Outstanding binoculars - German Precision Optics PASSION ED 8x32mm Schmidt-Pechan Prism Binocular

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 polycarbonate enclosures, these have just enough weight to be stable when observing.

So how do they perform. Well, they are excellent! Now, they are not Alpha quality. If you want the absolute pinnacle of optical perfection, you're simply going to have to pony up for a top-of-the-line Zeiss, Swarovski, or Leica. They will, however get you close. The field of view is 410 @1000. This is quite good. The image is bright, clear, and full of contrast. The center, on axis image rivals my Leica Ultravid HD's, which is to say outstanding. The image begins to deteriorate a bit towards the edges. I would estimate at about the 75% to 80% field of view mark. It also displays a certain amount of pin cushioning which is common with binoculars that do not have a field flattener. Field flatteners induce a "rolling ball effect" and I would much rather have a bit of pin cushioning. It has excellent depth of field and I could detect no chromatic aberration. I attribute this to the excellent ED glass used in the objective lenses.

In summary, the GPO Passion ED 32 is an outstanding product. At $359.99, it truly represents a benchmark at that price point. Optically, it holds its own with binoculars at three times it's cost. Using ED lenses, a magnesium chassis, superb ergonomics, you will have a pair of binoculars that represent one of the finest values in optics today. Add a high quality case and a lifetime warranty one will be hard pressed to find it's equal for anywhere near it's modest price.