Of all the compact binoculars offered at REI currently, these may be the best performance/value combination. I compared 5-6 different models in the $85-$135 range, and the precision of the REI-branded was one of the two best (the other was quite a bit more expensive). I would attribute this to place of manufacturing. The REI branded binoculars are made in Japan. Most of the other compact binoculars, despite name brands including Minolta, were made in China. Those devices had a lot more play in the focusing adjusters. The most blatant example of shoddy construction even with good design was the Brunton Lite-Tech binoculars. The 8x25 compacts were horrible; I couldn't get the focus lever to stay at infiniti, it would roll back. The larger 8x32 mid-size were exactly the same design, just larger, and those binoculars were amazing in quality. The 8x25's were from China, the 8x32's were from Japan. In any event, back to the REI's: For $90 regular price these are excellent compact binoculars. I cannot stress enough that the precision of this model is excellent compared to other similarly priced compact binoculars. Unfortunately, the features listed for them do not include nitrogen filling so I don't know if fogging is a factor. Note that the regular price is $90, I paid $72 because of a 20% off member coupon, something REI does quite frequently.

Customer Service

REI service is always amazing. The reason that I had even gone binocular shopping was that a 2-year old pair of Carsons had broken. I didn't have the receipt for them but REI gave me credit for them! Using that credit, I purchased the Brunton Lite-Tech 8x32 binoculars... however, while I liked them very much they were too big for my application so I exchanged those the very next day to get the REI compacts. I got no trouble from REI through the entire experience.

Similar Products Used:

Carson 8x21 Raven compact binoculars (I liked them, but they broke-- almost identical in size).... Brunton mid-size 8x32 Lite-Tech (excellent binoculars but definitely not the right choice if you're looking for a compact)

Great pair of binoculars. I use them mostly for birding and the clarity, brightness, and field of view is excellent for its size. The focal range is also excellent. I can focus it as close as 6 feet! Making it great for bird feeder watching. I found out on a canoe trip down the Delaware Water Gap that they are not waterproof. But after letting them dry out for a few weeks they are 99.99999% like new.

Overall, a great pair of binocs for a great price.

Customer Service

REI is awesome! The salesperson was really patient as I tried out every pair they had!

Similar Products Used:

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