Different interpupillary distance specifications between clones of the same bino (1 Viewer)

[balto68]

I’ve been looking for binoculars that will fit my wife, who has an IPD of 56. The Sightron SII 8x32 caught my eye, but immediately I noticed that IPD specs were not listed consistently across the internet. The listed minimum IPD ranges from 54 to 56. Still not a problem, right?

But then I look at the Sightron “clones,” like models from Kenko, Vixen, Sig, and Fujinon (at least I think they’re clones). The Sig and Fujinon have listed minimums of 58 (depending on where you look), and Allbinos measured the Kenko and Vixen minimum IPDs at 58.

That gives me pause in relation to the Sightron. There is obviously conflicting information out there - what is accurate? I guess I am surprised that such similar models would vary in this regard.

 

[Canip]

You may in fact get slightly different IPD specs when you compare several samples of the same binocular. Final assembly of binos is not that automated a process. Reputable manufacturers tend to name specs that are slightly on the safe side, but you cannot rely on it if what your eyes need and what the specs say are close numbers. With an IPD of 56, I myself would look at binos where the specs say 54-xx, unless you either can personally test the binos in question or buy from a shop with an excellent return policy (you should anyway buy only if you are sure the bino will suit your needs).
Canip