These binoculars rock! (Leupold Rogue 10X50)

[Lynn]

Hey guys,

I'm no binoc expert, but I have been dreaming for years of owning a set of Swarovski's, Leica's, Zeiss, or even Steiners...

However, me being a teacher and my wife a nurse, that dream was pretty lofty. Not many 'fun coupons' floating around this house...

Well, we have a trip in a couple of weeks that will include a critter-spotting Louisianna swamp tour. And I still hadn't spent my $250 Christmas bonus, so I decided to see if I could get something decent.

After educating myself on things like poro prisms v.s. roof prisms and the like, and reading many reviews, I bought a pair of Leupold Rogue 10X50's for $159.00 shipped.

Now, I've never peered through the likes of a Swarovski, or anything better than a cheap set of Simmons for that matter, but WOW! These Leopolds rock!

If you are looking for a good deal on Binocs, you might want to check them out.

Oh, and a word of warning, I guess. The first pair I ordered from Amazon / ADIG. They were more expensive, and they sent me 8X42s instead of the advertised 10X50s. At least they are paying for return shipping...
Then I discovered Amazon / Fogdog had them for $159. And they sent me the right thing! Bonus!

 

[Corey]

Subscribing, as I am in need of some good ones.

 

[Corey]

Which ones, they have several that look different.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...ps&field-keywords=Leupold+Rogue+10X50&x=0&y=0

 

[Lynn]

Which ones, they have several that look different.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...ps&field-keywords=Leupold+Rogue+10X50&x=0&y=0

Hey Corey,

Yeah, Amazon is kinda confusing on this. I got black (the camo ones are more expensive), The box shows model #65555. The 'traditional' looking ones, not the compacts:



The 8X42s that were sent by mistake are model #65550

Looks like the prices are up a little now...

Here's the lowdown I learned from my research. Roof prism binocs (straight tubes) are more popular these days:



but are harder to manufacture, so porro prism binocs (the offset tubes) are cheaper for the same quality optics.

The down-side to porros is they are bulkier, and harder to use if you have small hands. If you have large hands like me, and don't mind the aesthetic differences, get the porros.

Hope that helps.

 

[haven]

Here's a better price, $117 with free shipping. I don't know anything about this retailer.
http://purchasegoodz.com/leupold-leupold-65555-binocular-p-2905.html http://purchasegoodz.com/leupold-leupold-65555-binocular-p-2905.html

 

[Lynn]

Here's a better price,

That figures....

 

[Lynn]

In all fairness, now that my initial excitement is wearing down, I guess I should mention that the online reviews are right about the soft case and lens covers being junk. But for the price I can live with that.


Now, has anybody tried the S4 LockDown Harness? Looks like a cool product, but I'm afraid these 10x50s may be too big for it.

 

[haven]

A few general remarks about binoculars:

In binoculars, bigger is not necessarily better. A 10x50 binocular is a lot larger and heavier than typical bins. The objective end is where the weight is, making 10x50s less well balanced. This translates into extra fatigue if you hold the bins for extended periods. 10x50s as a group tend to have a narrower field of view and longer close focus distance, too.

Most experts recommend 8x40 as the best binoculars for general purpose viewing. The difference between 8 power and 10 power is not readily apparent in most circumstances. For example, if you're looking at an object 100 feet away, a 10 power binocular makes that object appear as if it's 10 feet in front of you. For 8 power, that distance is 12.5 feet.

Having 10 power makes sense if you're looking for deer on a hillside 2 miles away, or if you're trying to see the rings of Saturn. Much more than 10 power is difficult to hold steady enough without a tripod.

Close focus distance is another important consideration for general purpose binoculars. If your bins can't focus closer than 15 feet, you'll miss lots of interesting viewing up close. Butterflies are a good example of a critter that will let you get within 8 or 10 feet. You'll be surprised how often you'll want to point your binoculars at something close.

What's the difference between $100 binoculars and a $2000 model? Part of the price is undoubtedly fashion and status. Names like Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski have a cachet that costs extra. Beyond this, extra money should buy improvements in optical quality, usability, durability, and serviceability.

Optical quality is affected by design, materials used, and quality of assembly. Special glass and mineral lenses, special coatings, precision alignment, even purging the interior of water vapor before sealing all play a role in quality of performance.

Usability is a function of design. Just like a fine shotgun has a special balance, fine binoculars have a balance and shape that makes them a joy to use. This also reduces fatigue during a long day in the field.

Durability means the ability to retain the alignment of the optics for years of use in tough outdoor conditions. It also means a body that shrugs off the indignities of field use. Bumps and drops into the dirt and water should not affect a high quality instrument. Durability is not the same as extra weight. Some very durable bins are among the lightest for their class.

Any mechanical device used in tough conditions needs periodic service. Serviceability refers both to the quality of construction, and the availability of highly trained technicians to perform the service.

So there are many reasons why the finest binoculars cost so much.

 

[Lynn]

Haven,

I certainly bow to your superior knowledge. Both above and on the other binocular threads. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

I'm still happy with my over-powered, low-end binoculars, though. For $160, I think they're hard to beat.

Maybe someday...

Since I still have both boxes right here, I'll give data on these two Leupolds, even though it's already out there somewhere, and nobody here probably cares...

10x50 versus 8x42

Length: 7 in versus 5.5 in
Weight: 33 oz versus 23.5 oz
Field of View: 288.0' @ 1000 yd versus 341.0' @ 1000 yd
Angular FoV: 5.5 versus 6.5
Twilight Factor 22.4 versus 18.3
Exit pupil 4.8mm versus 4.9mm
Eye relief 15.0mm versus 16.5mm
Interpupilary distance 57.0mm - 68.0mm versus 54.0mm - 72.0mm
Close focus distance 30' versus 24'

 

[RHINO]

you saying my 25x100 skymasters are too big? i dont think so .


lynn, i dont have anything to add about the harness you pictured, but i love my cotton carrier http://www.cottoncarrier.com/

 

[Honu]

we had Swarovski on the boats I worked on daily and were great but expensive !

I ended up with Leupold Olympic model and like them after trying out a ton they fit price was nice and liked the bright open feel they offer

sometimes in bright sun glare and such the coatings on nicer ones let you see a lot more !! example working on the boats on Maui Swarovski are worth every penny when its dark out and you got to see harbor lights ! or you are looking for someone on the water or even for markers etc.. they would beat cheaper models quite easy and they would hold up !!!

if you can get to a nice place that has lots of optics you can look through its quite a fun experience really to see how they all perform against each other

 

[Stumpalump]

I worked for Zeiss for years and can coment on the two things high end optics do better than cheaper ones. The first is their performance in lower light conditions. Just look down into a shaded ravine to see the difference. The other thing is the lens coatings. Cheap coatings breakdown in time and cheap coatings do not filter as well to protect your eyes if you catch a glimps of the sun. It probably won't blind you if you do but it will burn off enough retina material to cause a degree of vision loss. Supervise your kids with all of them.

 

[Corey]

I wonder if these are any good?
Got this in my email today from Amazon.
Nikon 8221 Trailblazer 10 X 50mm All Terrain Binoculars

Good reviews there.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great general purpose binocular, June 15, 2010
By
Mark R. Williams (SAINT CHARLES, MI, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Nikon 8221 Trailblazer 10 X 50mm All Terrain Binoculars (Electronics)
I have been in the military for several years now and have come to use many binos/optics in my line of work. Leupold and Steiner being the majority of all military enhanced optic makers. Most professional military binos are 8x42mm. However, it isn't always enough, I decided to spend the frugal money on these Nikon's ATB's and have been throughly pleased.

The Image quality alone shows Nikon's tried and true dedication to superior lens quality.

The Nikon's large objective lens allows for superbly bright images in dark or shady conditions. Using these binoculars at night, they produce as much light into the eye as the $500.00 set of Steiners and Leupold's. In fact, several of my co-workers also agree, for the money these may be the best optic to choose from.

During day time use, or night for that matter. the lens focus a tight picture. From 5m in front of you to infinity the fine adjustment knob will focus in on what you need. The eye relief adjustment knobs are an excellent feature. Many Binoculars do not have this feature (It physically separates your eye from the diopter lens) ensuring proper eye relief at all times. This, when using your Binos for extended time will reduce eye and forehead fatigue.

Construction:I have used these in several climate zones, hot and arid, hot and wet, extremely cold and temperate cool hunting conditions..They have been banged up, skuffed up and dropped and they still preform like a champ. They feel rock solid and build like a block of steel when you hold them.

Many say lighter is better, but I would submit to you, solid is better and you.

These will be going with me onto deployment soon....Ill be leaving my steiners in the armory.

 

[Corey]

PS, 8x42 which after reading Haven's post above about 10x50, I think these will be better.
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8220-Trailblazer-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B000NK6XJ4/ref=pd_cp_p_1

The reviewer agrees the 8's are the way to go.

 

[Lynn]

Well, our wildlife viewing trip got called on account of rain, but I did use these a lot off of a cruise ship last week. I really love them! I also have a great pond and small lake out the windows from where I work. Been doing a lot of turtle counts when the sun comes out...