Leupold's Wind River Binoculars are EXCELLENT OPTICS!!!
KauMoToe
Reviewed by: Kevin Montgomery - August 27, 2002
These Wind River Porro binoculars are made in Japan and
imported by Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Street price: $190 to $229
Website: http://www.leupold.com/products/wind_river.htm
I've long had the binocular bug and have quite a collection
of binoculars. Recently while test viewing a Nikon Venturer LX,
Nikon Superior E, and Swarovski EL models, the dealer I've dealt
with for years came over and said if you really want to see
something amazing......take a look at this.
He handed me a pair of Wind River 10x50 porro binoculars and I
said you've got to be kidding! He encouraged me to take a look.
I looked through them and couldn't believe my eyes! It seemed
every bit as good as the tops I just viewed, as well as the tops
I own. I just had to compare these some more. I walked outside
the open doors to the incredible view and compared the binoculars
out to the view. It was just incredible! The great depth,
excellent resolution, razor sharp optics, and excellent bright
detail and colors. I have to say I was very amazed! So much so
that I purchased two of these binoculars on the spot, that is
just how impressive they are. I just cannot believe the quality
at this price.
If I actually had to do without my Leica, Zeiss, or Swarovski
binoculars..... these would be the only binoculars to do so for
this price and quality! I'm a firm believer that you get what
you pay for but in this case, you really get alot more than
anything I've ever seen before! These are a BEST BUY and I would
recommend this line to anyone that wants an excellent performing
binoculars for not much money. I've seen binoculars in the $500
to $700 range that don't match the performance of these Wind
River models. The FOV is a little narrow but well worth it.
Night viewing of stars - excellent!
Here are some of the features of these Wind River binoculars:
Fully multi-coated internal and external lenses to optimize
beneficial light while reducing glare and harmful UV light.
Top-quality optics for superior light transmission even at
dawn/dusk. Bright, crisp sharp sight picture allows you to study
even small details at a distance.
100% waterproof construction. Dry nitrogen filled and sealed to
handle the most adverse weather conditions.
Focus lock prevents changes while hiking or in transit.
Rugged metal body, with shock-absorbing rubber armor protects
against bumps and nicks.
Twist up eye cups, with lock position, for comfortable viewing
for blocking out light or comfort eye glass viewing.
BaK4 prism, Meticulous craftsmanship and strict optical
engineering standards. High-quality lenses and prisms for
exceptional clarity, definition, and contrast under varying light
conditions. Advanced lens coating systems for enhanced light
transmission. Zeiss-like optics at an affordable price!
Where to buy:
Local G.I. Joe's, Sporting Good stores, and some Bi-Mart.
Online - www.eagleoptics.com
www.cabelas.com
www.bearbasin.com
Specs:
Wind River 10x50 Center Focus Porro Prism Binoculars
Angle of view: 5.5
Magnification: 10x
Field of View: 1000yds/290ft
Min. Focus Distance: 26ft.
Weight: 32.3 oz
Twilight Factor: 22.4
Exit Pupil: 5mm
Eye Relief: 18.0
100% waterproof construction
Product # 53696
It also appears that the Orion Savannah Porro Prism binoculars
may be the same product but I have not personally checked them
out to see if the specs are ordered the same for Orion. To view
Orion's Savannah model, check it out here:
http://www.telescope.com/cgi-
bin/OrionTel.storefront/3d6c4c610fa3cb16eacec0a80a650735/Product/View/C0
52
Also reviewed by Edershunting:
http://www.edershunting.com/publication/2000/October/Optics/default.cfm
tangara
had a few minutes to look at them and I was really impressed! I own Leica
10x25's, 10x32's, and 10x40's, and I think I could get along fine with these.
One thing about the 8x42's is the close focus. It specs at 7.5 feet, and the
pair I had seemed to be just over 6'. The depth of field seemed pretty
impressive too. That is one of the things I don't like about the Leica 10x32's.
They have a very shallow depth of field.
I am going to set them all up together tomorrow and see how the Wind River's
really compare, but I have a feeling they are going to perform pretty well.
sherri
Bangor, PA