Binocular construction

Call me traditional, but I still prefer a binocular that is made of basically metal and glass, with a minimum of plastic … oops … I mean polymer. Not that there is necessarily anything wrong with polymer – polymer can, in fact, be a better choice for some binocular types and some binocular uses – but there is just something about the heft and feel of a binocular made of metal and glass that inspires confidence, not to mention that the concentrated metal weight in the hands tends to help steady the binocular. Now, you might think this metal difference is something you encounter only with mid-size binoculars or full-size binoculars. Truth is, you can easily detect that kind of binocular construction in compact binoculars and that extra bit of heft provided by metal construction adds a bit of stability and stability is a precious commodity in a compact binocular. My favorite compacts with this metal construction feel include the excellent Swarovski Pocket compact binocular (mine is the Swarovski Crystal model, pictured) and the equally exquisite Leica Ultravid compact binocular. Both compact binos are superb examples of that beautiful feel and balance that comes from top-notch metal construction. Both binoculars just sit in the hand and seem to steady themselves; both binoculars are just hard to put down. Both binoculars are also incredibly expensive, of course, but you certainly don’t have to pay that much to get heft of metal construction. The Bushnell Elite 7x26 comes in at less than half the price and, although not a roof prism, you will detect that beautiful heft and feel of a well-made binocular. Optics are top notch, too.