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The phase-coated BaK-4 optics are fully multicoated for high light transmission and contrast. Usable eye relief is quite good at 18mm and twist-up eyecups allow unvignetted eyeglass or sunglass use. One and a quarter turns of the focus knob moves from a very good close focus of 6’ out to the horizon. The depth of field is quite deep for close-in birding (we would guesstimate a usable depth of field of about 14” for us at a distance of 7’, although your tolerance for a wee bit of unsharpness at the near and far sides of that distance may be less than ours). Curvature of field is minimal, as are astigmatism and barrel distortion. The result is images that stay usably sharp across most of the field for a view that is easy on the eyes for extended observing sessions.

Overall, this is an optically and mechanically very sound binocular at a most reasonable price.

Features of this binocular . . .

Roof prism design. H-body roof prism design with internal center focus puts large aperture optics in a reasonably compact package.

Fully multicoated optics. Multilayer antireflection coatings on all air to glass surfaces for maximum light transmission.

Phase-coated. PC-3 phase-correcting optical coatings on the BaK-4 prisms (the same as on the top-of-the-line Bausch & Lomb Elite binoculars) provide high contrast and resolution. This is particularly visible in the shadowed areas of a backlit or silhouetted bird when observing into the rising or setting sun or when observing in shadowed woodlands.

Waterproof and fogproof. Dry nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and fogproof in all temperature and climate extremes. Designed to operate reliably in rainforests and deserts alike.

Rainguard lens coatings. Special hydrophobic (water-repelling) coatings applied to the external optics cause the condensation from rain, fog, or snow to form in much smaller droplets than on standard optical coatings. Smaller droplets scatter less light, resulting in higher light transmission and a clearer image.

Armor. Ribbed and textured black rubber armor absorbs noise and shock. Molded-in thumb grooves and a contoured body shape keep the hands positioned perfectly for proper balance.

Twist-up eyecups. A quarter turn of the rubber-rimmed eyecups retracts them into the binocular body for eyeglass or sunglass use, rather than rolling down. This eliminates the possibility of the eyecups drying out and cracking with age and use, as with conventional rolldown eyecups. A quarter turn in the opposite direction extends the eyecups for non-eyeglass use.

Excellent close focusing. Only one and a quarter turns of the comfortably-large ribbed focus knob moves from a very good 6’ near focus to the horizon.

Rotary diopter correction. A continuously variable diopter ring on the right eyepiece allows you to match the binocular optics precisely to your individual eyesight for a sharp image. The ring is stiff in its operation. In addition, the contoured body shape keeps the ribbed adjustment ring out of the way of your hands when the binocular is in use. These features make it unlikely that the diopter control will accidentally be moved out of adjustment when you least expect it, as is often the case with lesser binoculars.

Wide neck strap. The comfortable wide woven neck strap makes the binocular an easy carry during all-day birding sessions.

Tripod adaptable. A standard 1/4”-20 thread socket for attaching an optional tripod adapter is located at the front end of the binocular’s center hinge. A thread-in plastic logo plate covers the tripod socket when not in use.

Soft case. A soft leather-like vinyl case (similar to the one that comes with the high end Bausch & Lomb Elite binoculars) is standard equipment.