Eagle Optics Ranger ED 10x42 Binocular

I bought the binoculars to help me see the leg bands on Golden-cheeked warblers, they have done the job! The only thing I wish is that the diopter would lock, walking through the the thick undercover and woods in Texas the diopter will move and I must reset. Other than that it is a great a product.

These binocs offer crystal clear viewing even on cloudy days. The focus ring has just the right amount of tension on it. They are sturdily built but not heavy. It did take a couple of days to get use to the location of the focus knob (it is closer to the eyepieces than any binocs I've had before).

I absolutely love the Ranger ED 10x42, use them for birding. Have been a devoted fan of the Swift Audubon 8.5x44 for many years, and this pair is a nice step up without breaking the bank. The FOV (which I loved with the Swifts) is somewhat reduced, but the 10x and the light more than make up for that. They are a bit on the heavy side, but I don't mind - they are a solid, well made pair of binoculars.

I'd add that a year ago I bought and returned a Ranger 10x42 non-ED pair - they were not even close to the quality of the ED: narrower FOV, lower light and clarity. Fork up $150 more for the ED version, and you have yourself a pair worth twice its sticker price.

My father is an optics guru. He happily spends thousands for new Swarovskis and lets anyone use them. Consequently I have used some nice optics without buying for myself. I was going to Alaska with my family and had already spent a huge wad of cash and needed binocs but was feeling squeamish about another $2500 for an already expensive trip. I read tons of reviews and decided that at least
Eagle would give my money back of not as good as the reviews said. I will not be giving them back. They are awesome. Very clear and crisp. 10 power is not too shaky for me. Of course my dad taught me to hold them right which helps. Elbows in against your chest. Elbows out like wings shakes bad.

My previous pair of binoculars were the Eagle Optics Ranger 10x42 (non-ED) but I had an accident involving leaving them on top of my car and driving onto a highway. I wanted to replace them, and although I was utterly happy with my last pair. I saw this as an opportunity to find something nicer.

The Ranger EDs are highly rated for both 8x and 10x versions, I prefer 10x binoculars which is why I chose them. They feel surprisingly more solid than my previous pair and the images are amazingly sharp; I think what I have enjoyed the most is the great field of view. It is a lot wider than the non-ED version and I can't believe how much difference it makes. Being able to see such a wide view is an absolute pleasure.

I have showed all of my friends my new binoculars to let them look through them and they are all blown away by the quality. If you have never looked through a nice pair of binoculars, it's really something else.

All this, but I cannot say I have ever used the ultra high end binoculars. I can't imagine I would EVER need anything greater than this. The bargain isn't quite as good as the non-ED version, but if you want a supreme pair of binoculars AND the relatively low cost then this is an excellent choice and no one can be unhappy looking through these binoculars.

I tend to abuse my binoculars, I don't put them in cases, I don't put the caps on, I put them on the ground, in the water, etc. My non-ED rangers were still holding up great until I lost them and I expect the same from this new pair. I removed the objective lens caps because I sensed they would easily be lost. I'd rather have them off and keep them, then lose them. The strap that came with this better is better and longer than the non-ed strap I received. So thanks for that Eagle Optics, I needed a longer one!

These binoculars appear to be an exact replica of the vortex binoculars for the same price. I chose to support Eagle Optics brand and store because of their excellent customer service.

Bottom line, they are improvement from the non-ED rangers, and that says a lot in itself.

-SR
www.birdsiview.org

The Ranger ED 10x42 seem well made. They are comfortable to hold, and have a little pocket for your thumbs. The focus knob (also metal) is smooth and well damped. The eye relief is good, field of view excellent, and close focus great. The ED seems to correct the worst of color fringing (there is no red-green, only a little blue yellow). Very bright at low light conditions.

I had purchased (and returned) a pair of Nikon Trail Blazer ATB Binoculars - 10x50, but found the color fringing (tree branches against the sky) quite unacceptable, and the close focus (20+ feet)too far away to observe butterflies and the like. Case was plastic, not metal.

Only a few problems with these.

- the Interocular spacing should go just a bit closer (maybe another 5-10 mm)- though it does work OK for me set to its minimum.

- the Objective lens covers fall off very easily. I am going to have to attach them with a string or something to avoid loss. The eyepiece covers are fine.

- There is a bit of backlash in the focus knob, though not a major issue.

- A bit heavy - probably due to the metal body. But this does reduce the tendency to shake.

We have had several pair of cheap binocular, less than $50 type. But my wife wanted a good pair for Christmas. Buying binocular for someone else is like buying them underwear, it is a personal choice.
I did a lot of research found that you can buy binoculars with similar specifications and numbers but not the same quality. She absolute loves these, easy to use and focus, the close focus is awesome she can sit on the back porch and looks at butterfly in her the garden. I am very glad I chose Eagle Optics.

I bought these after returning the Vanguard Endeavor ED 10x42. Have had them for a couple weeks. First impressions: These have a much brighter and sharper image. Field of view appears to be a spec. Close focus is around six feet which is great. Off center flaring isn't bad. Color balance looks good. Compared them with some approx. ten year old top end 10x42 Leicas in bright light conditions and they held their own, even had a slightly brighter image. My only complaint is one of the eyecups came unglued while slipping off the eye piece raincover. Called EO and they would either take it in for repair or they suggested I could re-glue it myself so I used some optics safe (minimal out-gassing of corrosives that would damage the lens coatings) epoxy and it's holding fine.

The Eagle Optics Ranger ED 10x42 is quality built and has great optics. Very clear, easy to use, bright, and ergonomic.
It seems like a good value for the price.

This model is superb compared with my used Ed glass Elites. Perhaps an unfair test after using the higher priced model for several years. But, these are about half the price paid for the Elites originally and now the disparity is even greater.

But, it's not just the price. The Ranger ED image is bright, clear, and gives excellent detail in dim light. Field of view is good. I like the light weight.

The floppy objective rain guards are not staying on the barrel when deployed. But, not a problem for me as the eyepiece guard is all I use. The only negative is the focus is stiff and it takes extra turns of the wheel compared to the Elites. Oh, and the focus movement is in the opposite direction which will take some retraining of muscle memory.

Excellent shipping time.

I tested these bins at the Midwest Birding Symposium at Lakeside OH. I found them to be much quicker handling than the original Rangers, perhaps a little lighter, and much easier to focus. They fit my hands much better than the originals too. Some 10x42 bins can easily "overshoot" focus with quick handling, but these bins were right on focus every time, sharp, extremely bright, and a great update to the famous Ranger line!