About Eagle Optics
Many of you will know about the Eagle Optics on-line store that sells a massive selection of optical products from a wide range of manufacturers and is in my opinion one of the best places to buy binoculars on the web. But did you know that they also produce their own range of quality binoculars?
The Eagle Optics story began over 20 years ago, with a nature enthusiast's desire to provide others with quality optics at a reasonable price and this gave birth to the development of the popular Eagle Optics line of binoculars.
Located in Middleton, Wisconsin, Eagle Optics shares a warehouse and support staff with it's sister company, Vortex Optics.
The Eagle Optics binoculars range in price from $50 to $450 and aim to offer something for the beginning optics user, biker, hiker or sports lover, the price-conscious shopper and right up to the serious optics buyer. Recent improvements include the flagship Eagle Optics Ranger Binocular that is now available with either standard or ED glass. The Eagle Optics Kingbird binocular is a great choice for opening the eyes of a young nature enthusiast to the awe-inspiring details of nature and comes with a lifetime, no fault guarantee!
More details on the Eagle Optics Range:
The excellent Ranger ED series from Eagle Optics has recently been overhauled and they have made a number of changes to the previous incarnation (see the older Ranger ED's below).
However just like the previous Ranger ED's these are fitted with the very high quality optical components and coatings, which includes the use of ED (extra low-dispersion glass) lens elements to reduce color fringing, lenses that are fully multi-coated with an anti-reflection material that dramatically increase light transmission for a brighter, better quality image.
The BaK-4 prisms have also hade the very best dielectric coatings added to them, which are only usually found on far more expensive instruments, which once again are there to increase light transmission. As well as this they have also been treated with phase correction coatings to ensure the best quality of view possible.
What has changed between these and the older Ranger ED's is that they now incorporate a single bridge body, rather than the full open bridge one. Still fully water and fog proof, it is now quite a bit more compact and much lighter.
All the new Eagle Optics Ranger ED binoculars come with their excellent Platinum Protection lifetime, no-fault warranty.
Sizes & Models Available:
As well as the more standard configurations, Eagle Optics have now also expanded the line-up a little with the inclusion of the larger 10x50 model:
Price Range
Designed to be cheaper than the older Ranger ED's these had a list price (depending on the model) of around $390 - $420, but are now sold with a price tag that starts at $320, which I believe makes them really great value for money, especially when you consider all their great components.
Being one of their most popular ranges, Eagle Optics have recently updated their mid range Denali binoculars (you can read more on the original Denali's below).
These 42mm roof prism binoculars cover all the basics, which include fully multi-coated optics, BaK-4 glass prisms that are phase corrected.
Apart from small design changes, the optics have been updated on the newer version which now means their field of view, whilst still good, is slightly narrower but has the advantage of a closer minimum focus and more eye-relief.
Sizes & Models Available:
As with the older original series, Eagle Optics only offer the Denali in either 8x or 10x 42mm versions:
Price Range
The mid-range Denali's currently cost between £220 and $230 depending on which model you select
The flagship series from Eagle Optics is the Ranger ED, that as their name suggests feature extra low-dispersion glass (ED) and which has an open bridge design.
As well as ED lenses, the Eagle Optics Ranger ED binocular incorporates fully multi-coated lenses that will increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
The quality BaK-4 prisms come with dielectric coatings that boosts the light reflectivity and phase correction coatings that have the effect of producing a sharper and high-contrasting image over the full field of view.
As already mentioned the body has a comfortable and ergonomic open-hinge design with thumb indentations as well as a smooth central focus, and easy to adjust right eye diopter only add to your enjoyment of using this binocular.
The 8x42 Ranger ED has a very impressive field of view (425 feet/1000 yards), which should really please most birders and they easily make it onto my list of wide angle binoculars.
These Eagle Optics Ranger binoculars are also 100% waterproof and filled with argon gas meaning that the internal air has been replaced with argon to ensure there is no internal fogging in areas of high humidity or rapid temperature changes.
These are compatible with a tripod adapter (sold separately), allowing use on a tripod or car window mount, which is a nice surprise considering the open hinge design.
Sizes & Models Available:
Price Range
A year ago most models would cost around the $450 mark, however because of the release of the new Ranger ED series (see above), you can now pick up the open bridged version of these for about $270 - however you will need to be quick as I don't think they are making these models any more:
Excellent quality binoculars with quality optics at a reasonable price - it is easy to see why the Ranger series from Eagle Optics is their most popular line.
The Ranger's optics includes dielectric coatings that jump reflectivity to more than 99% across the full visible range, meaning that you get optimal light transmission and excellent color fidelity. On top of this you get quality BaK-4 prisms that have phase correction coatings that result in sharper and high-contrasting image. The lenses are fully multi-coated meaning there are multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces which will increase light transmission.
One of the most popular models, the 8x42 Ranger has an excellent minimum close focusing distance of only 5.2ft and long eye-relief of 19.5mm
All Eagle Optics Ranger binoculars are 100% waterproof and filled with argon gas meaning that the internal air has been replaced with argon to ensure there is no internal fogging in areas of high humidity or rapid temperature changes.
Sizes & Models Available:
Price Range
Depending on the model Eagle Optics Ranger binoculars cost between $320 and $230:
New for 2012 - Eagle Optics announce the release of their top of the range Golden Eagle HD Binoculars.
Available in both 8x42 and 10x42 configurations the Golden Eagle's include a whole host of excellent features, including a rugged and lightweight body that has a protective rubber armoring, waterproofing, and the barrels are filled with argon gas to inhibit internal fogging.
The body houses their High Density (HD) extra low-dispersion glass with fully multi-coated lenses that will enhance fine details and provide you images rich in colour as well as being bright. Eagle Optics have also added their own SeeClear Lens Coating that Repels oils on outer glass surfaces.
The quality BaK-4 prisms come phase correction coatings that have the effect of producing a sharper and high-contrasting image over the full field of view.
These are compatible with a tripod adapter (sold separately), allowing use on a tripod or car window mount, which is a nice surprise considering the open hinge design.
Sizes & Models Available:
Main Specifications (8x42 Golden Eagle) | Main Specifications (10x42 Golden Eagle) |
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Price Range
Both models are now available for under $600 which is about right for a top of the range very high quality pair of optics:
Note, Eagle Optics have sine updated this series - more info can be found above: Eagle Optics New Denali Binoculars
The Denali's solid chassis is built to keep pace with the avid outdoor explorer. Weighing only 21.9 ounces, the Denali will make an excellent companion on most adventures.
The roof prism binoculars come with fully multi-coated lenses and phase correction coatings on their BaK-4 Prisms
The Denali 8x42 has a generous 18mm of Eye Relief meaning that most eye glass wearers should be able to use them without having to remove their specs. They also have a very good field of view of 408ft at 1000 yards, that will appeal to most birders.
These are tripod adaptable (sold separately), mounted using standard 1/4-inch threading, allowing you to use them on a tripod or car window mount.
These Denali's are 100% water and fogproof and are covered by the the excellent Eagle Optics Platinum Protection which is an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty.
Sizes Available:
Price Range
Costing under $200, these Eagle Optics Denali binoculars are well worth considering if you are looking for a good quality value for money binocular:
These budget friendly binoculars sell for around $100, yet you still get a few quality features including:
Eagle Optics Shrike binoculars have Rubber Armoring and are 100% Waterproof and are sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the binocular. The barrels have also been filled with nitrogen gas to inhibit internal fogging. You can also mount these binoculars onto a tripod using standard 1/4-inch threading and a tripod adapter.
As with most other Eagle Optics Binoculars, these come with their Platinum Protection unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty.
Sizes Available:
Price Range
These budget binoculars are available for around $100:
The Eagle Optics Kingbird binoculars come in a porro prism style that has the advantage of being cheaper and easier to make as well a providing you with a good wide field of view - the 8.5x32 Kingbird Binocular has a field of view of 390 feet at 1000 yards and if you really want a wide field of view, the 6.5x version is an excellent 410 feet at 1000 yards
Optical features include fully multi-coated lenses that will increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces and BaK-4 prisms.
Both the Kingbird binoculars come with the impressive Eagle Optics Platinum Protection unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty.
Sizes Available:
Price Range
Depending on the model, these Kingbird's are available for around $120:
There is one model in the Raven series, an 8.5x32 porro prism binocular aimed at the budget end of the market, that for the price delivers a very wide field of view (390 feet/1000 yards) and high quality image.
Fully Multi-coated Lenses and BaK-4 Prisms are encased in a tough water and fogproof body.
The Eagle Optics Raven binocular comes with their impressive Platinum Protection unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, that guarantees your Raven will be around for generations to come.
This binocular is ideal for anyone looking for an inexpensive and fairly compact porro prism birding binocular.
Sizes Available:
Price Range
The Raven costs around $90:
The Triumph series from Eagle Optics consists of mostly budget compact roof prism binoculars and a few budget full size, mid size and compact porro prism binoculars.
Most models come with fully multi-coated lenses, although there are a few that are only multi-coated and only the compact roof prism Triumph binoculars are waterproof - none are fogproof. All use BaK-4 Prisms.
Sizes Available:
Price Range
This budge series of binoculars range in price from about $50 to $100
As I mentioned at the beginning of this page, as well as marketing their own brand of optics, Eagle Optics is also a huge optical retailer in the US and as such their shop is usually the best and cheapest place to get their own brand optics from. However it is also worth taking a quick look at other retailers to check for any available deals. Links to all of these can be found by visiting the page below:
Below are a the Eagle Optics binoculars that I have fully tested and reviewed:
An ideal birding and general wildlife observation binocular at an affordable price, the Eagle Optics Ranger has a light weight, durable body that is both water and fogproof. Optical highlights include their very close focus and quality lenses, prisms and coatings.
Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars | |||||||||||||||
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Updated, the new mid priced 8x42 Eagle Optics Denali binocular comes with upgraded coatings and a higher quality prism. You also get a closer minimum focus and even more eye-relief, making them an ideal all-round instrument and perfect for the eye-glass wearer. Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars | |||||||||||||||
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These impressive Eagle Optics binoculars are packed with quality features like ED glass & phase corrected Bak-4 prisms combined with a very comfortable and functional open bridge body design that is both water and fogproof. They also have a very wide field of view, which should really appeal to birders.
Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Binoculars | |||||||||||||||
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The latest version of the Eagle Optics Ranger ED Binocular improves on it's predecessor and now features a single bridged lightweight body that is of course both water & fog proof. Optically these are hard to beat, especially at this price point as they are equipped with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass lenses, dielectric and phase-corrected BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics. Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Binoculars | |||||||||||||||
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View >> All Eagle Optics Binoculars reviewed on The Best Binoculars & Reviews website.
Eagle Optics Binoculars on Amazon:
Eagle Optics began supporting many conservation efforts right from their early years and it continues to be a strong focus of theirs today. By contributing to groups dedicated to wildlife and habitat preservation, Eagle Optics helps insure education and enjoyment opportunities for current and future generations. You can see some of the many ways Eagle Optics extends a helping hand by visiting the Education section on their website.
USA
2120 West Greenview Drive,
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562.
Phone: (800) 426-0048
Email: info [at] vortexoptics.com
Fax: (608) 662-7454