all binoculars

I gave this item 4 stars based on it's price. Even for $55 list this wouldn't be such a bad buy, but you can get them for substantially less. I am not a binocular expert by any means, but I'll give you my opinion. The binoculars are lightweight and small. Probably even smaller than you would envision from the dimensions. They come with a soft case (with a belt attachment) and a strap. The strap only connects to one side, so if you wear them around your neck they hang sideways. They have a diopter adjustment which adjusts the focus to each eye, and a central focus knob. They are split down the middle and fold a bit to adjust to the width of your eyes. The build is definitely 'plastic-y' which is one reason they are so lightweight. They say "Made In China" on the bottom, which for some reason cheapens their appearance a bit. Comparing the performance of these to a $100 pair of fullsize binocs I bought my father in law, I'd have to say they are just okay. Of course, due the lens diameter & cheaper optics they aren't as bright or as clear. The images also seem to lack dimentionality. A tree, for instance, appears flat almost like cut out of construction paper. But it is still raised above the background, Giving you the feeling of watching a cheap 3D movie. The diopter adjustment is a bit stiff, making it difficult to fine tune. It also isn't stepped, so it can go out of adjustment. Finally, the lens covers fall off very easily.

Does this all mean that I regret buying them? Not at all. They were inexpensive, and unlike my father-in-laws large heavy binocs, they are lightweight & small enough to wear on your belt or put in your wife's pocketbook. The image quality is decent (if not good). They wont look ridiculous at a play or a concert & are probably decent all around traveling binoculars (for casual use). And although they are not weather or water proof they are cheap enough to replace.

I have not purchased this item; however, I wanted to inform westwindtalker2 how to use these binoculars (or any other normal pair of binoculars). First step, take off your eyeglasses. Second step, look through the binoculars at a stationary distant object, close your right eye and adjust the focus until the object is in focus for your left eye. Third step, while continuing to look at the same object, open your right eye, close your left eye and adjust the diopter correction until the object is in focus for your right eye. Fourth step, open both eyes, adjust the distance between the eyepieces so the image is seen as a single object and adjust the central focus knob. (You could also try reading the instructions supplied with the binoculars--they are available in pdf format from amazon.com from this item's webpage.)

The product was easy to use and accurate. It is also a great buy!