JB from United States, WA Public Profile

I was in the market for a pair of midsize binoculars (30-35mm) and ran across a relatively new player in this very competitive size: German Precision Optics (GPO). Most binoculars today are designed and manufactured in China which keeps the pricing competitive. The difference with GPO binoculars is that, while they are manufactured in China, they are designed in Germany and must adhere to their quality standards. The company is also headed by former Zeiss and Swarovski executives who have a long history of managing alpha quality optical products. When I received my pair, it was packaged amazingly well. The high quality presentation box contained the binoculars, a very nice hard case with strap, good quality neck strap, rain guard, and the obligatory instruction booklet.

The binoculars themselves really exude quality. The chassis is made from magnesium and is encased with a very high quality rubber like covering. The outer portions are textured and provide and excellent gripping surface. They are nitrogen purged and completely water and fog proof. The diopter adjustment has a nice friction feel to it and does not wander or move once set. The high quality eyecups are also twist adjustable with three very positive click stop settings. I found the focusing wheel to be superb. It is approximately an inch in diameter and is quite smooth. There is no grittiness or stiff areas. At 500g, they have good heft in the hand without feeling overly heavy. Unlike many binoculars using polyca