My Gold Ring binoculars are non-repairable so i have been given about 900 in credit toward a new pair but haven't really found a lot of information
on the current BX-5s.
Any recommendations on size, power, or model.
I wouldn't be afraid to add more to upgrade if it is worth it.
My last set never really strayed too far from the truck.
I own the 15x56 model of the Santiam BX-5 line, and this is what I wrote about it in another context:
“It is a heavy and sturdy upper middle class instrument made in Japan, heavier than most other current 15x56s, with excellent finish and mechanics, a good central sharpness and a moderately wide sweet spot, but only mediocre edge sharpness.
Attention to a proper placement of the eyes behind the eyepieces is necessary in order to prevent images with significant color fringes.
There is some uncertainty as to the real FOV of this binocular. Leupold itself and various optics stores state the RFOV to be 4.4 degrees on the one hand, but 70m on the other hand. However, 70m corresponds to 4.0 degrees, not 4.4.
To complicate things further, the inscription on the focus wheel reads neither 4.0 nor 4.4 degrees, but “4.5”, which corresponds to almost 79m linear FOV.“
My tentative rating of the Santiam 15x56 is attached.
If I had to translate the above into a statement how satisfied I am with the Santiam‘s performance overall, I would say „moderately“.