Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42 Binocular

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.

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.

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!

These have the look and feel and outstanding optical quality usually associated with top-end binoculars costing several times as much.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Great product. Love the new features. The eye adjustments for glasses and the clearness of the viewed objects is unbelievable.

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.

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.

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.

The view is great, but the ergonomics of these glasses just do not work for me. I found them to have poor balance that make them very difficult to hold for any length of time. Also the thumb grooves are angled in exactly the opposite direction of my thumbs (and I suspect yours) when I grip the binoculars.

If they are comfortable for you, then you will love them as they are bright and optically very nice.

These bins are a little bit bulky and heavy and the central focus is a little stiff. Contrast and brightness are outstanding. They are not only great for birding, but the close focus works well for butterflies and dragonflies. All in all they are a high quality mid-range alternative to the more expensive brands.

I received the Ranger ED 8x42 bins just before I did a bird count. I used them for about 8-9 hours about two days after they arrived and I am not sure I how lived with my old bins! There were many birds in shadowy areas and I was easy to ID them. As we were finishing for the long day of counting and covering lots of spots they were bright and as the sun was setting I could readily identify the birds.

Glad I purchased them.

The optics and the wide angle view are excellent. This is certainly the one to buy if you have longed for that top of the line very expensive binocular, but didn't want to spend thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, I am returning them. Why? Because they are very large and heavy for 8 x 42's. I gave up carrying huge, heavy binoculars over 20 years ago. I own two pairs of Rangers and just assumed that these would be lighter like they are. I am still rating them excellent because, if you don't mind the weight and size, you will love these.