I have used binoculars for more than 60 years. I took a pretty big chance in buying these expensive binoculars without ever trying them or ever looking through any binoculars that were image stabilized. But I really like them!
USING THE BINOCULARS
The main reason for buying this type of binoculars is image stability. I can’t measure it but it does work! The published weight is accurate. I would call the weight of these binoculars typical for its mass (other image stabilized binoculars are more heavy).
Standing while hand-holding these binoculars keeps the 20x image quite stable, but not tripod stable. I checked to see what was the greatest distance that I could hand-hold the binoculars and read a vehicle license plate. That distance was measured at 450 meters.
The switch to turn the binoculars on/off (or to change modes) is cumbersome to use. The higher stabilization mode (which is what you’ll want most of the time) can not be easily used for faster moving objects such as aircraft, birds or moving cars. This is because the image “jumps” to catch up with the moving target. I don’t expect to use the lower power mode much as it only provides a moderate amount of image stabilization.
PLUSES
• They are attractive and have excellent build quality.
• The casing is rubberized throughout (however, the knurled areas should also be on the top of the binoculars).
• All controls are stiff by design so that once set up they won’t unintentionally change on you.
• The field-of-view is comfortably wide.
• In the daytime the image clarity is very good to excellent throughout the field of view. At nighttime (using stars) the central 90% of the image remains sharp. The remaining 10% along the field edges in all directions contains some chromatic aberration and coma (much less than most binoculars). However it is quite minor and it will not affect your use or view.
• I measured the minimum focusing distance at 3.5m.
• The product boxing is excellent.
• It uses a single AA battery that is easy to replace, common to find and inexpensive.
MINUSES
• Accessory Issues
1. There is a nice dual eyepiece cover. However, once set up for your eye’s interpupillary distance it can no longer be used as it then no longer fits the eyepieces. I have it but can’t use it? It really needs separate eyepiece covers.
2. It came with a fancy lens cleaning cloth. It was extremely difficult to get in and out of its tiny bag causing it to be instantly contaminated by the normal oils in my hands. Out of frustration I threw it in the garbage.
3. The lens objectives have no cover at all (really?).
4. It comes with a well made, attractive, soft travel bag. The binoculars will only fit inside the bag if you twist the eye-cups fully down. With the binoculars now inside the bag its carrying strap also does not fit. The solution is to carry the binoculars inside the travel case using the binocular’s own carrying strap, not the strap for the travel case. Now I have another accessory (the carrying bag’s strap) that I can’t use.
• My binoculars also came with a separate small document that corrects an apparent error in the Instruction Manual. However, both documents have identical wording causing me some confusion. I threw that away as well.
• Focusing can be difficult owing to its sensitive adjustment that is, a small adjustment results in a moderately large focus change.
• No mention is made if the battery power has an auto shutoff, how long the battery lasts or what is the specification for the amount of image stabilization control. I like detailed specifications. The user manual lists none.
• Very high cost.
GRADES (out of 10)
Looks - 10
Build Quality - 10
Optics - 9
Controls & Adjustments - 9
Image Stability - 8
Weight - 7
Accessories - 3
OVERALL GRADE - 8.0
Bottom line - the binoculars are great but the accessories aren’t.
I haven’t had a chance to use the items yet but so far everything has been top notch with the company.
I have used Swaro binos before and while I didnt have any to test side by side I can confidently say these get at a minimum 85% of the way there for 1/5 the money. I am very pleased with them.
Excellent scope with a very clear image and great overall quality. I’m very happy with this purchase and would definitely buy it again for a future build. Red Carpet Optics is also a very reliable company to deal with. Highly recommended!
I'm very happy with these binoculars. The image is clear, and they perform just as advertised. Great quality for the price. Definitely recommend them!
Overall, I like the binos as the image stabilization works very well. I would like to see the focus wheel be larger and a little easier to move. The purchase and delivery experience from Red Carpet was exceptional.
I couldn't be more satisfied with the performance of this pinpointer. It arrived in just a few days as well, very happy all around.
Red Carpet Optics was very easy to deal with and delivered the products on time and at a great value
Very pleased with the scope and rings
Super fast shipping, great prices, great product!
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Metal Detector Bundle with Pin Pointer
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Red Carpet Optic has products that are hard to find at competitive prices.
I ordered different magnification by mistake and their customer service promptly made changes to ship correct product. Shipping was very fast. I highly recommend this store.
This is my first spotting scope - but I’m very satisfied with the sharpness of the image and the quality of the build. It’s also relatively small and light which is also nice.
Athlon Optics Ares G2 15-45×65mm UHD Angled Spotting Scope
Great all way around.
Excellent scope and Matt at red carpet optics is a pleasure to deal with.Will be recommending them to friends.
I bought a Kowa TSN-55a. It was back ordered, Red Carpet Optics had excellent communication throughout the process. I am so impressed with the quality of my Kowa spotting scope. I use it for birding. It is light weight and crystal clear.
I ordered a kowa spotting scope, however it wasn’t in stock. I was contacted and advised of the same and they offered to cancel the order or have it hold until they received more stock. I opted to keep the order. Customer service was better than I have dealt with with almost any company in the last 10 years. Very prompt great communication. I highly recommend Red Carpet Optics
The scope looks awesome and functions as advertised. The price from Cabin Creek was the lowest of any supplier. I bought a new tripod to use with the spotting scope built for the weight of the unit.
Purchased the spotting scope with the mil reticle eye piece. Ranging reticle is very clear and the magnification is fixed 22x. Reticle is easy to read with various graduations. Has enable my wife and I to give very clear correction calls out to 1400m max distance on our local range
The Prominar 99 is simply the ne plus ultra of spotting scopes!
The fit and finish is perfect.
The view is crystal clear and the focusing controls are faultless.
Delivery was fast and simple.
I dealt with Matt who was great….available for all my many questions!
I highly recommend Red Carpet Optics.