Leupold Golden Ring (8x42) Binocular
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- Binoculars Type: Binocular
- Max Magnification: 8x
- Zoom Ability: Without Zoom
- Lens Coating: Coated
- Night Vision: Without Night Vision
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User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Excellent Top-Quality Birding Binoculars
Pros
Highest quality optics with a thoughtful well-armored design.
Cons
A little heavier than other top-of-the-line binoculars.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Top quality at three-quarters the price. A solid BUY.
This review is of the 8x42 Leupold Golden Ring HD binocular, with the improved Calcium Fluorite optics.
I bought these to use as a general binocular and particularly a glass that could be used for casual birding and other wildlife observation. I do not hunt with these, but I believe they would be a good choice for this kind of sporting use.
I was looking to get a top-quality roof prism design that had as improved an optical system as possible, provided very high resolution, excellent color rendition and good low light performance, a better than average field of view for the class and reasonable weight. I am well familiar with the offerings at the top of the birding glasses market, which is generally the high end of almost all binocular markets, with the possible exception of astronomical use. I have owned Leica Trinovid and Zeiss Victory II binoculars in this magnification and can compare these binoculars with those. I have also used Nikon Venturer/Premier and Swarovski binoculars and can reasonably compare those with this Leupold.
These binoculars deserve to be considered among the best general-purpose binoculars available. They have all the optical qualities of the other top brands, very high quality construction, smooth focusing with the added convenience of an inter-pupillary distance lock, excellent armoring in a color that would likely blend well in a subdued outdoor color scheme, large eyepieces with excellent eye relief (I am an eyeglass wearer) and no blackout. I notice no chromatic aberration. They are heavier than Leica Ultravids, Swarovski ELs and Zeiss Victories (II and FL) but their weight is not uncomfortable and is well-balanced in the hand. Compared to the Nikon LXL and Swarovski SLCnew binoculars, they weigh similarly. They are furnished with both a chest harness and a neoprene padded neck strap which is both comfortable and well-constructed and also with a padded ballistic nylon case which is protective without being heavy.
For those seeking the lowest weight or most compact top end glasses, other brands may satisfy better, but that difference also comes with a premium of $350 additional, and probably more. As far as optics go, these are their equal.
I bought these to use as a general binocular and particularly a glass that could be used for casual birding and other wildlife observation. I do not hunt with these, but I believe they would be a good choice for this kind of sporting use.
I was looking to get a top-quality roof prism design that had as improved an optical system as possible, provided very high resolution, excellent color rendition and good low light performance, a better than average field of view for the class and reasonable weight. I am well familiar with the offerings at the top of the birding glasses market, which is generally the high end of almost all binocular markets, with the possible exception of astronomical use. I have owned Leica Trinovid and Zeiss Victory II binoculars in this magnification and can compare these binoculars with those. I have also used Nikon Venturer/Premier and Swarovski binoculars and can reasonably compare those with this Leupold.
These binoculars deserve to be considered among the best general-purpose binoculars available. They have all the optical qualities of the other top brands, very high quality construction, smooth focusing with the added convenience of an inter-pupillary distance lock, excellent armoring in a color that would likely blend well in a subdued outdoor color scheme, large eyepieces with excellent eye relief (I am an eyeglass wearer) and no blackout. I notice no chromatic aberration. They are heavier than Leica Ultravids, Swarovski ELs and Zeiss Victories (II and FL) but their weight is not uncomfortable and is well-balanced in the hand. Compared to the Nikon LXL and Swarovski SLCnew binoculars, they weigh similarly. They are furnished with both a chest harness and a neoprene padded neck strap which is both comfortable and well-constructed and also with a padded ballistic nylon case which is protective without being heavy.
For those seeking the lowest weight or most compact top end glasses, other brands may satisfy better, but that difference also comes with a premium of $350 additional, and probably more. As far as optics go, these are their equal.
