The Binocular Site
High End Binoculars: The Next Frontier in Optical Quality
High end binoculars make unique and wonderful gifts, with a wide range available to suit any need. Offered by companies such as Swarovski, Zeiss and Leica, various binocular types can be found towards the higher end.
High end binoculars are found at a higher price due to better quality components and coatings. They feature more coatings then mid-priced models, with a wider range of types. For example, high end binoculars will often have UV protective coating along with coatings to protect the lenses from scratches and dents. Otherwise the extra coatings will make very impressive differences for image quality, clarity, and contrast. Anti-reflective coatings vary greatly in medium priced models.
When binoculars are listed as “coated”, they may only have a single layer of coating on some of the lenses. In this case the coating is often only on the outwards-facing sides of lenses that you can see. Fully coated means all air to glass surfaces are coated, while multi-coated means some of the lenses have multiple layers. Multiple layers can make the view exponentially clearer and brighter. Furthermore, when it comes to roof prisms, metallic, dielectric mirror, and phase correction coatings can drastically improve viewing. Here the extra cost is easily seen in coatings that are more carefully developed, mixed, and applied. Ultimately higher end binoculars are usually fully multi-coated, ensuring all all air to glass surfaces possess these multiple coatings. The result is optimized light use and superb quality even in lower light situations.
In high end models glass is also of the best quality, and is often heavier, both in lenses and in the prisms found inside the binoculars. With superior coatings and glass throughout the binoculars, images will be sharper, clearer, and with better contrast. You need not worry about blurriness or fogging. Here the binocular armor will also be stronger and more tightly sealed, making the binoculars stand up impressively well in foggy and rainy conditions. High end binoculars have been reported to stand up to torrential downpours. Have to hand it to whoever stood in a hurricane long enough to prove that.
When compared to low end binoculars the improvements are even more stunning. While lower priced models may have comparable magnifications, poor construction and lack of durability can be a problem. Higher priced models are built with armor that is not only strong but comfortable, and ergonomically made to fit comfortably in the hands. Eye cups are often adjustable and made with durable moldings to ensure maximum comfort when binoculars are used for longer periods. Focusing on lower priced models can be difficult or inaccurate, whereas high end models offer smooth focusing mechanisms which are comfortable and precise.
When top quality parts come together, the results are amazing. Elements are not only higher quality piece by piece, but come together more optimally due to precise placement. Light rays are carefully focused through collimation. These collimated light rays are nearly parallel, and as a result, do not disperse as much as in other lower quality binoculars. Achieved through coatings, mirrors, and prisms, the collimated light makes images seem brighter, clearer, and sharper, even at longer distances and less precise focusing.
Some reviewers do list a few cons. Admittedly, when you've invested in a high end set of binoculars, you may not be as willing to throw it in your glove compartment or carry it while rock-climbing. Though cases can add another layer of armor, you may find you hand these sets more delicately when in use. They may not be optimum for hunters or extreme hiking. They can also be heavy, and you may wish to use a tripod or mount with them to ensure they remain steady. If you do carry them, you might consider using binocular suspenders that distribute the binoculars weight over your shoulders and back to ensure comfort while carrying them for long periods. Although many high end sets have durable armor, others are optimized for sharp, eye-catching shells.
For example, Swarovski offers a few different crystal covered models, with different styles. Look for their Tosca, which is available in 8x50. Also consider Swarovski Nabucco binoculars, with a less flashy use of crystals but still at 8x20. Although these may not be your first choice while horse-riding on trails, they do offer a unique and impressively beautiful shell. On the other hand, Swarovski's 10x42 EL binoculars are more durable and carry the highest quality components. With a unique prism coating they call SWAROBRIGHT, and eyepieces with an extra-wide angle, these are optimal for lower light viewing.
Leica Geovid binoculars contain rangefinders, making them excellent for hunting or hiking, when estimating distance is a necessity. The built-in range-finder has built-in rain and snow modes, and the binoculars are quite light-weight overall yet still rugged. Waterproofed and protectively armored, these are great for any use.
