Carson 10x42-mm Close Focus Binocular
From Carson Optical
These Binoculars feature BAK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics for crisp, clear viewing. Large 42mm objective lenses gather plenty of light to ensure the viewing image is bright even in low light conditions. Superior close focus capabilities allow you to focus on objects as close as 6 feet in front of you! Close focus is particularly important for wildlife viewing because it allows one to view the details of a bird or animal out of nowhere.The JK-042 10x42mm close focus roof prism Binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged making them waterproof and fogproof. Twist-up eyecups stop in three positions to provide optimal eye relief for all users. Large focus wheel turns smoothly for precise focus adjustments. Independent right diopter adjustment makes it possible to adjust the focus to allow for strength differences in each eye. The JK Series Binoculars are the ideal choice for hunting, birding, hiking or fishing.
Amazon Sales Rank: #193982 in Sports & Outdoors Brand: Carson Model: JK-042 Released on: 2009-05-26 Dimensions: 3.54" h x 6.85" w x 7.64" l, 4.00 pounds
Good Binocs for a Great Price I searched all over the 'net for reviews of this binocular, but could find nothing, so I decided to take a chance, get the Carson 10X42s and review them myself. Here's what I found...the Carson is manufactured in China, natch. Fit and finish are good. The body is covered with a drab green rubber-like material. This serves the purpose of providing waterproofing (the description of these did not mention waterproofing for this model, but according to specs on the focus wheel, they are indeed waterproof) and it also makes it easy to get and maintain a secure grip on the unit. This is my first experience with roof prism vs. porro prism binoculars, and I appreciate the slim, lightweight design compared to the chunky porro glasses. Center hinge action is smooth and tension is just right. The focusing wheel is large and easy to adjust for critical focus. The right ocular also adjusts for focus, and it is stiff, so once you set it it will stay there until you want to re-adjust it. Both eyecups adjust for three positions for eye relief; just twist and pull up. Since I don't wear glasses when looking thru binos the eyecups stayed in the down position. Close focus for the Carsons is said to be 6'. I'd say that is about right, and you will get a clear, sharp image, but the closer you are to your target, the more you will feel your eyes stressing, and you won't see one well defined circle of view, but two overlapping ones. At about 12' and greater things get better faster. Collimation seemed to be very good in my sample. Non ultra close viewing is a real pleasure. The image is sharp and contrasty with a negligible amount of color fringing noted in high contrast lighting situations. The optics are specified as being fully multi coated, and the anti reflection coatings on the eyepieces and objective lenses are a deep blue-green/violet. The binocs seem sturdy and rugged. Included are a soft pouch with shoulder strap, a neck strap for the binos, and end caps. My final word on these glasses? They are "sleepers" and a big bang for your buck. I've seen these selling online for as much as $149. Even at that price it would be a fair deal. postscript 8/22/09: these are also fine binoculars for stargazing.
