OM SYSTEM Olympus Trooper 8 X 40 DPS I Binocular

I own an excellent pair of light weight binoculars in the 8 - 20 range and have been looking for a pair with greater power for occaisional use while hiking. These binoculars are well made, feel nice to handle, and are easy to focus, even when being shared. They offer a clear image and are robust enough to encourage me to take them more frequently on my hikes.The only improvement would be to offer a more robust case for outdoor use as these were supplied with a simple "velvet" lined "shower-proof" flexible cloth case, that provides good padding, but would probably not provide much protection if the case and contents were dropped.Overall these are excellent glasses and a comparison of similar glasses show that they are also excellent value.

When it comes to Optics, Olympus is definitely a leader. I find their camera lenses to be virtually unrivalled in quality, the opposition charging much more for comparable quality. Olympus are also a leader in high-end medical imaging equipment, and that stuff needs to be reliable and the highest quality. This experience over many decades has thankfully translated across to a lot of their other optical products, these binoculars included. I have owned about 4-5 pairs of what I would call "budget" binocs (those under $100). The two Olympus binocs I have owned have been miles ahead of the competition in the same price range. These trooper binocs are ultra-sharp and a joy to use. They are quite comfortable to use and adjustable for diopter and the like. I'll likely buy their 10x50 model soon too. You can't go wrong with Olympus optics (or very rarely anyway).

I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality and size of these Trooper binoculars. Basically, I use them in an enclosed deer blind for studying the quality of possible shooter bucks, and I find them easy to focus, clear, sharp images and particularly good in diminished light conditions. They could use a wider neck strap, but few companies really understand how their products are used in the field. I usually end up buying a guitar strap at a music store that solves the problem.

The clarity is very good, as is the quality of construction and ease of use. I purchased it because the prevailing opinion among well-known writers on Binocular Astronomy recommended AT LEAST a 5 mm exit pupil for best results when viewing the night sky. After 1 month's use, I have to dispute that. I see far more at night - both detail and fainter objects - with my 10 X 42 (4.2mm exit pupil) and could have saved my money. That having been said, this is a well made instrument that gives excellent daytime views. It is a good value for the price.

I've owned about 6 pairs of binos from different manufacturers for astronomical and general use. These give the most bang for buck, without a doubt. They throw up a bright, contrasty, sharp image for the central 2/3 of the field of view. Great for daytime use; pretty good for astro. As others have said, they are surprisingly light. If you want better optics, be prepared to spend $500 more. These are great everyday binos.

This 8X40 is a decent good quality binocular with nice sharp clear optics. I was pleased to find that the focus wheel is solid and relatively easy to turn, there's no "slop" or free-play in it's operation like on some binoculars I've used...the mechanics are good. The extra wide 8.2 degree field is an added bonus. Also a nice case is included which works well. While it's not a "Zeiss", for the low amount of money spent I feel this is well worth the small investment. If you want something better you'll likely spend two or three times as much before you notice any improvement.That all being said, I have to say that the eye relief is not very good, and it is not adjustable. You will not be able to wear glasses while using this binocular. I found that the rubber eyecups have to be somewhat "forced" into your eyes to get sufficient eye relief, otherwise the entire perimeter of the image is vignetted (shadowed). If you are willing to put up with this one drawback, then this item is a good buy.

I bought these binoculars for bird watching for a college class and I have used them regularly ever since. They come with a simple case (does the job just fine). Each lens has its own separate removable rubber cover. I haven't lost any of mine so that's fine (owned it for a couple years now). I have taken these binoculars to the beach and climbing around on rocks and many long and short hikes. Whenever I use other binoculars the few times I don't have these, those others always feel so inferior. These have been fantastic. They are not light, so I upgraded to a better strap than they came with (original strap is very thin and coarse). Now I can wear them for hours and not feel any strain. I can see very clearly and have been able to ID ducks far off in the water even with bad lighting through these before I get a scope out to check. I have even taken them world traveling down to South America and they've held up through everything. Considering buying another pair of the same ones to have on hand to lend people when I take them birding with me. Easy to adjust focus and can adjust to fit narrow or wide set eyes well. Definitely recommend.

I never expect this Japanese brand can have dirt on the lens, not a single spot, many of them.