Astonishing view - Sightmark Solitude 7x36 XD Binoculars

Yes, I am pleasantly surprised by these. I paid well under $300 using an Optics Planet coupon, and these furnish an absolute amazing view. I think part of the reason for this quality of picture is the new ED glass that Sightmark is using in the objective lens. Obviously this is complimented by great phase-coating of the prisms. But another part of it is the unique build of the 7x36 binoculars. Not only are they sharp and vivid, but they have a tremendous depth of field and a 9 degree field of view. This means that when I bring them to my face, I'm seeing a whole lot of planet earth, and most of it is already in focus. Pick out a section and fine focus, and "bamm".. simply amazing detail and contrast. It's down-right entertaining.

Alas, not all is perfect, ... here's few cosmetic things that I've noticed. The protective rubber coating is top-notch, except where it meets the lanyard loops. Here, the rubber laps over the open metal slot of the lanyard loop. You can wiggle the rubber with your finger-tip and it's not hard to imagine a metal clip wearing it away at some point. I would have preferred the metal loop exposed, with the rubber sealed at it's base.

Also, as with many open-bridge designs, the width adjustment tends to be less than firm. That is the case here, not enough looseness to cause issues, but it could use a bit of tightening.

Finally, the Diopter works great (base of right eye piece), but the reference mark on it is about the width of a fire ant leg. I'm not sure I even know anyone with fine enough eyesight to reference that while adjusting the diopter.

One thing to realize about this pair is that, although the 7x36 build sounds like a compact binocular,... these are not. There is nothing compact about this binocular. These are full length, full weight binoculars. So look elsewhere if you are shopping for something compact.

That's about it for nit-picking, no show stoppers. The main focus wheel is great and the eyecups twist up with two main stops.

Along with amazing optics, Sightmark got the packaging right as well. The supplied neck strap is nice and wide and comfy. A harness is included. The rain guard and lens caps actually fit quite nicely and stay put. The case is non-padded, but works just fine. I like that the neck strap can stay on the binoculars while in the case and feed up through the top/side holes in the case. (Handier that way.)

So, in summary, the Sightmark Solitude exterior is a bit unremarkable. I could not give them a "5" due to this. But think of them as a plain-Jane muscle car idling at a red light. It's what's under the hood that is the thing of beauty.

One simply cannot NOT be impressed looking through these. The optics build is a work of art.