Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x32 Binocular

I have been a user of various binoculars for birding for over 30 years and typically use high end (Swarovski) binoculars in a full-size (42mm objective) model as my main binoculars. I wanted a lightweight pair of binoculars for casual travel, and as a backup when on international birding trips. These fit the bill and I'd give them 4.2 out of 5. The binoculars are very solidly constructed and under good lighting conditions they are extremely sharp. Being a 32mm binocular they don't do as well under dim or difficult (e.g., backlit) lighting compared to larger 42mm pairs. They are prone to a little bit of flare in backlit conditions and more so than most recent equivalently-priced 42mm binoculars I've used. A plus is they are very close focusing and relatively wide field of vision. The rainguard (eyepiece cover) is somewhat floppy and the strap also seems very lightly built, and I thought these parts could be improved on for the price of the binocular. Optically I think they are likely to be about as good as you get for less than $500 in a 30-32mm objective. If you are willing to carry them get the 42mm model but if you want something smaller and lighter these are worth a look.