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About this item Ultra-High Definition View: These ultra-high definition binoculars have exceptional edge-to-edge clarity, sharp detail enhancement, ultra-clear brightness, and true color representation Top-Tier Viewing Experience: Athlon Optics Midas provides ED glass for a sharper image, an edge-to-edge system for image clarity, and a ESP dielectric coating for accurate color reproduction Lightweight & Durable: Magnesium chassis is as tough as a metal chassis but more lightweight; tough XPL lens coating prevents scratches and dirt buildup Versatile Use: Use these binoculars for hunting, birdwatching, stargazing, or as travel accessories Built for the Outdoors: Athlon is a proud US sports optics product company; we are devoted to delivering superior quality optic products and outdoor accessories at a competitive price
Midas UHDMidas was known to have a golden touch. He must have laid his hands on these binoculars since they set the gold standard for this class of binoculars. The rugged benchmark for all-weather brightness and clarity, these Midas roof-prism binoculars are light and slim thanks to the magnesium designed chassis.
Together with UHD Glass lenses, Advanced Fully Multi-coated optics, high quality BaK4 prisms with our ESP Dielectric Coating plus Phase Coating, these Midas binoculars gather maximum light and produce brilliant color fidelity.
Rubber Armor provides durable and secure, non-slip soft texture grip for any weather condition.
Magnesium chassis gives you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%
Argon purging gives you better waterproofing and thermal stability additionally making your binoculars fog proof in tough weather conditions.
FoV at 1000Y 426 ft 341 ft Eye Relief 17.2 mm 15.2 mm Close Focus 2 m / 6.5 ft 2.5 mm / 8.2 ft Interpupillary Distance 57-74 mm 57-74 mm Dimension (LxW) 5.7″x5.2″ 5.7″x5.2″ Weight 23.3 oz 23.3 oz
Product Dimensions 5.2 x 3.3 x 5.7 inches Item Weight 1.56 pounds ASIN B00YLTG7DA Item model number 113004 Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars Best Sellers Rank #39 in Camera & Photo Products ()
#24 in
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No Date First Available May 31, 2015 Department unisex-adult Manufacturer Athlon Optics
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please [PDF ]
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Athlon Optics 8×42 Midas UHD Gray Binoculars with ED Glass for Adults and Kids, High-Powered Binoculars for Hunting, Birdwatching, and More
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Product Dimensions 5.2 x 3.3 x 5.7 inches
Item Weight 1.56 pounds
ASIN B00YLTG7DA
Item model number 113004
Customer Reviews /* * Fix for UDP-1061. Average customer reviews has a small extra line on hover * https://omni-grok.amazon.com/xref/src/appgroup/websiteTemplates/retail/SoftlinesDetailPageAssets/udp-intl-lock/src/legacy.css?indexName=WebsiteTemplates#40 */ .noUnderline a:hover { text-decoration: none; } .cm-cr-review-stars-spacing-big { margin-top: 1px; } 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,266 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); }); 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank #39 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #24 in Binoculars
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No
Date First Available May 31, 2015
Department unisex-adult
Manufacturer Athlon Optics
About this item Ultra-High Definition View: These ultra-high definition binoculars have exceptional edge-to-edge clarity, sharp detail enhancement, ultra-clear brightness, and true color representation Top-Tier Viewing Experience: Athlon Optics Midas provides ED glass for a sharper image, an edge-to-edge system for image clarity, and a ESP dielectric coating for accurate color reproduction Lightweight & Durable: Magnesium chassis is as tough as a metal chassis but more lightweight; tough XPL lens coating prevents scratches and dirt buildup Versatile Use: Use these binoculars for hunting, birdwatching, stargazing, or as travel accessories Built for the Outdoors: Athlon is a proud US sports optics product company; we are devoted to delivering superior quality optic products and outdoor accessories at a competitive price
Specifications POWER 8X OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER 42 mm EYE RELIEF 17.2 mm FIELD OF VIEW ANGULAR 8.1° FIELD OF VIEW FEET @1000 Yards 426 ft FIELD OF VIEW METERS @1000 METERS 144 m CLOSE FOCUS 2 m /6.5 ft INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE 57 mm-74 mm WEIGHT 25 oz. Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image. Phase corrected prisms produce images that have better contrast, a higher resolution and better color reproduction
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| Product Dimensions | 5.2 x 3.3 x 5.7 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.56 pounds |
| ASIN | B00YLTG7DA |
| Item model number | 113004 |
| Customer Reviews | /* .cm-cr-review-stars-spacing-big { 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,266 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when('A', 'cf').execute(function(A) { 4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #39 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #24 in Binoculars |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | May 31, 2015 |
| Department | unisex-adult |
| Manufacturer | Athlon Optics |
Smith –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good binoculars
Very clear images with good field of view. We use for spotting game around our home.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the money
Good optics and view,fairly light,worth the price
allan g griffith –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Check carefully for flaws……
Over all a decent product, but with one small manufacturing flaw…..when the company was contacted they tried to say the “flaw” was actually done on purpose …. and on every other similar product. Ridiculous! Nevertheless the optics are excellent.
4 people found this helpful
Lisa Oppenheimer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quality product for the money.
I use these for bird and other wildlife viewing.
George –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Optics are great.
Great for birdwatching. Light weight and brightness are just right. Bought these for my spouse and they will replace a much more expensive pair.
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great binoculars
I’m very happy with these binoculars. I use them for birdwatching, the optics are great, very clear, easy to use. I like the style & sturdiness as well, very pleased
Rexter –
5.0 out of 5 stars
YES!
Yes! You should grab this magnificent binocular while you still can. Athlon lists this as a discontinued version since the newer G2 version of the Midas came out. Apparently they are optical equivalents. But this version only appears to be available on Amazon. One day the stock will be gone and if you don’t grab this version soon you may lose out on a fantastic value.I echo all of the positive statements made in other reviews. And my focus knob turns smoothly with relative ease. The diopter setting seems to stay put and this is the first binocular I’ve been able to use with my glasses on. They work great with my glasses.If you’re on the fence over purchasing this binocular I can only say, “Yes! Grab these while you can!”
8 people found this helpful
Maria Cebotari –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great price, clarity and precision.
I based my selecction on the recommendation of Wirecutter in the N.Y.Times. These are the best binoculars I have ever bough. Inspite of long term vision problems, they provided immediate and excellent viewing without having to fuss with adjustments. I have used them along a beach for bird viewing and will take them on an ocean cruise in a few weeks.
15 people found this helpful
Teacher’s Pet –
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite binoculars
I have 5 pairs of modestly priced binoculars (Nikon, Fuji, Eagle Optics, Swift and Athlon) and these are by far my favorite. They are bright and crisp. By weight, they fall in the middle. I’ve had no problems with the build. Although my Monarch is faster, my Athlon is so much brighter I don’t mind the slower focus. I’ve been using them for over 3 years, primarily for birding, but also for hunting. On a recent hunting trip the center focus knob went haywire. I wrote and asked for instructions on field repair and was instructed to send them back. I did so when I returned home, prepaid, and 8 days later a brand new identical pair arrived on my doorstep. Happy camper here! By contrast, my waterproof Swift binocs took on some creek water with a gentle dip in still water. Swift told me to send them to their third party repair facility, at my expense, and they would determine whether or not they would be repaired under warranty. I just tossed them in a closet and there they’ve sat for years. But I digress. Love these Athlons!
3 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best binoculars I’ve ever owned.
They provide a crisp view and really enhance the object.
2 people found this helpful
Andrew –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for a hiker in PNW
I’ve recently moved to the PNW and this binoculars didn’t let me down on my first trip when I encountered eagles, owls and other birds. They are very powerful and solidly built for its price. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
Dirk –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very handy and great viewing experience
I upgraded from $30 binoculars and it was totally worth the money. Easy to use and great viewing experience. I use it on the boat or when I am out in the woods with the dogs.
One person found this helpful
S. Kennedy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great binocs with great support from the company
I am not an optics expert, however here is my experience. When I was teenager in the 80s and interested in birding my father inexplicably bought me a pair of Leica binoculars. One of the greatest gifts I ever recieved. They were and still are pretty great. However, after using some other people’s modern cheaper binoculars I did some research and decided to give these a try. They are astonishing. Bright and sharp images. Noticeably better than my Leicas, which now serve as backups only. However, after several years of use one of the plastic eye piece cups fell off and got lost. Such a simple little piece pretty much made the binoculars useless. I was about to look into 3D printing a replacement when I decided it was worth it to try to contact the company. I found an email address and explained what happened. After sending a picture to clarify the missing piece Athlon sent me a new plastic eye piece cup promptly and at no charge! After a few dabs of super glue I am back in business. That is my story and I am sticking with it!
23 people found this helpful
Pete H –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Binoculars at a Great Value
These 8×42 binoculars with ED glass provide razor sharp views, and the close focus is very excellent. I’m using it to watch birds at my bird feeders. These glasses are a real value for the price.
3 people found this helpful
Donald Murphy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Optics, Best Value
Ever since I read a review in Wirecutter I wanted these binoculars. However, what I had really longed for was a pair of Swarovskis, but I couldn’t bring myself to pay that kind of money. While these are not quite as good as Swarovski they come close. I was lucky with my first test as there was an American kestrel on a wall hunting large beetles. It was about 50 yards away. The color, detail and clarity were outstanding. I was also lucky because at the same time there was a rufous necked sparrow on another wall only about 20 feet away. I could see clearly every single feather and detail of color. The focusing from one bird to the other was as smooth as silk. These have fast become my favorite binoculars. I also had a chance to compare them to a friend’s 10X42 Nikon Aculon A211’s. There is a noticeable difference in the overall optics. I prefer the 8 power over 10 power for a number of reasons, but the Athlon binoculars were noticeably better when it came to clarity, light capture and just about every other measure. I highly recommend these binoculars.
7 people found this helpful
Marc Wexler –
5.0 out of 5 stars
These are spectacular, really!
Simply put…what I am able to see with these binoculars is stunning. I’m lucky enough to live right next to a large greenspace and a lake. So there are lots of opportunities to see birds and lots of wildlife. I’ve been using a very nice pair of Olympus binoculars up to now and the difference between the new pair and the old are night and day. Everything in brilliant color and detail. Quick focus made it easy to track moving birds. Excellent light gathering allowed me to see clearly in low light conditions. I do not have a pair of Leica or Swarovski to compare against, but if they are visually better than these it can only be by an infinitesimal amount. If you’re looking for really good birding binoculars at a reasonable price, buy yourself a pair.
17 people found this helpful
Re Vue –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top quality, bright image, true color
I bought this to replace a 1990 Bausch & Lomb Birder Elite 8×42 set of binocs that could not be repaired. I’d not heard of Athlon as a brand of binoculars until I asked my associates online for their favorite brands & models. This one, and the Vortex, were mentioned. I bought both in 8×42 to compare, and loved them both, AND kept them both! The Athlon has a slightly thicker feel than the Vortex, and is more comfortable in my male hands. The Vortex is slightly thinner, feels like a more petite feel, and my wife immediately glommed onto them–she loves them. Both do a fine job of having great eye relief (we both wear glasses), a wide field of view (making it easier to find the birds), and quick-focus of bright optics. The Athlon’s optics are slightly brighter than the Vortex, making the Athlon image feel slightly more true than the Vortex. The Vortex focuses closer at 5.5′, versus the Athlon’s 7′. Not a big deal unless you’re doing a lot of butterfly or insect identification right at your feet. I’m very happy with both, and would happily buy them again at need. I have no problem recommending either.
4 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best binoculars I’ve ever owned!
These binocs are tough, very quick and easy to focus, super comfortable and most important, the best set I’ve ever owned. Period.
catreader –
5.0 out of 5 stars
See the Stars
Lightweight and conpact. Excellent choice
2 people found this helpful
kandoro –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best 8×42 Binocs Under $1000…
I know after reading all these positive reviews on how great these optics are on the Athlon Midas 8×42, one probably thinks they were paid to review…The fact is, these Midas 8×42’s are that good…You know sometimes when a product is designed it ends up exceeding all expectations…Everything designed just fell into place perfectly…In fact these Midas 8×42’s were hard to improve on and frankly they haven’t in my opinion…I know the Cronus cost twice as much but they are no better than the Midas…I have a feeling that Athlon didn’t make a Cronus 8×42 because they knew the Midas could not be beat…I have purchased five pair of these Midas 8×42 to see if any were better, but they all were just perfect and tack sharp…They are now so inexpensive they could be considered a steal…Buy them…
8 people found this helpful
Stackie7104 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great For Birdwatching
Got these for birdwatching and they are prefect. The most noticeable thing, especially in comparison to creeper pairs is the field of vision. It is a lot wider and thus easier to find birds with. It is also very easy to focus. I would highly recommend them!
5 people found this helpful
Larry –
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like them
Compact, not too heavy, good clear image, good field of view, smooth adjustment. Good value for the price. Listed as for “adults and kids” but these are not a kid’s toy.
3 people found this helpful
M. A. Hladik –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great binos!
I’m not a glass expert and I know you can get incredible binos for big bucks but I mainly do bird watching and nothing that I need to reach way out to see. I purchased the newer gen ones as well but just didn’t like the feel so I kept these. They feel good in my hands and are crystal clear! One bonus that I wasn’t looking for is that they are amazing in low light. I’m truly blown away by how much you can see if there is any ambient light out. If you can find them on sale I would snatch a pair up. They go with me everywhere.
3 people found this helpful
Susan M Donofrio –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really good value for the price
Using for trip to see some wonderful scenery .
Michael W Bahnick –
5.0 out of 5 stars
As expected
Heard good things about these binoculars and they do not disappoint!
Ux4 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to find a better binoc at this price.
I’ve tried out six binoculars over the last several weeks. This is the keeper! Not only is the MIDAS meeting all of the expectations of a fine ED binoc, but it is also certainly competing with glass that costs hundreds more. I am trying to avoid duplicating other reviews by merely saying that this is an excellent binocular.One thing that I noted that I did not read in other reviews is this: THE ATHLON 8X42 IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST AT DAMPING INTERNAL REFLECTIONS. None of the others that I tried out came close to matching the Athlon. In addition, the close-focus was less than 6.5 feet.I bought the item specifically for birding, with all other possible applications in mind. My latest catch was a red-headed woodpecker on a tele wire about 40 feet away. Exquisite colors, Exquisite resolution showing the details of every red feather on its head. I also caught Comet NeoWise later that night.I highly recommend this binocular without reservation.
One person found this helpful
Gary Howell –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant product
Everything about this product is better than expected = quality! Great carry-bag, lovely lens clarity, precise easy adjustment, superior dust covers. Could not ask more for the cost.
4 people found this helpful
Samia L. Hollinger –
5.0 out of 5 stars
crisp, sharp image
I started looking for binoc’s after another manufacturer would not honor their lifetime warranty. WIRECUTTER recommended this pair above all others and they have not yet steered me wrong. The price was a bit high I thought, until I received them. Wow, what a crisp image! If you are looking for binoc’s for birding, just start with these. I see all the small details you need for accurate identification using these glasses. If you are looking for entry-level binoc’s that are waterproof, start here.
4 people found this helpful
Georgi G. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really, really good binocular
In short – compared the Midas to Vortex Diamondback (which are pretty good for the money) it is significantly better: you will see noticeably more detail, FOV is awesome and I get less darkening towards the edges, at least with my eyes. It also feels very solid, though that comes at the expense of a tad extra weight (vs. Vortex). I have not seen through Vortex Vipers but I imagine the image quality being similar. Frankly, I can’t imagine getting better view until you are pass $1K and probably marginally better at that point. For me the extra $30-50 vs Diamondback was well worth.Side note – if you still want to go with Diamondback for whatever your reason might be – look for the non-HD version (I know it sounds crazy) but the one that still has the same body as the current HD, not the really old one: tried multiple HD ones and they all had noticeable color fringe at the white edges in bright sun, where none of the Diamondbacks non-HD had that negative, they were identical in every other regard. Hope this helps you any.
8 people found this helpful
sandra –
5.0 out of 5 stars
They are great
Great for the money .. i love them.
Alp Walker –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great binoculars. Why pay more?
Four weeks of birdwatching in and I find these binoculars to be terrific thus far. Very sharp optics, low internal reflections, great color rendering, good low light performance, very little ‘fringing’, reasonable ‘flat field’, handle well, are pretty light in weight, focusing is no problem (no stiffness after initial use), good lens covers. Of course a “top flight” binocular, Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica is going to be better, especially in terms of that ‘flat field’ effect, and probably in long-term reliability. Just maybe these top brands are 5% better in real field use conditions. But not four or five times better, and if you want that 5% better you are going to have to pay four to five times as much. My wife has a pair of Swarovski 8x32s. I’ve used the Swarovskis a fair bit. I prefer these Athlons. The Athlons are brighter and seem sharper and wider field, and handle better for me — they are just a little bit less ‘flat field’ in terms of edge to edge sharpness. And Zeiss glass does have that extraordinary brilliance, so I get that each brand has its strengths. So, whatever floats your boat — just saying that these binoculars float mine.
26 people found this helpful
Karl Erich Martell –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing quality for the money
I haven’t had a chance to give these a shakedown, but I’m impressed out of the gate. The Athlon Midas 8×42 HD ESD binoculars caught my attention when the New York Times’ Wirecutter review site gave them a high rating and compared the quality they delivered to that of much more expensive Leica glasses. After the NYT review went up, the price kept dropping here and – wow – you can get into this HD set for pretty much the same money as other decent makers’ binoculars that are at least a tier lower in performance. Anyhow, it made me willing to take a risk and I’m glad I did.Being cognizant of the optical innovations of the last 30 years, I was expecting a solidly decent set of binoculars. What I got was a pair of binoculars that – even with my reasonably high expectations – just sort of blew me away. The image is terrific, focus is a breeze (and, yes, it focuses down to c.2M with no issues) and – well, looking at my wife from across the room reminded me of when my eyes were young and I was able to look at her up close – wow, she’s pretty and wow, I’ve missed that.I got these to bring on my trips out into the desert wilds to help me decide the best paths to ascend/whether to bother going over there/etc., but there was a full moon last night and I can’t wait for dark to check out the moon with these.A couple of things to note: 1) the delivery was lightning-fast, even in these days of COVID-19, but the binocular box was just rattling around – no padding at all – inside the larger delivery box. Not how I’d treat quality optics. 2) Dang, they’re not light! They’re no trouble to carry in the case (hangs well across body or mounts to your belt) or suspended from your neck by the padded band, but they aren’t lightweight. 3) Focus almost seems a tiny bit gritty at a couple points – I’m going to keep an eye on how that works out, remembering the lifetime warranty. 4) The lens covers seem to work fine.
15 people found this helpful
Randy L. Shonkwiler –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Independant reviews said this was the best binocular for the price and it lives up to that!
This is the best binocular I’ve ever owned! Great optics and light weight, which is good for me as I have no car and spend several hours birding on foot at my local parks. The price is very reasonable, too.
2 people found this helpful
Martin R Stone –
5.0 out of 5 stars
very bright and clear
The binoculars are well built, they have a very solid feel. The focus knob is easy to focus with one hand and smooth. The views are bright and very clear and it does well at dusk.
2 people found this helpful
LATITUDES –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Optics and Excellent Price Point
Having used binoculars for well over 50 years on land, at sea, and from the air these offer the best of all considerations when buying a pair. They are easy to set into focus, the stay there even a hard day’s use, and they are tough yet light weight. Excellent value.
One person found this helpful
johnserinus –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely impressive optics
These are remarkable binoculars. For the price, the coatings and treatments that make up the quality of the optics are amazing. When they arrived I compared them side by side with my Swarovski SLC 10×42 bins. I genuinely found it very difficult to see any difference between the two instruments. If anything, the Athlon bins were slightly brighter, with better colour rendition. At under £300, that is truly impressive. They are not without fault. The twist up eye cups let the side down. Plastic, and feeling like they come from bargain bin binoculars. Three positions, down, middle, and up. They twist up smoothly, but in the middle and fully up positions there is noticeable play. The movement doesn’t detract from effective use, but it does show where the savings to achieve the low price are made. The body has a heft that suggests quality. Overall size and weight is good and will be comfortable to use for long periods. The ergonomics and rubberised armour are excellent despite the modernist visual styling. This model of Midas ED 8×42 is now discontinued and no longer features on the Athlon website. I could not buy them in the U.K. where I live, and had to order them from the the USA. They are still available to buy though and if you are looking for quality 8×42 bins at a reasonable price. Finding better ones than these, at this price, would be very difficult.
15 people found this helpful
Chris Beck –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crisp and clear views
I dithered about buying these because I wasn’t sure they’d be enough better than my older binoculars to justify the purchase. I was very happy to discover that these Athlon binoculars are many times better than my old binocs — lighter, with much brighter and clearer views, and very easy to focus quickly. Very pleased with my purchase!!
One person found this helpful
Danger –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great glasses for the price
Well constructed, opticals are sharp. I was using an older 8×32 commonly used by sailors, dealing with standing on a constantly moving vehicle. For static positions at least (I have not tried on a boat) these are superior.
One person found this helpful
Little Bunny –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bright and Clear
Bought these binoculars as a gift. We went on a bird watching walk and I was shocked how clear and bright everything looked. It was a lot of fun.They are extremely happy with this present.
donal c flanagan –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great product
Very good item great clarity and fantastic build quality
judy hevner –
5.0 out of 5 stars
You can see far away and the images are super clear. I would definitely purchase again.
I live out in the country. All kinds of wildlife to see. Now I can see them close up.
Jo Price –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great binoculars for backyard birding!
Our backyard is a nature preserve and I was looking for light weight binoculars that I could use to watch the birds come to my feeder. These are perfect. Because of their size and weight I can see the flittering of a bird then capture it in the binocular quickly. They are easy to focus and eye cups are comfortable. I would highly recommend these binoculars for serious and not so serious birders.
One person found this helpful
Bret –
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you are on the fence…climb over! These are everything you need in a binocular
I’m the type that browses back and forth between products before I choose because I want to be sure what I buy will meet my expectations, has good longevity and lastly, good value. I mostly use bins for birding, beach trips, the Zoo, and some hunting in the Northwest. I tried out many bins at retail stores over the last few months, as well as reading about each one I had interest in. Once I felt like I had gathered enough info I narrowed it down to these Athlon 8×42 or the Vortex Viper 8×42.I wanted something compact, crystal clear, and powerful enough for most of my outdoor needs. I want to note that Athlon and Vortex have very similar warranties, materials, and are both made in China. I went ahead and purchased the Athlon 8×42 after not really being impressed with the Vortex Viper 8×42. I have to tell you they are every bit as clear and then some compared to 500.00 to 800.00 bins from Vortex, Leupold and a number of other brands. They exceeded the quality of the Vortex viper 8×42 I compared them too for almost half the price. I also felt these were a closer match clarity wise to the vortex Razor 8×42. You can clearly see with good detail at 500 yards in open space. You can use these with very little outdoor light too. Magnification wise if you need to see any further than 500 yards you’d be better going with the 10×42 or 10×50. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these over the two brands above, and am very happy with the value for the dollar. I also purchased Athlon’s Ares 15x45x65 spotting scope. It too has the same clarity and quality along with some excellent features and cool extras you can add to it for shooting or sighting in your rifle at longer distances. Athlon has found a long time customer in me for sure.
31 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for birding
Light weight. Clear, bright vision.
Esther Bachmann –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buen producto
Buena visión, fácil manipuleo
Catherine Teasdale –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice binoculars
Very good quality
M. Night Shyam-alien –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing glass
Amazing glass, especially for the price.
Art F –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Wide Angle 8X Binocular
I live at the beach, and I am constantly watching the ocean (and all that comes by). I had a pair of 8X42 Porro Prism Olympus binoculars for many years that I really loved. Alas, I dropped them, and the prisms got jolted enough to ruin the image. I was in despair because they are no longer available. After much soul searching, I realized that the only thing to do is to get a better-quality binocular.I have been thoroughly enjoying my choice, the Athlon Optics Midas 8X42 Binoculars. Since they are roof prism binoculars, they are lighter and more compact than my former pair. I can gaze at the ocean and the horizon for extended periods of time without fatigue. They also sport a wider field of view than my former binoculars. I have used them for stargazing as well. We have a lot of light pollution where I live but with a 42mm objective and a 5mm exit pupil these binoculars work great for someone my age (older).The Athlon Optics Midas Binoculars come with handy objective lens covers that pop off and dangle. The attachment rings are secure so I can keep the objectives protected when not in use and quickly pop off the covers when I am ready to use. They have, of course, eyepiece covers, a neck strap and a carry case.Pros: 1. Excellent field of view 2. Flat field 3. Lightweight 4. Pop on/off objective covers 5. Carry case, neck strap, eyepiece coversCons: None
33 people found this helpful
Gordon S. –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Athlon Midas 8×42 binoculars
Overall I’d say they were high quality binocular, I would have retained them had the dealer who sold them to me not sold a store demo unit as the box was all torn-up, the Optics were all fingerprinted and smudged and for the price they were supposed to have been new… I wasn’t going to tolerate it, hence I return them.
Guy –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Choosing the right optics for bird watching
I spent quite some time trying to find the right pair of binoculars for my 22 year old daughter, who is an avid bird watcher and wildlife observer. She majored in biology and is very series about her birds.After purchasing this pair of ATHLON 8×42 binoculars as well as a vortex optics 8 x 42 …and a 10×42 ATHLON pair…. we compared all three side-by-side.After strict comparisons we both unanimously decided on the 10 x 42 ATHLON’s over the 8×42’s…and over the Vortex 8×42’s.We singled out specific objects, squirrels, and birds as well as stationary objects from 5 feet to 350 feet away in our backyard and surrounding trees… and were much more please with a 10 x 42’s sharpness and clarity.They cost a bit more than the 8 x 42’s but worth the slightly higher price in our opinions.They are obviously well suited for much larger ranges, but for strict comparison purposes, we used the distances I’ve shared.These 8×42 and the 10 x 42’s ATHLON Midas G2 versions come with a nice carry case with a heavy duty clip.The binoculars themselves come with a very nice padded strap for around your neck or shoulder.They also have nice rubber eyepiece guards that are removable and stay on the strap which is very convenient…. and the front lens covers also just flip down and also made of rubber and stay out of the way, but stay attached to binoculars which is very nice.Your left eye can be focused and then you can focus your right eye separately to get the perfect optics for whatever prescription eyes you have.The eyepiece itself has three settings for closeness, or for if you were glasses.They have very nice texture on the binoculars and an easy to reach central optics dialing knob.So ultimately, I returned the 8 x 42’s in favor of two pairs of the ATHLON 10 x 42’s …. one for me and one for my daughter.Go Enjoy nature..!!
23 people found this helpful
Design Logistics –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great binos
These are great, buy them. Prob not top of the line but very good for the price…
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Optics for the Money
The optics are bright and crisp.
David RemsenDavid Remsen –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great clarity, brightness and sharpness. A minor annoyance problem with the eyecup.
I first learned of this brand from a Wirecutter review that made a convincing argument for it over the Nikon Monarchs, which I also considered. I didn’t know the Athlon brand and would normally go with the established reputation of Nikon but decided to take a risk on this. I had a read a couple of critical reviews with complaints about the lens covers and caps, that I considered minor and a complaint about the focus adjustment requiring too much turning for a given change in focal adjustment.On receipt and a few weeks of use my impressions are entirely impressed with the optics. These binoculars are super bright and I’ve been telling my friends I wish I could just have these mounted on my head 24/7. The colors and sharpness and brightness are really great when compared to the Swift and Eagle Optics items I have for comparison. Im keen to have my ornithologist brother in law compare them to his very high end brands. I’m assuming they won’t be clear winners but my suspicion is he will be impressed and I will report back. For me, it’s a hugh improvement and I love using them.One relatively minor annoyance however. The rear lens cap assembly sits very tight on the eyecups. I was taking them off last week and the entire plastic eyecup came off inside the cover. Whatever adhesive is supposed to attach them let go and now the cup only sits quite loosely on the metal base. The binoculars have only been very lightly used since my purchase. I had them in my glove box for a few days in my truck but they’ve never been in full sunlight for any length of time other than around my neck. Any adhesive used for attaching would have to be able to handle that. I’d like to re-attach but want to make sure I use the appropriate adhesive. I don’t want some messy glue getting on the lens! This is more an annoyance than a game-changer for me but it cost them a star (for now).
11 people found this helpful
Dave –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absurd bang-for-buck optics.
I was skeptical of all the glowing reviews; this is a real review, I paid with my own money. Also – 10 min after placing my order I found a screaming deal on Athlon’s top of the line bins for not much more money… and they are made in japan. So I intended to send the Midas back, tell them I made a mistake. Then I made the mistake of opening the package and taking a look. My god – the clarity was something else! I’ve always had mediocre-at-best binoculars, and felt that my naked eye did a better job.. why bother with a small zoom when it looks like garbage and causes rapid eye fatigue? I also didn’t trust that Chinese manufacturing could match Japanese optics quality. Well things have really changed in the last 5 years. I was prepared to spend $500 on bins that weren’t toys, and I reluctantly started with these with the idea that I would be extraordinarily picky and just keep sending back if they didn’t match the lore. I am blown away by the optical quality… not just “for the price” but in general. How do these things get better? I struggle to find anything wrong with the image. Colors are exactly the same, no fringing, absurd detail and focus. The build quality is top-notch too. I tried the monarch 5 a few years ago and I wasn’t impressed, especially with the dull colors. I kind of think Athlon isn’t doing itself any favors with the low price – it makes people assume they are “toy-grade”. These should probably be closer to the $400-$500 range. I am not sending them back, but now I am looking at another pair of higher power bins, and will look at Athlon first, as now I can trust them.
25 people found this helpful
imageoptions –
5.0 out of 5 stars
brightest binoculars ever
These binoculars are fabulous, easy to focus and so bright. best feature is the ease of getting both eyes in focus for excellent viewing. great price
2 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
4.0 out of 5 stars
nice
I was a little disappointed in them, I was expecting to see images up very close, I guess u get what u pay for, but $300 didn’t get me very far, would be good for sporting events but not for bird watching
3 people found this helpful
R. W. Brandt –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very clear and crisp images
Easy to adjust and focus. Also easy for my wife, who doesn’t wear glasses, to adjust for her use.
MBHK –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Compares nicely to Nikon Monarchs
I haven’t had these long but I’ve been doing comparisons with my two other still functioning pairs of Nikon Monarch’s 8×42, which are consistently recommended as the best buy in this price category. I got these Athlon’s on sale and find them very comparable to the Monarch’s and so far slightly superior. They seem a little brighter and the image a little crisper. It could be older lenses vs. a brand new one but I haven’t had the Monarch’s that long. I’m switching because I have found the Monarch’s prone to breakage and it’s hard to get them repaired — I’m on my 4th pair in ten years. Going to see if this brand is more durable.
10 people found this helpful
chrissy bear –
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT optics but questionable quality control
Markedly superior (brighter, warmer, sharper) views relative to my trusty 10-year-old Nikon Monarch ATB 8×42. However, check your binocular as soon as you receive it to confirm the close focus limit, because the first Midas 8×42 that arrived had a >3m close focus point, so we returned it. The replacement focuses as closely as 2m (which meets the specs), which is great, but the eyepieces had water stains on them (how did those get there, if this is a new product?!), 99% of which were easily removed with my old LensPen.Update: each of the four pairs we’ve tried has had different build issues: two had focus knobs with noticeable play, two had close focus points that were longer than the specs, one folds down on itself when held up with one hand, one is too stiff and doesn’t bend easily, one had water spots on the eyepieces upon arrival, and one had a scratch on an objective lens and dust on the inside of the lens upon arrival. We eventually gave up and kept two of them. We’re going to give Athlon the benefit of the doubt, because we love the two pairs we have. If they have significant issues in the short-term, we’ll adjust this review…Update 10/31/2019: Although I still enjoy using the Athlon Midas 8×42, I find myself preferring my >10-year-old Nikon Monarch 8×42. As an advanced birder, I don’t need great image quality so much as I need to obtain a sharp image as quickly as possible. Songbirds are really fast, and the super-smooth Nikon focuses on them almost instantaneously. In contrast, the Athlon takes much longer to acquire focus, partly because of a shallower depth of field, partly because the focus knob is stiffer, and partly because the knob needs to be turned more than that of the Nikon.Update 12/2019: The binocular strap broke the other day, from the plastic attachment to one side of the instrument. I was lucky to catch the binocular before it fell onto concrete!Update 12/2021: My Athlon Midas developed “diopter creep” and possibly also went out of alignment, so I had to use Athlon’s warranty, which is EXCELLENT: for the low cost of shipping, they sent me a new copy within 2 weeks that’s superior to the first! Their customer service is also professional and responsive. For these reasons, I’m bumping the score back up to a 5. You can’t beat an excellent warranty.Update 5/11/2023: We have 3 copies of this binocular now, use each of them regularly, and they are all working well. I lost a lens cap on an intense, excellent birding day, and Athlon’s customer service responded promptly and sent me a new lens cap for free!
329 people found this helpful
Amazon User –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great binoculars. Reasonable price.
Amateur (but reasonably competent) birder. Second pair of binoculars. Looking for something just a bit snazzier than my (very trusty) Celestron Nature DX 8 x 42, which I still have. Tried multiple different sets of binoculars, including the same Celestron but with ED glass and Nikon M7, both in 8 x 42. With the Celestron just didn’t feel enough of a bump in quality to justify another set of binoculars. Optics on the Nikon were superb but the locking diopter drove me insane as a glasses-wearer, and of course it was much more expensive. Optics on this Athlon 8x 42 equivalent to Nikon. Smooth movement. Feels durable. Diopter works just fine. Also excellent value. Looking forward to using more.
22 people found this helpful