Customer Reviews

Brunton Echo 8x45 Porro Prism Waterproof Binoculars

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have no problem deciding what to write in this review but did worry about the star rating I needed to offer.

General considerations: like a lot of optics these days, these binoculars are Chinese made. They are shipped in a clear plastic clamshell package. This review is of the 8x45 size sold directly by Amazon.

Overall impression: My limited experience with binoculars only lets me compare these 8x45 binocs to the entry-level Nikon Action 8x40 model. As I write this review, the Bruntons are $8 more than the Nikon Action model on Amazon. By far, this $8 upgrade offers so much more to the buyer that I strongly recommend considering the Brunton model. For this reason, I chose a 4-star rating for my purchase. The Brunton is heavier and feels much more solid than the Nikon Action. The optics seem better as well with fully multicoated optics. The twist up eyecups are also better than fold-down option on cheaper units. Then, of course, the Brunton is nitrogen-filled, waterproof and fogproof. The soft case and strap are a step above other entry level binocs. These are roughly 8.2-degree field of view binoculars (a stated 435 feet at 1000 yards) so they have a fairly wide view. Note that the Amazon description currently has the field of view reversed for the 8x45 and 10x50 models. The advertised weight of 32 oz is correct so these are heavier than many entry level porro prism models or roof prism alternatives. Long term use may be less pleasant than for using lighter binocs.

My concerns follow. Remember that I really like these and consider them keepers with no thought on my part of a return to Amazon for refund. But there are some things that if of importance to you need to be shared with potential buyers:

Eye Relief: The Amazon description and Brunton web site claim an eye relief of 24mm. Yet the product information inside the plastic clamshell packaging states eye relief to be 19mm. I use binoculars with my glasses due to my astigmatism (and for bird watching where I'm alternating between viewing with and without the binocs) so long eye relief is important to me. The good news is that eye relief is sufficient for me while wearing my glasses. But given that I must fully retract the eyecups, I believe my packaging "19mm" is correct and the web descriptions stating 24mm of eye relief is incorrect.

Close focus: Amazon's description, the Brunton web site and my packaging state a close focus distance of 10 feet, making these a great choice for bird watching from a living room to feeders on the back deck of a home. I realize that close focus distance is somewhat dependent on the user, but for me I can only focus on items that are 24 feet or further from me. If close focus is important to you, my Bruntons are not going to make you happy.

Communications: Given the close focus issue above, I emailed Brunton asking for clarification of the specs and asked if I might have a defective pair. My email was sent seven days ago and I've not received a response. If this is typical of their interaction with owners or potential buyers, be warned that communication with Brunton may be less than you desire. I will report back if I ever receive a response to my email.

Warranty: This is another issue of communications. These binoculars have a "Limited Lifetime Warranty to give me peace of mind" in their words. Yet I received no warranty information or registration information with my purchase. Further, a search on their web site offers no information that I could find on warranty info. I therefore have no idea what my warranty coverage is.

Finally, an issue with Amazon: I've read other reviews from binoculars buyers that Amazon does a poor job of packaging binoculars which are precision optics that can lose their collimation with rough handling. I can now confirm this. My purchase (from Amazon, not from another vendor sold through Amazon) arrived very poorly packaged. The outer box length and width were great but the depth was so small that part of the binoculars (the focus wheel inside the plastic clamshell) was in direct contact with the cardboard corrugation with no other padding. As difficult it can be at times to access items sold in plastic hard clamshell packaging, I had no problems because my clamshell had split open, apparently while in transit to me! I wonder if Amazon actually loses money by this underpacking due to customer returns for refund of binoculars knocked out of collimation when being shipped to buyers. It's something Amazon should consider. The only good side to binocular purchases through Amazon is their great return policy so if you order a pair and they arrive misaligned, you can ship them back for refund with no hassle.

Conclusion: for sub-$100 binoculars, the Brunton porro prism 8x45 Echo model line is one that you should consider in a binocular purchase before looking at slightly cheaper offerings, especially if weather resistance is important to you or if you need long eye relief as an eyeglass wearer.