Brunton Eterna Highpower 15x51 Binocular
From Brunton
Naturally, the most powerful binoculars we make have a whole lot to offer. Designed around our stringent Eterna specifications, the new Full Size series is for those who want big glass in a rugged, ergonomic mid size frame. Not only is the objective sizable, but so is the power. Available in three powers--8X, 11X and the High Power 15X, the highest fixed-power binocular we build--these Eternas are jewels when viewing over long distances. The benefits of big glass are often overshadowed by the enormous weight of most binoculars this size. Not in this case. The Eterna Full Size series is lightweight and nimble, making each model desirable for the long haul. The Eterna brings you a sharp image with the help of BaK-4 prism glass, state-of-the-art phase coating and a readiness to get the job done when it counts the most. Aside from all the bells and whistles, this binocular is a trooper through and through. See why the Eterna Full Size is the total package for your most grueling challenge. The benefits of big glass are often overshadowed by the enormous weight of most binoculars this size. Not in this case. The Eterna High Power series is lightweight and nimble, making each model desirable for the long haul. Eterna E1551 has the highest fixed-power binocular in the Brunton line. Designed with outfitters and guides in mind. Very lightweight with an aluminum frame, just 32oz. Multi-step eye relief system that is eyeglass compatible. Phase coating, prism coating, and full multi lens coating make the colors crisp and details stand out. The High Power is just that, extremely powerful, but also comfortable with unbelievable clarity.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #120083 in Sports & Outdoors
- Color: null
- Brand: Brunton
- Model: Eterna E1551
Brunton's highest fixed-power binocular, the Eterna High Power 15x is a jewel when viewing over long distances. Unlike most binoculars of this size, the High Power is remarkably lightweight and nimble at 32 ounces, yet still delivers the benefits of large 51mm objective lenses. The binocular also makes objects look remarkably sharp thanks to the integrated BaK-4 prism glass and the trio of coatings, which include state-of-the-art phase coating, Emerald Fire full multi-coating, and AL reflective coating. Even discounting all the bells and whistles, the Eterna High Power is a tough customer, with a nitrogen-filled alloy frame and ergonomic body armor that's both waterproof and fog-proof.
Specifications range from a 200-foot field of view at 1,000 yards to a 15mm long eye relief to a 3.4mm exit pupil. The focus system, meanwhile, gets as close as 11 feet. Additional features include a multi-step eye relief system that's eyeglass-compatible, tripod/monopod compatibility, and neoprene Bino Glove lens covers. The Eterna High Power 15x measures 6.7 x 5.2 x 2.3 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
What's in the Box?
Eterna High Power binocular, Bino Glove lens covers, neck strap, user's manual
A Steal and a First Rate Binocular
It is long past the time when someone should have reviewed this binocular (for correct grammer, which I now abandon to convention). In a word, they are first rate. At the price, they are a great steal. I have owned much glass -- top camera lenses (Zeiss, Leica), top binoculars (the closest to these, a Swarovski 15x56) and top telescopes --and by comparison these are excellent because a) they are hand-holdable for me, b) very sharp, c) very contrasty, d) very bright, e) relatively light weight and d) optically and mechanically solid -- all for $500, I think the price is. The eyepieces are click-stop adjustable to balance eye relief and field of view (which is satisfactory [but not really outstanding], especially in light of the power). It is hard to say whether the binocular is sharp from center to edge because, properly set up, black out is encountered if one attempts to look over to the edge, but not if one doesn't. Periphal vision apparent sharpness is excellent. The black out is not a material problem because anything one concentrates on is moved to the center of view anyway. The prisims are phase coated and the optics are fully multicoated, with excellent current technlogy. The Bruntons are nitrogen filled, waterproof, and have a pleasant and comfortable non-slip outer covering. The right eyepiece is adjustable without click stops but doesn't move from the position set. These binoculars are in the league of the comparable Zeiss and Swarovskis, but at almost a third the price and with much greater hand-holdability and a life time warranty to boot. They are more color neutral and as bright as the Swarovskis and more similar to the Zeiss, but lack a bit of the super relaxed quality of the Zeiss and at times, the Swarovskis, but not by much. You have to fuss with the Bruntons more to get a similar degree of set-up and such quality. These binoculars are much more hand-holdable and ergonomic than the the Zeiss or Swarovskis and much lighter too, but still not a feather either, weighing in about 36 oz, as my best guess (I have no scales where I am). The Bruntons have a feel of good quality, with no cheesy or loose aspects, except the Brunton name/logo on the sides (cheesy). I do not like, also, the socks covers, but others might. I think they are too tight and not protective enough. The strap is excellent, aside from having the name of the manufacturer on it -- a general, pet peve of mine. Buy them. You'll like them. When you get comfortable hand-holding higher powered binoculars, it is almost impossible to go back to lesser powered binoculars for long. 7x50s now seem quaint to me. My Nikon Venturer 8x32 XL sits on a shelf, as do most of my other binoculars now, and I have about 10 pair currently on just my sailboat.
I love these binoculars for birding, marine use and even at spectator events, including ballet and opera. Braced, with elbows on a seat's arm rests, I can hand-hold these binoculars for the duration of the event. Their color quality is very neutral and pleasing, a quality of better, current optics, generally.
Modern, computer-designed optics with quality, current coatings, at all of the various price points, are much better than what we had 10 years or more ago, and the range in quality across those price points is also substantially narrowing as time passes. Granddad's WWII field glasses, with the beat-up leather case, just don't cut it anymore.
