Customer Reviews

Columbia Backcountry 8x25 Pocket Roof Prism Binocular

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

 

 

I bought one pair and was so pleased I bought another two. Having not heard of this brand before I decided to try it based on its excellent specifications vs price. It has a good wide angle view, very good eye relief, excellent close focus ability, is water & fog proof, has multi-coatings on the lenses, and is phase corrected. Eye cups are easy twist up vs hard to use rubber roll ups. It has all the features you would only find in quality optics.

I have used binoculars for many years for travels, shows, and nature outings. My beloved pair of 8x21 Trinovid Leitz binoculars is what I compare to. By the way these our amazing for their size. Needing another pair of binoculars I could not afford to pay much but yet was spoiled by the quality of my Leitz. When I received the The Columbia (Kruger Optics) Backcountry 8x25 binoculars I could not believe how clear, bright & well made they were. They are metal bodied textured with non-slip armor giving them a solid feel. Focusing is smooth and has a generously sized focusing knob. Limited Lifetime Warranty original owner defects only. While this is good some binocular companies offer lifetime no fault, meaning if damaged by accident or defect they will repair. You will have to weigh what you pay to get that.

I would be hard pressed to say that I could perceive much difference from more expensive brands I have peaked through. These binoculars are value for price. Designed in USA Made in China but seemingly well made.

The only drawback I had was the initial batch I ordered from Amazon July 2009 did not focus less then one meter as promoted in the specifications. It is not a flaw just mis-adjusted at the factory. The binoculars I received had close focusing from 1.5m to 3m. Unless you are watching insects that range is still considered good. (PS Kruger did replaced mine free of charge).

-Update July 2010 after one year use I had a problem with diopter eye piece adjustment having a mechanical problem and the eye cup on same coming off. I found out they do not repair binoculars only send replacement which is even better. Only gripe I have is it took six weeks turnaround. When I first bought them and had to send them back the turnaround was prompt within two weeks. Here is what happened this time. I called the 800 number on the warranty card and person did not know how to handle it as to either send it back to seller or to company. The rep promised to call back but never did I had to follow up twice. Finally weeks past the rep said to ship it back to address on warranty card. I let Three weeks past but still no replacement so I call to find out status. The same rep who had been handling my case couldn't find out status but did call back to say person in charge of requesting replacement to be sent out was on vacation and would be back next week. By miracle it showed the next week. Total turn around process took about 6 weeks with repeated follow up calls needed. I do not know why they took so long this time maybe a combination of new staff, people on vacation, and possibly warehouse out of stock.

I still think these are great binoculars and company is basically honorable but due to problems mention above I am reducing star rating from 5 to 4.

-Update Jan 2012 Still enjoying using them and they are holding up. Columbia has discontinued this line. My guess could not even though a good product could not compete against the well known optical names as few people associate them with optics. Might re-surface under a different name.