Leupolds recent addition of an 8x30 to their original 6x30 makes their Yosemite perhaps the best bargain beginner birding binocular available. 6-7X really isnt enough, but 10x is often too much power, particularly for someone still learning how to get on the bird, or who might be frustrated by the image shake that a 10x can generate.  The wider than typical field of 7.5 degrees particularly helps.  Eye relief is adequate with the cups down for most eyeglass wearers.  The weight (measured) of 19.5 oz with caps and strap makes for comfortable wearing, particularly with the broad, semi-elastic strap.  These FOCUS MORE CLOSELY than the advertised 16.4!  I measured my pair at about 10.0.  Focus effort and speed is adequate. For a pair costing just over $100, one cannot expect the same sort of effortless focus as a Leica, Nikon SE, Swarovski or Zeiss.  Ergonomics otherwise are excellent. The chamfered prism housing nicely fits the base of either index finger.  Due to their light weight, and an interpupillary distance that goes down to 50 mm, these would be a great choice for a youngster. While I have a number of other pair I will continue to use for planned trips, I acquired a pair of the Yosemite 8x30 to keep in my car for impromptu viewing, and as a loaner pair on group outings, for new birders who show up with ill-suited binoculars, or, none at all.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:56 PM