Standing at only 5.5 inches tall, Leupold packs a lot of performance into the compact 42mm Hawthorne binocular. Fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission for bright images. The generous 18mm eye relief makes the Hawthorne a great choice for extended viewing with or without eyeglasses. A trim and lightweight body with rubber armoring provides handling comfort, and the waterproof and fogproof protection keeps your binocular safe in rough weather. Leupold covers this binocular with a limited lifetime warranty.
Optical Features
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.
BaK-4 Prisms
Optimize light transmission.
Construction Features
Roof Prisms
Appreciated for a streamlined shape and durability.
Rubber Armoring
Provides a secure, non-slip grip.
Adjustable Eyecups
Twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Center Focus Wheel
Adjusts both binocular barrels at the same time.
Locking Right Eye Diopter
Adjusts for differences in a user's eyes. Located by the center focus wheel.
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 nitrogen gas to inhibit internal fogging.
I got the Leupold Hawthorne 7x42 and it is a very nice binocular. Overall I prefer it over Frank's Bresser 8x42. Being made in Japan the overall quality of it seems superior to me. The eyecups twist out with more precision than the Bresser's and stay out and I pulled the back lip of one rubber eyecup up and there is a ridge to hold it on in the back and of course it wraps around the front of the eyepiece so it is very tight and sturdy and there is no way it is coming off like the Bresser's which relies on a spot of glue to keep it on. The mechanical build quality of the Leupold is superior to the Bresser's in my opinion. For most people the Ergonomics of the Bresser would be superior with it's open bridge design and it's armouring it is a little more comfortable with the Hawthorne being more plasticky in feel. But in no way is the Hawthorne uncomfortable. If the Hawthorne has Sightron lineage it certainly doesn't show it in the focus because the focus is smooth and perfect tension not being too stiff like the Sightron. The IPD tension is also perfect on the Hawthorne and all the accessories including the case,strap, attached objective covers and rainguard work quite well. The Optics of the Hawthorne are amazingly good for a sub $300.00 binocular. Huge sweetspot with a gradual and hardly noticeable slight fall off at the edge. In fact the edges are quite sharp which makes the 390 foot FOV seem larger than it is.The 7x magnification and 42 mm aperture gives you that nice easy comfortable walk in view with great DOF that you don't get with the 8x. It is nice to have a 6mm exit pupil. Contrast and brightness are comparable to the Bresser and the on-axis sharpness is as good as the Bresser's which means very good. Eyecups are comfortable and fit my eyes very well. CA is as well controlled as the Bresser even without ED glass with a very thin purple tint around black objects only at the edge of the FOV. I see no CA on-axis. I get no excessive blackouts but of course a 6mm EA helps with that. Also,the Hawthorne's color bias is more neutral than the Bresser's which I prefer. Overall it is hard to find anything glaringly wrong with this binocular. The Bresser's are a little better in ergonomics but the mechanics and build quality of the Hawthorne are better. Optics between the two are very close. I think the Leupold's would give you less problems down the road but it is hard to say without having them for years. Overall, I would recommend the Hawthorne as a very good value binocular in a 7x.
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