Leupold Rogue 8x25 compacts at SHOT 2009

[Kevin Purcell]

Another new product

http://www.pursuetheoutdoors.com/news/2009/01/16/leupold-introduces-new-rogue-compact-binocular/

Leupold’s® new Rogue™ Compact binocular is designed for hunters who don’t have the space for full-size binoculars but refuse to sacrifice optical quality. The Rogue Compact Series provides full-size features in a petite package.

The Rogue Compact’s inverted Porro prism design keeps weight and size to a minimum. Measuring just over four inches, the binocular weighs less than 13 ounces.

“Bulk and size of equipment are quite often concerns for hunters,” commented Mike Slack, Leupold’s marketing communications manager. “Our new Rogue Compact Series gives hunters a sharp, clear image in a convenient size.”

Rogue Compact binoculars feature fully multi-coated lenses, giving users a vivid, crisp image. The inverted Porro prism design delivers a rich, three-dimensional image that is stereoscopically balanced.

Available in either 8×25mm Compact or 10×25mm Compact, the new models are completely waterproof and filled with bone-dry nitrogen to eliminate internal fogging. Providing further protection from the elements, the Rogue Compact has a black armor coating.

Could be interesting.

Searching the web there seems to be a full range of Rogue bins e.g. Rogue 8x42 roof priced at $170. Diamondback competition, perhaps?
Web site not updated yet.

[Tero]

They should have gone for 28mm, especially 10x.

[OwenM]

Interesting. Vortex comes out with a Yosemite equivalent, and Leupold answers with their version of the Vanquish?
Are these all new bins, or just cross-dressers?

[Kevin Purcell]

Shame they didn't go for lower magnification either. After all the Yosemite 6x30 is really helped by that 6x.

[Steve C]

Leupold has a compact reverse porro in the Mesa line. This is a 23mm in 8 & 10x. Not a bad compact glass at all, so why the Rogue and how does it differ? Also what is the 8x42 Rogue? Google gives up no photos. Maybe a 42mm Yosemite? Who knows. The SHOT search function is for crap this morning, so not much there.

Kevin's right on the money with the lower magnification comment. That's one reason the 7x26 B&L/Bushnell Custom is so good.

[Kevin Purcell]

I think one of the problems is that SHOT is a trade show. And some manufacturers treat it that way (like Leupold?) so they reveal the new products to the dealers now and the customers later in the year.

Others like Vortex know the power of the Intertubes and so update the web site at the same time.

I get only one hit for the Rogue 8x42 with no photo but I don't recall that range or product before.

So we'll have to wait ;)

[FrankD]

Ok, so my first thought was....rotating eyecups or those stinkin' rubber ones? That was most certainly one of the reasons why I did not pursue the Leupold Mesas reverse porros. The Bushnell Legend reverse porros and the Nikon Prostaff ATBs incorporate them. I hope the new Leupolds do as well.

[Kevin Purcell]

Ok, so my first thought was....rotating eyecups or those stinkin' rubber ones? That was most certainly one of the reasons why I did not pursue the Leupold Mesas reverse porros. The Bushnell Legend reverse porros and the Nikon Prostaff ATBs incorporate them. I hope the new Leupolds do as well.

As this seems to be a Vortex Vanquish bin and that has twist up eyecups I rather expect the Rogue compacts to be the same. Rubber fold-down eyecups don't cut it any more.

[FrankD]

Cool, then I most certainly will have to check those out.