Interesting news (1 Viewer)

The content below is a response I was given from Leupold in a desperate quest to find a set of 10x42mm GR binos.....looks like they are going to be reintroduced.

We don't have any here. And we can't sell direct anyway.

I checked with our Sales Department and they are not aware of anyone who has them in stock.
I did a Goggle search and they are all coming up "out of stock".

We will be eventually re-introducing the Gold Rings at a later date. I don't believe it's next year though.

Regards
Sharon Stephen

Interesting... I wonder what they will be like. I assume there will be a few changes but hopefully they will still be assembled in the USA.

I also really wanted a 10x42 HD last year, but held off of buying it. When I looked this spring, they were mostly gone -I was too late... Everywhere I checked that listed as in stock actually was out of stock.

It's a nice bin & despite it's weight, in the hand feels very nice and balanced. Great accessories too.
I know, I finally have the 10X HD sitting right here with me, we'll see what it's fate is. :eat:
As yes, the pupil lock is workable. It has play in it in most positions, but only will move up a few mm, not down so it won't collapse if held 1 handed.

I came across a new pair of 8x32 HD Gold Ring today at a large outdoors store. Bought them. Have not had a chance to really use them yet, but did have a chance to do a quick comparison with my Nikon 8x32 SE on a small group of sand hill cranes at about 50 yards. So far, i am impressed.
Also, came with both a good strap and a harness. Have replaced the rain guard with one of my spare Zeiss Dialyt/Classics ones.
I am surprised at the close focus. For me it is about 2/3 of a meter, i think the listed distance is one meter.
Anyway, they are not as "sharp" as my SE pair. But then, what is? They are close though. They also have a rather shallow depth of field.
I have read about how some folks do not like their weight. They certainly are heavy for an 8x32. But I like the feel and the impression of solidity. The eye pieces seem to be (the diameter of the eye lense) large. Actually a very "comfortable" view (i wear glasses).
I hope to give them some use tomorrow.

I bought an 8X42 GR HD last December from Cabela's for $600, then got a rebate for another $100. I'm amazed at the clarity of it every time I look through it. It's too bad they discontinued this bino. When I called Leupold last week to inquire as to why they discontinued it, I was told that the price point at what they originally sold, around $1300, was probably too high, as they just did not sell well. I certainly got a steal at $500.

BMR said:

I bought an 8X42 GR HD last December from Cabela's for $600, then got a rebate for another $100. I'm amazed at the clarity of it every time I look through it. It's too bad they discontinued this bino. When I called Leupold last week to inquire as to why they discontinued it, I was told that the price point at what they originally sold, around $1300, was probably too high, as they just did not sell well. I certainly got a steal at $500.

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That was my initial impression of the 10x42mm GR; they weren't cheap "alpha" binos, they were overpriced mid-range binos. YMMV.

BMR said:

I bought an 8X42 GR HD last December from Cabela's for $600, then got a rebate for another $100. I'm amazed at the clarity of it every time I look through it. It's too bad they discontinued this bino. When I called Leupold last week to inquire as to why they discontinued it, I was told that the price point at what they originally sold, around $1300, was probably too high, as they just did not sell well. I certainly got a steal at $500.

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Indeed.
My 8x32 prompted me to search for the 10x42 version, to no avail :-C

They are for me, optically, right behind my 8x32 SE (with my Alphas).

If you are still looking, I might need to sell my mint 10x42HD since I need to spend more on furniture - you know how it is... We'll see!