High-Power Binoculars



Nikon 10X42 Superior Es

Right up front, from an optical standpoint...resolution, contrast, color fidelity, brightness, and overall image quality...the new Superior Es are the simply the finest binoculars I have yet tested. Their measured resolution equals the best I have seen (center field resolution in my cherry Swift Audubon 8.5x44s) at just over 3.5 arc seconds.




Swarovski 10x42

I don't like 10X binoculars. I find them too difficult, too uncomfortable to use for extended periods in the field. I am convinced that you see more, over time, through excellent 8X glasses than you ever will through 10X glasses. I say all that so that you will appreciate the impact of this next: I like the Swarovski 10X42s, and, what is more, I would certainly use them for my primary, day in and day out, birding binoculars.




Swift Ultralite 10X42

These glasses offer excellent optics and, due to their very light-weight and well designed body, exceptional handling in the field. They place no strain on the neck and should fit even quite small hands.

Leupold WindRiver 10x50s

These glasses offer excellent optics and, due to their very light-weight and well designed body, exceptional handling in the field. They place no strain on the neck and should fit even quite small hands.