You don’t need to be a spy to own binoculars. Whether it’s for game viewing, bird watching (the feathered kind) or just admiring the view, binoculars are a great accessory to have in the cubbyhole.
 

1. ULTRA OPTEC ULTRA OP 8 X 40
Affordable starter

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Ultra Optec cater for the entry- to mid-level buyer and have a reputation for value for money. As this is one of their cheaper models, we weren’t expecting a dazzling performance, but it’s actually quite good.
We like. At the price it’s a perfectly decent pair of binoculars, even though its image is slightly duller than and not as sharp near the edges as that of more expensive models. The case also has a rubberised finish and the focus knob turns smoothly.
But … The porro prism design (see box) is clunkier than the roof prism models and the fixed rubber eye cups mean these binoculars can’t be used while wearing glasses.
Price: R500
Contact: Lite Optec  011 462 6986;  www.liteoptec.co.za 
Drive Out says: Great all-round binoculars that won’t break the bank.
 

2. SANJU 8 X 42
Birdwatchers’ bargain

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San what? you might ask. OK, so it might not be as well known as Nikon or Bushnell, but if you’re not a brand slave Sanju is worth a look.
And we have it on good authority that it is made in the same factory that manufactures more revered brands …
We like. Tested back to back with pricier big-name brands, we couldn’t find a significant difference in image quality. The case also looks solid and expertly made.
But … It didn’t feel as refined as more expensive models: the focus knob was on the stiff side and the twist-out eye cups a little soft.
Price: R1 300
Contact: Safari & Outdoor  0861 114 330;  www.safariandoutdoor.co.za
Drive Out says: It’s a bargain – great for birdwatchers on a budget.
It’s also available in 10x42 for game viewing.
 

3. VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 10 X 42
Game rangers’ choice

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The Diamondback is the top-selling model of Vortex and it is aimed at those who want quality mid-range binoculars.
We selected Vortex as it is the only locally-sold brand we could find that offers a lifetime guarantee.
Moreover, its name is trusted by hunters and game rangers, which speaks volumes.
We like. It feels great in the hand: the build quality and finishes are solid and inspire confidence.
The focus knob and eye-cups operate smoothly and the image is beautifully clear and bright.
But … Tested with a more expensive model, the image quality isn’t quite as bright or sharp at the edges. However, at the price these binoculars are hard to fault.
Price: R3 599
Contact: Whysalls 031 566 3566; www.whysalls.co.za
Drive Out says: Great value for money.
 

4. LEUPOLD MOJAVE 10 X 42
Upper-class luxury

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An American optics company, Leupold have a loyal following in the mid-range bracket, the upper end of which the Mojave caters for.
We like. Everything on it turns and opens with the solid slickness of a German luxury car. The image quality is what one would expect from a R5 500 pair of binoculars: exceptionally bright and crisp. It was the only model we tested that had an open bridge (the gap between the two barrels), which makes it easier to hold.
But … The dioptre adjustment wheel (the one with a plus and minus sign that can be tweaked if one of your eyes is stronger than the other) took a while to find. Unlike on most binoculars it’s not beneath the right eye cup, but built into the focus knob.
Price: R5 500 (R6 000 for the camouflage model)
Contact: Formalito  012 664 7793; 012 664 7795 (fax);  www.formalito.co.za
Drive Out says: A superior product that’s ideal for game viewing and hunting.