking trips. That makes the lighter weight and smaller sizes more appealing to me. The Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series is less than 15 ounces and only 4.3 inches long. It can fold very small for easy packing.

Leupold’s Katmai Compact binoculars are a good comparison with the Olympic series. The Katmai compacts weigh 18.9 ounces and are 4.1 inches long. Both series are fog-proof and waterproof like all Leupold binoculars. They both have fully coated lenses to enhance light transmission and contrast and to provide clarity of vision. All Leupold optics have interiors that have been purged with nitrogen to give you the best quality available in your optics.

Both the Katmai and the Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series come with in black casings. An added feature for the Olympic series is the optional mossy oak tree camo colored casing. You will need to choose between 8×25 or 10×25 with the Olympic series. Both of these sizes fit my compact criteria. My preference is 8X25 because it is easier for me to scan the field at that magnification than it is at 10×25.

It is hard to beat the ease of using the abundant information that Leupold has for its products. They are generous with information and specs. I found it very easy to compare binoculars online before purchasing.

Both of these Leupold binoculars are superb. It is primarily a matter of personal preference and perhaps size that will make the difference for your purchasing decision. By size I refer to the distance between your pupils relative to the interpupillary distance of the binoculars. Both are about 60-70 mm. The difference between the exit pupils is less than 1 mm. I really like the Katmai because it uses full-size components in a sturdy compact optical instrument.

Another characteristic that distinguishes these two Leupold binocular series is how close they focus. At 4 feet away the Katmai binoculars are still giving you good focus. But the Olympic close range focus stops at about 8 feet. Most often I would not find that a problem. Rarely do I need to see a bird closer than 4 feet anyhow! Butterflies are another story.

The Katmai Compact Binoculars are available in 6×32, 8×32 or 10×32 magnification. I like 8×32 because they are comfortable and sturdy enough to be my primary binoculars. I wear glasses and the Katmai compact has full size eye cups which is a great feature. I do not know how anyone could make a wrong choice buying Leupold binoculars. They are all such precision optical instruments.