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At one time the Eagle Optics Ranger was a fledgling in the binocular market. Fast forward 25 years and our recently introduced Eagle Optics 8x42 Ranger ED soars to incredible new heights with the Best 2011 Birding Binocular award from the Best Binoculars Reviews website. Get yours today!
The Eagle Optics Ranger ED binocular presents a feast for your eyes with rich, true colors and enhanced resolution that brings the elaborate beauty of nature into a well-defined image. Incorporating all the important elements of fully multi-coated lenses, phase correction, dielectric prism coatings, and BaK-4 prisms, the Ranger ED provides a show-stopping brightness at all times of the day. A comfortable and ergonomic open-hinge design with thumb indentations, smooth central focus, and easy to adjust right eye diopter only add to your enjoyment of using this binocular. Eagle Optics provides a Platinum Protection lifetime, no-fault warranty.
Optical Features
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Glass
Enhances resolution, color, and contrast.
Fully Multi-coated Lenses
Increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Phase Correction
Enhances resolution and contrast through roof prisms.
Dielectric Prism Coatings
Optimize light transmission.
BaK-4 Prisms
Optimize light transmission.
Construction Features
Roof Prisms
Appreciated for a streamlined shape and durability.
Polycarbonate Body
Is lightweight.
Rubber Armoring
Provides a secure, non-slip grip.
Multi-position Eyecups
Twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Center Focus Wheel
Adjusts both binocular barrels at the same time.
Right Eye Diopter
Adjusts for differences in a user's eyes. Located by the right eyepiece.
Tripod Adaptable
Can be mounted using standard ¼-inch threading. Adapter sold separately.
Design Features
Waterproof
Optics are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the binocular.
Fogproof
Barrels are filled with argon gas to inhibit internal fogging.
I was at the biggest week in American birding this past week in NW Ohio. I stopped at Black Swamp Bird Observatory where they had an optics tent set up. I've been birding for several years and always wanted a high end binocular but could never justify it.
One look through the Ranger ED 8x42 and I knew I was in love. I finally found great optics at a great price. I went back to the board walk and the first bird I saw was a black burnian warbler. I had saw several others during the day but none were as clear and sharp as they were after using these. I was amazed after looking at several birds the amount of detail I was missing out on all of these years.
I highly recommend these to anyone looking for a great binocular at a great price. I can't say enough good things about them.
NEW TO BIRDING, BUT GOT LUCKY
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05/06/2013
by
Lisa B. from Huntington Beach
I'm new to birding that is why I asked a very experienced friend for a recommendation for binoculars. He knew immediately what I needed and where I should get it, Eagle Optics. He was right and I have been happy with my experiences with them ever since.
first new binoculars in 20 years
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04/26/2013
by
Don R. from Akron, OH
After researching the gamut of roof-top binoc's, it was clear that the Eagle Ranger ED 8x42 was likely the most for the money. After buying the first pair and trying them out, we decided to buy the second.
The product has not disappointed us. Color rendition, ease of focus, and the general quality of the binoculars have met our every expectation thus far. And...I know that the close focus distance will really come in handy once the butterflies rev up their activity.
One caution to future customers: roof prisms don't allow for as much eye width variation as other glasses. As a couple, we run the extremes from narrow to wide, and they just make it.
What else can you ask for!!!!
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04/22/2013
by
Esteban V. from Costa Rica
I've had this binoculars for about 6 months and I love them. I live in Costa Rica and I'm a bird guide so I use this binoculars every single day. Perfect light, perfect weight and great performance. I would recommend this binocular to anyone who enjoy birding.
Cheers
Esteban
Very Pleased
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02/16/2013
by
Norman R. from Bryn Mawr, PA
I am very pleased with my new Ranger ED 8X42 Binocular. I find them much easier to use than my old 8X42's. The clarity is very much better and they fit my hands very well. I would definitely recommend these to someone looking to upgrade without having to take out a second mortgage!
Good Binoculars
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01/24/2013
by
Darrell from Charlevoix, MI
I've been using these for a couple of weeks now. I love the clarity, low light performance, and wide field of view. I am now able to identify birds that I would not have been able to with my old pair of extremely cheap binoculars. I also love the way these binoculars feel in my hands. They are comfortable and feel well balanced. I feel the weight to be perfectly acceptable. I also wear glasses but have had no issues in that regard. I looked through a few different models at some sporting goods stores and always came back to these for the excellent optics and price. My father purchased the Vortex Talon HD's about six months ago and I have borrowed them many times, solidifying my decision to purchase this pair (the Vortex Talon HD's are, as far as I can tell, the same binocular as these just a different color and with a different logo). Sure, the Swarovski might be better, but if they cost four times more are they going to help me identify four times as many birds? I doubt it.
Cost was important
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01/23/2013
by
Barry from Wherever our coach is parked.
I recently got enthusiastic about amateur birding. I was talking to a guy in Fairbanks, Alaska this summer.who told me I needed to spend well over a thousand dollars for a decent set of binoculars. So, I was making do with these little cheap things I had until I had enough saved up for the expensive pair. Then I went birding this winter with a guy in Corpus Christi, Texas. He had these Eagle Optics binoculars which he loved. I tried them out one day and fell in love also. I just got my Ranger ED 8X42 and they are all I will ever need. They have the feel of quality and the view just gets better and better as you get used to them. And, everything about them is easy to use. I am so glad I went ahead with something I could afford right now. My only complaint is the lens covers. The little rubber band thing that is supposed to keep the covers attached to the binoculars when they off the lenses come off easily. I am sure I will be losing covers because of this.
Good solid binoculars
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11/05/2012
by
Dick L. from Rapid City, SD
I purchased these binoculars as a second set, so I could have them in my car. My other set are Vortex Viper 8 * 42's, for reference. The optics are great, nice bright, clear views, and the value is good. I was surprised what a difference 3 ounces make - these feel quite a bit heavier than my Vortex's. I would agree with other viewers that the focus wheel is a bit stiff, which takes away from the otherwise very nice ergonomics of the binoculars. They are quite comfortable in the hand. Two minor suggestions. The objective lens covers are a bit too loose, and I have consequently lost two complete pairs over time. The Eagle Optics folks have been great, and have sent me additional covers at no cost, but that should likely be fixed in the future. And the eye-cups, which provide nice eye-relief often time don't stay where you adjust them, if you know what I mean. It would also be nice if the intra-ocular focus adjustment locked. These are relatively small problems (with the possible exception of the main focus ring - that's a matter of taste). Particularly for a second pair, these binoculars provide great optics, and very good value.
Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42 Binocular
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10/16/2012
by
Margaret G. from Denver, CO
Very happy with these binoculars. I had been using good trail/travel Nikon binoculars, but now I'm doing more birdwatching. I'm very happy with the field of view and the light gathering capabilities. I can see birds at dusk better, & watched beavers better thru binoculars at dusk long past the time I could watch them by the naked eye.
Very Pleased
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09/12/2012
by
Brian H. from California
My previous pair of binoculars was a compact 8x23 bushnells, retail was maybe $60. I recently got to look through my friend's wife's pair of eagle ranger 8x42, non-ED version (they are a few years old) while birding and whale watching on the coast. They were outstanding. The difference in clarity, contrast, and perceived magnification was astounding. I went back and forth about the 8 power or 10 power and am glad I got the 8 power. the 10's would be overkill and possibly need a tripod. I also compared her pair to her husbands Leica's of comparable magnification and field of view. His were clearer but only slightly so. His pair bought 7 or 8 years ago were around $1200 and now have actually gone up in value. In my opinion for the price you cant beat the quality or the warranty on the ranger ED 8x42.
Good binocular, optional Harness Strap is dissapointing
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07/17/2012
by
Evgeny from Russia
I bought this binocular to complement my Minox BV BRW 10x42. I wanted wider field of view and 8x magnification to use it in forest for birdwatching.
I received my package only today (a long way from US to Russia), so here are my first impressions.
Comparing my two binos hand to hand, I can clearly see the difference. Ranger ED has wider field of view, the image is brighter. I was surprised to see that the difference between 8x and 10x magnification is not that much, but the quality of the image is different (of course it's not only because of magnification, but also since Ranger ED uses better optics).
I also found handling of Ranger ED easier. According to specifications both binos are of the same weight, but Ranger ED feels steadier in hands.
What I did not like? I agree with some other reviewers - the focusing ring is a bit too tight. I can focus with 1 finger, but I'd prefer this to be easier.
What I really did not like - the Eagle Optics Harness Strap (bought it separately). The "nylon webbing" does not fit the strap attachment of the bino. Why Eagle Optics could not foresee this and make them work together? The funny thing is that in this case it is suggested to use the "plastic zip ties" to attach the Harness Strap. Thanks, I will not put $500 bino on a plastic zip tie. I also don't like that changing the Harness Strap (if I could attach it at all) and "general strap" is not that easy, so you really need to choose one system and cannot change them quickly.
For me, the Harness Strap was a useless purchase.
To summarize - the binoculars are really good. Although, I can't say I was blown away with the picture. Yes, it is better than on my Minox, but not dramatically. So, if you already own good mid-priced binoculars, don't expect that Ranger ED will be much better.
Nice!
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07/05/2012
by
Marla from Fort Jones, CA
These binocs are wonderful. I bought them for my daughter as a gift. Field of vision is superb, clarity of optics, all qualities very good. The size of the viewing eye piece is better than my swarovski's.
Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42
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06/26/2012
by
C J from Minnesota
Love that I can see birds in low light. Just wish they were lighter in weight. The lens caps aren't attached very well.
Excellent Bird Watching Binoculars
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05/29/2012
by
Bob from Goldfield, NV
I like these binoculars very much. The view is very clear and bright and I really like the 6' close focus. These are the only binoculars I have used that I can use with my glasses without any narrowing of the view, even though my previous binoculars had a similar reported eye relief. I have a lazy eye and have difficulty seeing through both eyes with most binoculars but I can easily see a "binocular" view with these binoculars.
You won't regret these
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05/17/2012
by
Richard from Jessup, MD
I purchased the ED 8x42 binoculars as a gift for my wife. We both enjoy bird watching as a hobby. Her binoculars of choice before we a pair Nikon Travelites. The purchase of these Eagle Optics was made from the reading of reviews such as this.
There is no denying that these binoculars are a fine set of optics. I didn’t know how good until this past weekend on an early morning birding trip with my wife and she was identifying birds that I had been locked onto with mine for some time, but just couldn’t get enough light into them to identify the bird. After she bested me a few times on some birds in deep brush, I asked to try her Eagle Optic pair.
Wow, now I could see why she had been able to identify the birds I couldn’t. Clearly the amount of light and the contrast of colors was far superior to my old pair purchased back in the 1970’s but still very usable—or so I thought until I tried my wife’s Eagle Optics pair.
Looks like I’m going to have to buy another pair—for me this time!
Ranger ED 8x42
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04/28/2012
by
John from Tucson AZ
Specs were great, but too heavy and bulky for my taste. Also, my pair had a some (speck) within the lens that I could not get out, so I would have had to return them anyway. Refund provided. No issues.
Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42
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04/18/2012
by
Chris from Townsend, Georgia
Nice light-weight binoculars. Clear, crisp viewing makes these a good pair of birding binoculars. Twist-up eyecups with an intermediate setting are a nice feature. Great close-focus distance for working with butterflies and dragonflies.
Pleased with Ranger ED 8x42 binoculars
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02/29/2012
by
Robin from Kathmandu, Nepal
I did a rather thorough review of binoculars for birding and observing mountains. We live in Nepal, where both of these viewing activities are wonderful. I considered a high end pair (e.g. Leica, Swarovsky) but had heard good things from some serious birders in Montana before coming to Nepal. On reviewing specifications, reviews, awards etc, we decided to get the Ranger ED 8x42. The ED version was a splurge, based on several reviewer's recommendations. We ordered online, and had them handcarried by friends to Nepal--and have had them for less than a month. So far, I have only positive things to say:
1. The ordering was easy, and Eagle Optics was wonderful, prompt, clear and 'pain-free'. I would definitely order again from this company, and am already considering a more compact binocular for longer trekking where weight is an issue
2. The binoculars are superb. The clarity is excellent, the focusing easy and just the right turn for focus ratio. The light gathering is excellent--evening viewing is very good. So at this point, we love these binoculars.
3. I can't compare the ED with the normal Ranger 8x42, nor with the 10x42--though the 8x42 seems adequately powerful, and the 10x42 may add some 'shakiness' for bird viewing. I hope the ED version is worth it, as it adds over $100 to the cost.
4. Two minor observations: a) the lens caps at the far end fit on the barrel, but are not tight enough--so might fall off easily. I've added a string so I won't lose them; b) the diopter correction ring is a bit loose--not loose to turn, but the ring itself has a bit of wiggle--suggesting less good machining. No loss of function, but not a clear high quality as the rest of the binocular.
5. I would highly recommend these, and will do so more vocally once seeing how well they hold up. The warrantee is very good--so I'm not worried.
Great Choice
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02/22/2012
by
Greg from Sacramento , CA
I spent a great deal of time researching a mid-priced binocular. I've owned several binoculars at the lower end of the scale - $50 to $90, and they've been ok? After going on my frist cruise up to Alaska, I was determined to have a decent pair for my next trip... cruise or not. I must have read a hundred articles and spent hours on the internet researching the multitude of choices out there. I finally settled on the Eagle Ranger ED and started saving my money. By the time I had put together the funds the binoculars had been voted binocular of the year by two highly respected reviewers. This only confirmed my research. While the $479 price is more than I was planning to spend, I felt the quality for the price was worth the extra dollars. I proved that also. I've had the binoculars for a few months now and have been on several driving trips and I love them. The difference between these and my old ones is amazing. They're worth it! I figure this will be the last pair I'm going to buy so I saved a little bit longer and got what I wanted... great choice!
Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42 Binocular
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02/14/2012
by
Bill from Knoxville, TN
These have the look and feel and outstanding optical quality usually associated with top-end binoculars costing several times as much.
Excellent
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01/10/2012
by
Bird of Prey from Idaho
These binocular are superb. Used for wild life and birding. There is excellent clarity, color rendition, in both bright and low light conditions. The quality is good.
The big downside is there are made in China. I wish Eagle Optics had posted the place of manufacture on their web site. I would not have bought them if I had known.
Great binoculars
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01/04/2012
by
Carolyn from Houston, TX
It is very fitting that these were named "Best Birding Binocular 2011" by the Best Binoculars and Binocular Reviews Website. I got them as a gift because my 20-year old high-end binoculars were outmoded by new lens technology. Thanks to one of my birding buddies for letting me look through hers before I settled on them. You will not find anything approaching these for value. I could not justify paying 3-4 times the price for high-end binocs that might be only marginally better. I like the light transmission, clarity, fabulous 3-D effect when peering into the woods, and wide field of view. There are only two "cons" so far: Not as compact/light-weight as I would like, and the focus wheel is a little bit stiff (better that than too loose).
All in all, these are great, and I love Eagle Optics!
Good optics
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12/31/2011
by
Tom from Los Angeles
I was turned on to this product by a long time user who felt it delivered high quality and performance for a good price. They aren't Nikons or Leicas or some of the fancy brands around, but they're just as good and the price was fair.
Focusing and eye adjustments are easy, and the field is bright and clear. You can see craters on the moon with them and on dark nights Jupiter's moons.
I'd recommend these to anyone.
birding and hunting
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12/21/2011
by
Jeff from Alabama
I purchased my Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42 binoculars for birding and hunting. They are a great tool for both, with great close-focus ability for those birds in nearby bushes as well as high-quality optics for judging deer at a distance. For such quality, the Ranger ED 8x42's are very economical to purchase.
Novice no more
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12/07/2011
by
Teresa from Spokane, WA
After many years of inexpensive binoculars, decided to "splurge" on a good quality pair. So worth the price!The optics are breathtaking for observing wildlife - deer and various birds. Love the attached caps so no worries about them disappearing into the brush and the viewing spot. Works well with glasses and adjusts easily to be shared with my husband. Also appreciated the phone consult to decide which binoc best suited to my needs. Thank you!
Ranger ED 8x42 Binocular
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12/06/2011
by
Roger from Reno, Nevada
For the price I don't think you can find an equivalent or better product with equal features. I'm amazed it can focus in on objects as close as five feet away.
ED Ranger 8X42
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11/30/2011
by
Maria from Fort Drum, N.Y
Great product. Love the new features. The eye adjustments for glasses and the clearness of the viewed objects is unbelievable.
Great lens for novice birding
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11/21/2011
by
Beginning Birder from Georgia
As a beginning birder, (experienced wildlife viewer), I was looking for binoculars that were light to carry, had very good clarity with no chromatic aberration, and adequate light through the lens. I found I had all of this. I have used them on 4 extended outings and have felt no discomfort with the ergonomics. I even had to rinse them under splashing water after a seashore excursion with sand and salt on the lens. No problem! Thanks to the staff for great advice.
New Birder
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09/09/2011
by
Betty from Houston, Tx
I am a new birder and wanted to begin with good equipment I could really see well with these binoculars. It has made learning birding fun! Wow these are great, like HIgh Def TV.
Bright, colorful, and comfortable!
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09/08/2011
by
Jeff from United States
Everyone agrees that these bins are optically great, giving a big, bright, beautiful image. I concur.
There seems to be a variety of opinion about how they feel in the hand, though. For my part, I find them to be very well balanced and comfortable to hold. Again and again, I reach for them rather than other more compact binoculars I own. I will say that the barrels are long and the open hinge design means that they take up a fair amount of space. But in my hands, they feel great.
I think it goes to show that binoculars, like cars or clothes, fit different people differently and feel different to them. If you're interested in bins that will give you a beautiful view, I suggest giving these a try. I really like them a lot.
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