Best $300 binocular - Leupold Hawthorne 7x42mm Binocular

These are great for the money. I had the chance to compare them to the Bushnell 8x42 hd legend, and the Zen Ray 7x36 ED2. The bushnell was bright but not as sharp and blurry towards the edge. The Zen Ray had a nice color balance but lots of glare(I wear glasses} and was also blurry off center. The Hawthorne 7&8x42 are much sharper to the edge. Easy binoculars to look through. In comparison to Swarovski EL and Nikon Premier these pale in comparson. No contest the alphas win. I also compared them to a 1980's Leitz 7x35 BA (a Legendary binocular) which costs &450 in 1988. The Hawthornes are close. The Leitz were still a little brighter and sharper. But thats saying a lot. Back to the Hawthornes. I compared Eagle optics rangers,Vanguard endeavour ED,s and the Hawthorne is a clear winner. Don't let the slightly off neutral cast concern you these are astonishing binoculars for the money.
Pros: Close focus, large sweet spot, made in japan=good mechanics, good glare control
Cons: Slightly red or green cast

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.