What are the weak areas of these binos? Are there any areas that cheap or prone to failure / breaking?
1647806
I don't see any weak spots and they are not made cheaply. I feel these are a quality product.
1647807
The optics are top notch but the glue on the rubber eye pieces failed which did cause it to spin freely. I have spoken to Vortex and was told it's been fixed.
1366470
They do fold down, which is a great feature if you wear glasses. I also, wondered if the eye cups could hold up to all the folding. After 6yrs, the eye cups are in perfect condition, with no cracks or sign of wear. I am an avid hunter, so I put my equipment through a lot, and these binoculars have stood the test of time!!!
840350
For the price I think that they are good binoculars... and if you do use them during the day the ocular cups are a real plus. All that being said, I did return the pair that I purchased and bought a pair of Swarovski EL Range's which are close to 6 times the price of the Steiners because I am very particular about my optics. Needless to say there is a difference in the clarity between the two but for causal use probably not worth plunking down the extra money. Keep in mind that if your primary use is going to be for astronomy I would make sure that you get a tripod adapter.
438566
Yes, they are very compact and lightweight, not your usual clumsy, heavy binocs!
348013
I recommend discarding the lens caps. The upper ones do not protect the lens but do get in the way. The lower ones will eventually fall off and be lost (which is an improvement) or will spring up and block your view at the worst possible moment. In my experience, when the binocular is in use there has been no risk of damaging a lens. Otherwise I slip the cheap but cheerful case over them. These are exellent binoculars - so why ruin the experience fussing with Nikons utter failure to make a functional lens caps
1944808
I have not found any issues with these Glasses. The pictures are digital quality. I am truley amazed that they only cost $35.00. My Brotherinlaw has purchased ( 2 ) pair and Loves them.
1191836
They are a really good deal as far as being well constructed with a low price tag. That said, these are what I consider "basic" use binoculars. Any special use, like low light, you'd get better quality if you go up a little. I've used them at dusk, and they are very so-so. I still like them and would buy again.
929927
Hi there. I would say yes they can but there's better ones if you have glasses. The extendable eye sockets does not have a really sturdy and firm "click" in the extended position. If you are using glasses and are going to use the binocular in a hard enviroment this may be a problem. If you have the sockets in this is obviously not an issue. But in this position the socket do not provide any shading either so I'm recommending you to try them out "live" in a dealers shop before buying them. They are compact binoculars after all. I don't use glasses myself so I cannot give you a "hands on" experience unfortunately... / Daniel Hi there. I would say yes they can but there's better ones if you have glasses. The extendable eye sockets does not have a really sturdy and firm "click" in the extended position. If you are using glasses and are going to use the binocular in a hard enviroment this may be a problem. If you have the sockets in this is obviously not an issue. But in this position the socket do not provide any shading either so I'm recommending you to try them out "live" in a dealers shop before buying them. They are compact binoculars after all. I don't use glasses... » Read More Hi there. I would say yes they can but there's better ones if you have glasses. The extendable eye sockets does not have a really sturdy and firm "click" in the extended position. If you are using glasses and are going to use the binocular in a hard enviroment this may be a problem. If you have the sockets in this is obviously not an issue. But in this position the socket do not provide any shading either so I'm recommending you to try them out "live" in a dealers shop before buying them. They are compact binoculars after all. I don't use glasses myself so I cannot give you a "hands on" experience unfortunately... / Daniel « Show Less
265368
If you are an extremely serious birder, they probably aren't the best but, that said, distance viewing is just fine....not spectacular but certainly good enough for identification and observation. Be sure to get the 8.5x21 and not the 6.5x21. BTW, they adjust very quickly from close in viewing to distance viewing....and they are lightweight enough that you don't mind carrying them on a long hike. I love them!
1738283
Nope - They're fine. My wife and I have had no issues with these or the MDR-Q23LP, over multiple years and multiple glasses frames.
1311431
I'm sorry but the binoculars were a gift for my special needs grandchild who has hidden them in her room. I guess she likes them but I have no details. I can say they are sturdy cuz she has not destroyed them.
672299
"Front End" Addendum: GUNNAR Optiks is aware that the plastic used for the frames of the original Intercept glasses breaks easily, so they have switched to a (hopefully) more resilient plastic. GUNNAR customer service bent over backwards to make things right. Thanks, GUNNAR!________________I would hesitate before getting prescription lenses, at least for the Intercept model. The frames are brittle and fragile. Even though I was careful with them, I've gone through two pairs that broke at the exact same place. The poor quality frames are NOT worth the hefty price tag. "Front End" Addendum: GUNNAR Optiks is aware that the plastic used for the frames of the original Intercept glasses breaks easily, so they have switched to a (hopefully) more resilient plastic. GUNNAR customer service bent over backwards to make things right. Thanks, GUNNAR!________________I would hesitate before getting prescription lenses, at least for the Intercept model. The frames are brittle and fragile. Even though I was careful with them, I've gone through two pairs that broke at the exact same place. The poor quality frames are NOT worth the hefty... » Read More "Front End" Addendum: GUNNAR Optiks is aware that the plastic used for the frames of the original Intercept glasses breaks easily, so they have switched to a (hopefully) more resilient plastic. GUNNAR customer service bent over backwards to make things right. Thanks, GUNNAR!________________I would hesitate before getting prescription lenses, at least for the Intercept model. The frames are brittle and fragile. Even though I was careful with them, I've gone through two pairs that broke at the exact same place. The poor quality frames are NOT worth the hefty price tag. « Show Less
85843
Sorry, I don't know how it compares to these other Binoculars. Mine is particularly bad. It arrived out of alignment and the chromatic aberration is extreme. Apparently it is a hit and miss with this one. I didn't expect much at the price but this example was horrendous. I would not buy again. I prefer not to play the lottery with optics. My suggestion is to try them first and then buy the same one you actually tried not take a chance that one in the box will be the same.
718211
I have not had the opportunity to check them out in inclement weather,so I am not sure. give that they do not explicitly state anything about that,I would be sceptical of using them out side when it's raining. But I can say that they are optically very good. I would suggest that you use a tripod or other steadying device if you intend to view objects for an extended length of time.
2267401
I feel these binoculars are ok for general nature walks, some sporting events. They aren't powerful enough for far distances (like in a big stadium). For more detail I think I'd have to buy a better pair and spend 2x the money. I did like that I could look through them with my glasses on, and they have a rubber cushion around the eye area. They are small, light weight, and have a good grip surface. Hope this helps. Barb
488664
I currently have the 8 X 42 Nikon, and formerly owned a B & L Legacy, about 10 years ago, before the merger. It was a fine binocular at the time, could not comment on the quality control at present. I do know that the Aculon is excellent ergonomically, and the QC is very good.
1229759
The weight and stability would be fine. I used them for hunting and holding them for extended periods of time. The viewing area I don't think would be great for the fast action of football. Depending on the stadium the 300 level would be the only area I would attempt using these binos.