Leupold Binoculars - Comparing Compact Leupold Binoculars
Leupold is the Optics Authority of America. With 100 years of history in America they have been creating and refining optics for many purposes. Their engineers have made optics for hunting and birdwatching and super high tech military needs. Optical precision and care in construction cannot be beat. Leupold is a company that is designed for success and will outlast recessions like the one we have right now.
Leupold Compact binoculars are favorites of mine. Because I use binoculars for field explorations and work I want something lightweight, durable and compact and easy to pack. The Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series is one I consider worth looking at. It folds really small for packing. These compact binoculars weigh less than 15 ounces.
For practical reasons, I need to compare these with Leupold’s Katmai Compact binoculars. These have full-size features yet only weigh 18.9 ounces and are only 4.1 inches long. Like the Olympic series they have fully coated lenses. This is essential for good light transmission and contrast as well as clarity. Both types are waterproof and have rugged casing. I recently learned that all Leupold binoculars are fog-proof and waterproof. The engineers have ensured that all of them are purged with nitrogen to provide the highest quality in optical preparation.
If you choose the Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series binoculars you have a choice in the color of the casing too. It is either black or mossy oak tree camo, nice feature. Katmai is only black. The magnification for the Olympic series is either 8×25 or 10×25. Both are acceptable for me but I much prefer the field of vision with the 8×25.
It is hard to beat the ease of using the abundant information that Leupold has for its products. They are generous with information and specs. I found it very easy to compare binoculars online before purchasing.
I especially like the Katmai because it uses full-size components and has a wider range of recommended uses. Nonetheless these are still compact binoculars. The distance between the pupils of my eyes are well suited to the interpupillary distance of both of these binoculars, from 60-70 mm. They both offer good eye relief and the exit pupil of the Katmai is larger by less than 1 mm.
With the closer focus range of 4 feet for the Leupold Katmai binoculars, I could easily magnify flowers along the footpaths. I like that. The Olympic series gives close focus range only up to 8 feet which is fine for birding.
I like the full-size eye cups that the Katmai binoculars have. That is especially helpful if you wear glasses. I do. The Katmai Compact Binoculars are available in 6×32, 8×32 or 10×32 magnification. My choice is 8×32. The magnification is familiar to me and the binoculars are comfortable and sturdy in my hands. I expect them to become my first choice for all of my upcoming trips. Leupold makes such precision binoculars that I cannot wait for my new ones to finally arrive. They are worth the wait and cost.
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