Review of Brunton Eterna Series Binoculars
By Matt Smith

Binoculars for me are one of those love/hate relationships much like my 35 mm camera and tripod. When ever I have them with me, I kick myself for carrying the extra weight, and when ever I leave them home, I kick myself for not bringing them. Inevitably I end up needing them to scout a route, spot wildlife, or pick out the tree that got blasted by lightning the night before.

Brunton's Eterna Series has a binocular for everyone, from a lightweight 8x25 compact model to the top of the (Eterna) line 7x42 full size version. The rugged rubberized coating and neoprene case (i.e. the BinoGlove)help to protect your investment whether in your pack or your glove box. The phase coated lenses deliver great clarity even at close range.

Adjustable eye pieces facilitate using the binoculars with or without glasses (or sunglasses). The focus mechanism seems to offer the best of both worlds by adjusting both quickly and accurately. I was very pleased with the overall performance of the mid-size version I tested. Clarity was superb while glare and "halos" were virtually non-existent even in reflected light.

The attached lens covers do a good job of keeping dust off the lenses, though on ocassion I wished I could take them off. The BinoGlove is an excellent carrying case. I found the thick, padded neck strap comfortable both around my neck or slung over one shoulder. The only real downside I noticed is the BinoGlove is designed to allow use of the binoculars without removing them from the case, however, due to the length of the case either the lens caps on the eye pieces or the lens caps on the primary lenses can't open completely while the binoculars are in the case.

Summary: With prices ranging from $200 to $450, the Eterna series is a good balance between cost and quality. Overall I was pleased with their performance and would recommend them for general use.

For more information contact:
Brunton
www.brunton.com
620 East Monroe Avenue
Riverton, WY 82501 USA
Phone: 307.856.6559
Fax: 307.856.1840
Orders: 800.443.4871
info@brunton.com

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and dislikes having fish in his sleeping bag.