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Optics Test 2009
This year’s Optics Test features a range of accessible glass with an eye for value.
The old optics axiom, “You get what you pay for,” is today only partly true. While some of the very best glass still commands, and justifies, high prices, we’re happy to report that the 2009 Optics Test proves you can have a choice of good quality glass for relatively little money.
In each category—full-size binos, compacts and spotting scopes—manufacturers have managed to offer consumers well-made products at moderate price points, and overall the quality of this year’s class is noticeably better than that of prior years. Even optics made in China and the Philippines, previously dismissed as crude knockoffs, are starting to close the quality gap that has existed between them and products made in the U.S. and Japan.
In the full-size binocular category, more than half of the entries are priced between $175 and $250. Of course, you do have to be selective. Some of the items are a steal, while others wouldn’t be a bargain at half the price. That’s why our test has become the industry standard for objective judging, and a necessary guide for your next optics purchase. AdvertisementRelated PhotosSUBMIT YOUR PHOTOSADVERTISEMENT |
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Copyright © 2009 Bonnier Corp. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
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Photo Gallery Comments (15)
Some nice binocs there
I picked up a pair of Steiner Safari Pro's (compact 10x26)and for the price (about $125) they are great!
The Yukon Frontier are the best bang for your dollar out there. Clarity reminds me of Nikon Monarch. I beat mine up and the rubber armor protects it well
to conduct an optics test without Swarovski or Leupold is a joke. Please do not become a whore to your advertisers.
check your facts drabbit, OL does not "whore" to advertisers.
I just read the field tested article, An Eye for Value, June 2009. I cannot fathom why a field test of optics would not include the pinnacle of glass, Swarovski and Leupold. I use both in the field, and I have found no equal on the market. It is like comparing the 2008 NFL football teams this year and excluding the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers!
Yes indeed, you have tested the like of Zeiss & Leica bios which are the standard of excellence. BTW the prices DO reflect that. However, the Yukon spotting scopes is very well priced for the novice hunter/ birder or mountaineer/naturalist.
Hmm..you did not test any LEUPOLD products. Great products and MADE IN USA!
From the Editors: Outdoor Life sends invitations out to all of the optics manufacturers, months in advance of our annual optics test. They are invited to submit products but submissions are entirely voluntary on their part. Some manufacturers may simply choose not to submit products for testing.
The only stipulation we make is that: "Products must be new, innovative and substantively different from previous models in the same line." This ensures that we are delivering the latest product information to our readers.
Many optics manufacturers may not have new products available until mid-year, in which case we include them in the following year's test.
This may explain the absence of certain manufacturers in this year's test, though we can assure you that all were invited to make submissions.
Smitty's right. We invite all optics manufacturers to submit new products for our annual test, but we don't always get full participation. Also note that this is just the first round of reviews. We will feature results of our riflescope test in the August issue of Outdoor Life.
Andrew McKean
Hunting Editor
Wow, that is an impressive array of binoculars and scopes. Lots of choice over a wide price range has any buyer weighing his options. I bought the Nikon Monarch from a camera and optics shop. Yes, they were on sale...but it was also the binocular that I knew to be the choice of many birdwatchers. That's right, 'birdwatchers' ... these are guys who walk around with their binoculars glued to their faces. They have high expectations when it comes to clarity and comfort of use and are usually spend thrift individuals. I figured their endorsement was good enough for me. I can't speak for any of the other models but this one suits me just fine.
Not sure I agree with this review. It seems to me that if only a select group decided to send in a pair for review - good for them, they are getting some great exposure. I have been in the binocular business for almost a decade and I can't believe these results. Before anyone jumps on these binoculars, do some homework, there are MANY binoculars that are much better in quality.
awsome
Limiting your review to only new designs says the amazing Swarovski optics aren't worth considering because they were designed a year or two ago. That's BS, and it should be beneath the standard of Outdoor LIfe. A comparison of "current production models" head-to-head is what I want to see & it's what your readers deserve. This comparison would show what we need to know, what the market has to offer us & which we should pay for. PLEASE, fix your comparisons for your next "Optics Test". Invite manufacturers to submit all current production models & let's see who wins.
Thank you!
Great list of Binoculars & Spotting Scopes. Man, those Leica & Zeiss- quality products- AWESOME.
Glad to learn about YUKON - great value indeed.
If I may, would like You to consider some products from LEUPOLD next round.
Thanx!
Samson
sorry a ridiculous "test" comparing $3000 optics against $100. how do you figure your range of scores you gave the 4th rated glasses 3 stars & the 11th rates 3 stars
no real help to anyone
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)
From the Editors: Outdoor Life sends invitations out to all of the optics manufacturers, months in advance of our annual optics test. They are invited to submit products but submissions are entirely voluntary on their part. Some manufacturers may simply choose not to submit products for testing.
The only stipulation we make is that: "Products must be new, innovative and substantively different from previous models in the same line." This ensures that we are delivering the latest product information to our readers.
Many optics manufacturers may not have new products available until mid-year, in which case we include them in the following year's test.
This may explain the absence of certain manufacturers in this year's test, though we can assure you that all were invited to make submissions.
Not sure I agree with this review. It seems to me that if only a select group decided to send in a pair for review - good for them, they are getting some great exposure. I have been in the binocular business for almost a decade and I can't believe these results. Before anyone jumps on these binoculars, do some homework, there are MANY binoculars that are much better in quality.
I picked up a pair of Steiner Safari Pro's (compact 10x26)and for the price (about $125) they are great!
The Yukon Frontier are the best bang for your dollar out there. Clarity reminds me of Nikon Monarch. I beat mine up and the rubber armor protects it well
Yes indeed, you have tested the like of Zeiss & Leica bios which are the standard of excellence. BTW the prices DO reflect that. However, the Yukon spotting scopes is very well priced for the novice hunter/ birder or mountaineer/naturalist.
Hmm..you did not test any LEUPOLD products. Great products and MADE IN USA!
Smitty's right. We invite all optics manufacturers to submit new products for our annual test, but we don't always get full participation. Also note that this is just the first round of reviews. We will feature results of our riflescope test in the August issue of Outdoor Life.
Andrew McKean
Hunting Editor
Wow, that is an impressive array of binoculars and scopes. Lots of choice over a wide price range has any buyer weighing his options. I bought the Nikon Monarch from a camera and optics shop. Yes, they were on sale...but it was also the binocular that I knew to be the choice of many birdwatchers. That's right, 'birdwatchers' ... these are guys who walk around with their binoculars glued to their faces. They have high expectations when it comes to clarity and comfort of use and are usually spend thrift individuals. I figured their endorsement was good enough for me. I can't speak for any of the other models but this one suits me just fine.
Limiting your review to only new designs says the amazing Swarovski optics aren't worth considering because they were designed a year or two ago. That's BS, and it should be beneath the standard of Outdoor LIfe. A comparison of "current production models" head-to-head is what I want to see & it's what your readers deserve. This comparison would show what we need to know, what the market has to offer us & which we should pay for. PLEASE, fix your comparisons for your next "Optics Test". Invite manufacturers to submit all current production models & let's see who wins.
Thank you!
check your facts drabbit, OL does not "whore" to advertisers.
I just read the field tested article, An Eye for Value, June 2009. I cannot fathom why a field test of optics would not include the pinnacle of glass, Swarovski and Leupold. I use both in the field, and I have found no equal on the market. It is like comparing the 2008 NFL football teams this year and excluding the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers!
awsome
Great list of Binoculars & Spotting Scopes. Man, those Leica & Zeiss- quality products- AWESOME.
Glad to learn about YUKON - great value indeed.
If I may, would like You to consider some products from LEUPOLD next round.
Thanx!
Samson
sorry a ridiculous "test" comparing $3000 optics against $100. how do you figure your range of scores you gave the 4th rated glasses 3 stars & the 11th rates 3 stars
no real help to anyone
to conduct an optics test without Swarovski or Leupold is a joke. Please do not become a whore to your advertisers.
Some nice binocs there
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)