Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have a Brunton 7 X 50 monocular [about $150 when I bought it] which I like, especially when used with a tripod. I wanted a good pair of binoculars that would get a really close focus. These Bruntons close focus to three feet. So - I ordered them from Amazon. These are handsome binoculars that appear to be extremely well made. They appear to be very durable and have nice features like a tripod mount, fast focus, etc. I already have a pair of Zeiss 8 X 32 binoculars, but wanted something with really close focus.
I tried them out. I did the mandatory adjustment to compensate for any optical differences between your eyes eyes. Then I started looking at things near and far away. Viewing objects far away they seem at first to be OK but I noticed as I looked at objects at different distances that I had to continuously change the interpupillary [sp?] distance for things to look right. When I looked at a blackbird in a tree at maybe 200 feet distance I immediately noticed a slight, but clearly noticeable, reddish line around the perimeter of the bird. Not a good sign. Also, I tried the real close-focus. Ghastly! It looked like the lenses were completely out of alignment. I also notice that the "depth of field" was very small and thus exact focus was very critical. The super fast focus mechanism [3 ft to infinity in less than a full turn of the focus wheel] works against you here as there is no room for error.
I really did not want to return these binoculars and wondered if it was just me. I sent an email to several birder friends asking them to come by and see what their impression was. As it turned out, one of them had already tested these very same binoculars with exactly the same criticisms.
My recommendation - buy Swarovskis, Leitz or Zeiss. They are superb although none will close focus to three feet. You won't find this kind of lousy optical performance with them. Remember these Brunton binoculars are not inexpensive costing almost $1400! At this price this level of optical performance is inexcusable.
I am really sorry I have to write this review. I wanted these binos to work well and at first glance they appear great, and are very nicely packaged. But when two people independent of each other come up with exactly the same criticism - well caveat emptor. Thank heavens Amazon has a return policy. On Monday - they go back!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Brunton Epoch Full-Size 8.5x43 Binocular
Recipient of a host of honors--including Target magazine's "Editor's Choice Award" and Field & Stream's "Gear of the Year" award--the Epoch Full-Size binocular ushers in a new era of optics. The 8.5x-power Epoch Full-Size is equipped with 43mm objective lenses made of SF prism glass, the highest grade of glass available. Brunton also fitted the lenses in a magnesium alloy frame so durable that it can withstand the most rigorous tests imaginable. Perhaps the most unique development, however, is Brunton's Variable Speed Focus System, which makes all other focus wheels seem inferior. The binocular acquires targets from 30 feet out to infinity with only a minimal turn of the focus wheel, and can adjust to objects a mere 36 inches away for a close-in look. These building blocks, combined with a multitude of other innovations, have taken the Epoch Full-Size to the pinnacle of optical design and engineering.
Specifications include a locking, 19.5mm multi-step eye relief system that's eyeglass compatible, a 315-foot field of view at 1,000 yards, and a 5.1mm exit pupil. The list of coatings is nearly as impressive, with state-of-the-art phase coating, a FlatLight full multi-coating, an anti-fog lens coating, and an AL-HR reflective coating all contributing to the crisp resolution. And users who want a bit more bang for their back can add an X2 Epoch field scope (sold separately), which turns the Full-Size into a 17x binocular.
Additional features include a diopter adjustment mechanism that locks in so your vision is always crisp, a tripod adapter, a comfortable neck strap, and a soft leather case for carrying. The Epoch Full-Size measures 5.8 by 5 by 2 inches (W x H x D), weighs roughly 25 ounces, and is backed by a Halo lifetime warranty (you drop or break the Full-Size, and Brunton fixes or replaces it).
What's in the Box? Epoch Full-Size binocular, tripod adapter, leather soft case and holster, neck strap, removable OptiVisor lens covers, user's manual.
Click here for more information about Brunton Epoch Full-Size 8.5x43 Binocular
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