Binoculars.org

The 2010 Binocular of the Year awards have been announced at Binoculars.com.  The winners for seven selected categories were posted recently and the selections are worthy.  Any time I see an award given to a binocular I always remember its still only an opinion.  I have personally done field testing trying to conclude the never ending debate between Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski binoculars.  I always come to the same conclusion - they are all good.  They are each amazing. 

When I saw the results of the award winners, I was pleased to see good choices were selected.  I was thrilled to see the Pentax DCF SP binoculars get some recognition.  Those are amazing binoculars without the need of taking out a second mortgage.  

The Nikon Monarch binocular was another excellent choice, their addition of Dielectric Coatings in 2010 made for a brighter image and better performance in low light.  I would also suggest people look at the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD binoculars in this same price range.  Both excellent binoculars.

I have never claimed to be a hunter, so I can not comment on the usefulness of the Leupold binocular winning Best Hunting Binocular, but from what I know about hunting binoculars they need to be both rugged and perform well in low light.  And I can tell you the Leupold Cascade binoculars do just that.  Very good choice in a great price range.

The winners of the Binoculars.com 2010 Binocular of the Year Awards are:

• Binocular of the Year - Nikon 10×42 Monarch ATB with Dielectric Coatings
• Best Birding Binocular - Pentax 8×43 DCF SP
• Best Hunting Binocular - Leupold 10×42 Cascade
• Best Travel Binocular - Leica 10×25 Ultravid
• Best Astronomy Binocular - Zhumell Tachyon 25×100
• Best of the Best Award - Swarovski EL 10×42 Binoculars
• Excellence in Service Award - Steiner Binoculars