CelestronTrailSeeker ED 8x42 Binoculars – Compact ED Binocular for Birdwatching and Outdoor Activities – Binocular with ED Objective Lenses – Fully Broadband Multi-Coated Optics – BaK4 Roof Prism.

My husband and I are avid birders. He has birded and done bird photography since he was in middle school. He bought me a pair of Celestron Nature DX binos a few years back and I have loved them. They were so much brighter and lighter than my old pair. It was time to give him an upgrade. I was prepared to spend $600, because he is worth it and much more. I dove into research for months. I Googled "Best binoculars for birding" and found a lot of information on types of binos. I chose 8x42 over 10x42 because of image shake on the 10x42. Then, found "The Cornell Lab Review: Affordable Full Size Binoculars 8x42" and "The Audubon Guide to Binoculars." In both, many types of binos were compared. The Celestron Trail Seeker ED binos were rated very high. They were rated consistently higher than major brand higher priced pairs. They even were almost neck and neck with binos twice their price. They surprised reviewers. It did not make sense to spend twice as much for a marginal improvement in optics. I found a deal at Christmas that had the binos and a back strap harness for an incredible price.Notables by my husband: They have a close range of 6 feet, which we tested two days ago watching a shrubline of sparrows. He was delighted to report that it was FAST and butter smooth to focus. He loves how sharp, clear, and bright they are. He was able to see birds inside bushes that he knows he would not have been able to do with his old binos. His old binos were top of the line Alpen binos 10 years ago. He loves the slightly cushioned grip and the copper ring detail around the optics.They are clearer than my Celestron Nature DX's but mine are a little lighter, which I prefer.We had grown a little sedentary before getting these binos. Now, he wants to bird every day again. What fun!

I have 8x42's. I get crisp and bright images with quick focus changes. These are great at zoo or at the park to observe birds or boats. While not xtra heavy, I find they are a bit heavy to do overnight hikes with as I try to stay around 20 lbs or so. For day hikes they're great and the harness works well even with a pack on. The neck strap is padded but after hours of carry you'll feel it in your neck.I use these also to scan a park for subseqent nature photos. The field of view is excellent and these perform at a level of more expensive binoculars.

I started taking birding more seriously about a year ago and found myself becoming increasingly passionate about it. As I traveled more for birding, I decided it was time to upgrade my binoculars and invest in a quality pair.I conducted extensive research online and discovered that several factors are important in choosing the right binoculars. Weight and close focus are crucial considerations along with field of view, while the choice between 8x and 10x magnification depends on personal preference. After careful consideration, I concluded that 8x magnification would be the most suitable for my needs.One thing is clear, there are numerous brands available, including many that are unfamiliar to me. Should I trust these lesser-known brands, or is it better to stick with reputable brands that I recognize? I decided to rely on others' research to guide my decision.I turned to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which has conducted extensive research on various binoculars. Their site allows users to search for binoculars ranging from budget to mid-priced, typically costing between $250 and $650 per pair. Since I was looking to upgrade, I focused my research on mid-priced options.Through their research, they covered the factors I mentioned earlier, revealing a wide range of options. Some binoculars came close, but one stood out as a clear winner. In the end, I decided to go with the Trailseeker ED 8x42, and for good reason.The Trailseeker ED 8x42 weighs just under 30 ounces. This weight is ideal because it provides a solid feel without being too heavy for extended use while hiking. Additionally, the clarity of these binoculars is impressive. The ED glass, a high-quality optical glass used in lenses, is designed to reduce chromatic aberrations and other defects that occur when different colors of light do not converge on the same focal plane. It's evident that Celestron ensured the highest quality in the construction of these Trailseeker EDs.Furthermore, the excellent close focus of 7 feet and a wide field of view of 425 feet allow me to scan the area effectively, even if the bird flies away. There’s always something beautiful about that experience.In conclusion, I have been using these binoculars every day since receiving them, and I couldn’t be happier. Considering the price versus the quality, it's clear why they receive such high praise. If you're in the market for binoculars, do yourself a favor and get the Trailseeker ED 8x42. I can assure you that you won't regret it!

Absolutely thrilled with these binoculars. I know that they are mostly for birding, but I got them for whale watching in Maui and I have found them to be exceptionally good. They work well for while watching, bird watching, and sky, gazing on absolutely thrilled that I chose these based on the reviews here. They are lightweight. They focus easily, and they accommodate my mono-vision contacts with a separate adjustment on the right side eyepiece. If you were looking for a good lightweight binocular, I think that you will be happy with any of the uses: birding, whale watching, stargazing. I already had a tripod at home and I got the same brand adapter to attach the binoculars to my existing tripod. I’ve been extremely pleased.

These are perfect for observing nature. I get a crystal clear view with these, and the weight and grip are just right.