Carson RD-826 8x26mm RD Series Compact Open-Bridge Waterproof High Definition Binoculars

Looking for a medium priced set of lightweight binoculars, look no further.I needed some for a recent trip of a lifetime to Kenya for 8 days of safari and I did plenty of binocular research online, I ordered these as well as the Carson 10x34's and some Celestron Nature10x25 binos (they had great reviews and were reduced to £80).I immediately loved the feel and balance of the Carsons, the split bridge is strange but very comfortable, and makes the bino's very tactile as well as incredibly light.The image from the Carsons is exceptional - bright, crisp, clear and very accurate throughout the focus range, and I felt that it was better than the Celestrons, so I returned them for a refund.I then had to decide whether to have the 8x or the 10x.They are both superb, and so I kept both, and I'm glad I did.On safari the binos were used extensively (along with my trusty old Vortex Solo 10x36 monocular) by me and my family. The 8x binos were astonishing, picking out details clearly whilst allowing a wider viewing angle than the 10x binos, but the 10x set were then astonishing when extra detail was needed, the Carson 10x were also better than my monocular.The lens caps are great for flipping down, and they didn't fall off at all, and the eye-piece cap is great when attached to the neck strap as it keeps it with the binos - all useful when bouncing around in a Land Cruiser for hours and hours.It is dusty in Kenya, and owing to the nature of animals (they don't wait around for long) the binos were removed from their hard cases in the morning and then returned to them in the evening, so they got very dusty. They are also fully waterproof, so a quick blow to get the largest dust off, and then a good rinse under a tap kept them clean and working smoothly. I wasn't keen to use a cloth as described in the cleaning instructions as I didn't want to scratch the optics.I am genuinely amazed by these binos, as was my wife (she now fully endorses both being purchased having used them herself) and daughter.I am not sure what to do with 2 pairs now, maybe I'll keep one in the car - but which ones I can't decide.I urge you to try them, they are magnificent, just don't get more than 1 to try as you might end up getting both. If you review the 10x34 Carsons you will see a cut'n'paste version of this review as well.Many thanks Carson.

Excellent. They have got that "wow" factor, definitely.Got a second pair of Carson's compact ones for my pocket to carry around.Good US based brand which I presume makes them in the Far East ( they must have some QC to deliver such quality) For all budgets. Highly recommended.

Really nice binoculars, picture quality is great but the case could be better

I bought these binoculars as a birthday present for my husband and he is really pleased with them. The focus is brilliant and they are small enough to be placed into his pocket. They also came with a travelling case

Super quality, lightweight and really portable pair of binoculars! Highly recommended.

It's perfect for bird watching without breaking the piggy bank! Very happy with these.

easy to use with and without glasses, no flare close to sun direction and very clear in any reasonable light; feel quality made

I am not a very good birdwatcher but I enjoy it! These binoculars have enabled me to enjoy bird watching even more!