REI 8X42 waterproof (1 Viewer)

[werewolf]

I just bought an REI 8X42 waterproof on 20% off sale, so it came to $160. I think it is awesome and competitive with the very top binocs costing much more, if not better. I had been using Canon 12X36 IS for a long time, but these are much easier to pick up and look through quickly, the 5+ vs. 3 exit pupil having a lot to do with it, plus long eye relief. The collimation seems to be absolutely perfect, and it seems very strongly and tightly built. It focuses down to 4 feet!

Link:

http://www.rei.com/product/759472/rei-xr-8-x-42-waterproof-binoculars

The Canon IS still does what it does best, of course.

 

[newfie ghost]

Looks exactly like the Garrett optical I owned. Very sturdy compact and good center view. Price was similar. I bet it is the same glass.

 

[Torview]

Looks identical to the Viking Vistron sold here in the UK, I liked it a lot.

 

[werewolf]

Looks identical to the Viking Vistron sold here in the UK, I liked it a lot.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viking-Vistron-8x42-Binoculars/dp/B00343S5VQ

 

[werewolf]

Looks exactly like the Garrett optical I owned. Very sturdy compact and good center view. Price was similar. I bet it is the same glass.

http://www.garrettoptical.com/Garrett-8x42-Phase-Coated-Waterproof-Binocular-p/c0842dcf-twp.htm

 

[werewolf]

It seems to go under the name Williams too, and probably others. It's actually made by Xi'an Vision Opto-Electronics Co, Ltd, a division of Sicong Group, in China - and here it is:

http://www.aoi.com.cn/2309.htm

 

[Torview]

Looks identical to the Viking Vistron sold here in the UK, I liked it a lot.

http://www.binoculars-uk.co.uk/acatalog/Viking_Vistron.html

 

[newfie ghost]

Wow this glass gets around

 

[werewolf]

Just got this: REI sale May 18-28: "25% off all REI branded binoculars" + "members save an additional 20% on any one full priced item". That would make these about $120. Best buy I've ever seen in binocs. Leica 8X42's are $1,500. I think these might be better.

 

[Alexis Powell]

Just got this: REI sale May 18-28: "25% off all REI branded binoculars" + "members save an additional 20% on any one full priced item". That would make these about $120. Best buy I've ever seen in binocs. Leica 8X42's are $1,500. I think these might be better.

I've tried that REI model in the past and found it a fine example of todays remarkable-quality-for-price lower end roofs. The units I looked through had some issues with stray light control, and one had a significant manufacturing defect (common in comparable models/brands). Still, I'd vote for the Bushnell 8x42 Legend Ultra HD as a much better design. It generally sells for ~$210 but got one for $150 in December.

--AP

 

[werewolf]

I've tried that REI model in the past and found it a fine example of todays remarkable-quality-for-price lower end roofs. The units I looked through had some issues with stray light control, and one had a significant manufacturing defect (common in comparable models/brands). Still, I'd vote for the Bushnell 8x42 Legend Ultra HD as a much better design. It generally sells for ~$210 but got one for $150 in December.

--AP

Compare the picture of your Bushnell with my REI, Alexis. I wouldn't be surprised if the Bushnell's are made by that same Chinese company. The specs and appearance do seem slightly different so it's probably a different model, but the basic design looks suspiciously familiar!


http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Legend-Ultra-HD-Binocular/dp/B00200C7L8

http://www.rei.com/product/759472/rei-xr-8-x-42-waterproof-binoculars

And yes these are some remarkable buys. Used to be you could get only junk for that price.

 

[werewolf]

Update on the REI sale - since I can't edit my post - some tricky language in the sale ad - it's not that cheap - probably on sale again for about what I paid for it, $160.