The 4 Best Binoculars of Summer 2012

The performance gap between mid-tier and high-end optics is closing. Here are our favorite pairs of binocs to see you through any situation.

2012 Summer Buyer's Guide
Friday, June 01, 2012

Leupold Hawthorne 7x42

By: Category: Summer Buyer's Guide, Men's, Binoculars and Telescopes, Snow Sports, Gear
Leupold Hawthorne 7x42 Binoculars
Photo: Courtesy of Leupold

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Sporting a roof-prism design to cut size and weight, the 23-ounce Hawthornes are sleek under a jacket. And while we liked the idea of having the built-in diopter adjuster on the center focus dial—intended to make it easier to use all the controls with one hand—it sometimes led us to accidentally move the focus ring. It’s a minor complaint, because once it’s dialed in the glasses are exceptionally crisp, and they’ll fit nicely in any amateur birder’s bag.

Brand: Leupold

$440

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Leupold 7x42 Hawthorne, Water Proof, Roof Prism Binocular, Black, U.S.A. by PriceGrabber.com
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