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Message: <blockquote data-quote="dustyview" data-source="post: 1528992" data-attributes="member: 76316">I've just spent an hour or so in the back yard with the new 6.5x Raptors.  Two observations so far:1) This is a great binocular for the money, seems solidly built (although a little rough here and there - sand cast parts?), and is quite sharp in the middle 50+% of the image.  Brightness and ergonomics are very good.2) The Raptor I received has a kind of "shoulder" effect in the FOV and quickly goes quite blurry.  There is also a little bit of abberation in the overall view, but it doesn't effect sharpness.  A bit like a subtle wave in the image.  Unlike SteveC's experience, I would rate them as slightly less sharp than the Yosemites I tried (and the one I bought), and a little less "comfortable" of an image.  There is no comparison to my Bushnell E2s, though.  The E2s are about as bright, sharper overall, with a gentler transition from center to edge, sharper edge, and less CA.  The image in every way (except brightness - a tie) head and shoulders above the Raptor.  Of course they are also considerably smaller.After I've used them a few days I'll post more.More (before I forget, or have to take notes... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> ) :I took the Raptors out at dusk tonight, along with a couple of other pairs of binoculars.  There is a sign about 400m from my front porch, and it has two sizes of text on it.  It is lit most nights, but not until fairly late, so in its unlit stage (up until about 10pm this time of year) it's a good basic measure of relative brightness and sharpness after sunset.  In near-dark conditions tonight, the Raptor was noticeably behind the E2 in sharpness (could barely read the smaller text, whereas w/the E2 I could read it fine), but a bit brighter and more contrasty.   Still, the small amount of light-gathering gain isn't really worth it to me of the resolution isn't there.  For reference, the 6.5x Raptor, in the center of the image, was about as sharp as my 10x ZRS.EDIT:  At lunch today, I viewed the same sign. The Raptors are much better in daylight, when my pupils are contracted.  The smaller text seemed crisp and clear.  Also, the distortion "shoulder" between the center and edge is only on the right side (I checked separately with both eyes), so probably poor QC.  Careful viewing through the left side only reveals a potentially sharper binocular with less edge softness and no abrupt falloff.</blockquote>

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