OVERALL METHODOLOGY
To rank all 102 models, we invited birders from the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology staff and local birding
community to the outdoor patio at the Cornell Lab
on several afternoons in May. [1]We asked each reviewer
to rank a minimum of five models, in order
to “calibrate” their comparisons across different
models. For each of the review categories below,
we asked reviewers to score each model from
1 to 5, with 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very
good, and 5 = excellent. We also invited specific
comments on each pair of binoculars. [2]We then averaged
the scores for each model across reviewers
and computed a Quality Index, as described below,
by combining the scores from each category. Note
that all of these scores are subjective and reflect
the opinions and impressions of a diverse set of
bird watchers. [3]In the end, we gave greater weight
to our own (Jessie’s and Ken’s) scores, so we claim
a greater responsibility for the final rankings!
In addition to the subjective scores, we present
some basic specifications for each model, along
with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and
information on warranties.
, is the Cornell study considered the Consumer Reports of evaluations? I bought my first set of Alphas just this past Summer (Zeiss Mariners) so I'm still learning.
