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REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars

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An excellent value, the REI XR 8 x 42 binoculars are compact and lightweight enough to go just about anywhere and deliver outstanding imaging.

Fully multicoated lenses using anti-reflective coatings provide superb light transmission, even in low light
BaK4 prisms match the optical system to enhance image quality, brightness and resolution to discern fine detail at long distances
Roof-prism style is less bulky and more compact than traditional or porro prism styles, making it much easier to hold and carry
Long eye relief enhances viewing comfort by reducing eye strain regardless of whether user is wearing eyeglasses or not
Twist up/down eyecups make it easy for eyeglass wearers to enjoy a full field of view
Shockproof, rubberized aluminum body construction for rugged use in the field; water- and fog-proof thanks to sealed O-rings and nitrogen filling
Excellent close focus ability allows user to enjoy a sharp view of images at a short distance
Includes carry case, neck strap, lens cleaning cloth and instructions for usage
Great for bird watching, travel, sports spectating and nearly any outdoor adventure

Imported.

Item 759472

$37.99

with coupon code ANNV13
May 17-27 Details

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REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars

4.7

(based on 15 reviews)

93%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Quality lenses (12)
Strong construction (12)
Compact (10)
Close focus (9)
Waterproof (8)

Cons

Best Uses

Bird watching (10)
Wildlife viewing (9)
Hunting (4)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (8), Avid adventurer (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (9)

Reviewed by 15 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Apr

2013

4.0

Great glass for the money

By IRCJDC

from Eastern Sierras

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Close Focus
Compact
Quality Lenses
Strong Construction
Waterproof

Cons

Best Uses

Hunting
Wildlife Viewing

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

Great binos for scouting wildlife and hunting. Image is very clear and sharp, and allows you to pick out small details at range. The focus is simple to operate. They are solid and have a quality feel to them. I have used mine regularly, and shared them with my young children and they are still in great shape. I had considered a pair that cost 2 1/2 X the REI pair, but saved the $ and have been happy.

Comment on this review

Dec

2012

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great optics for hiking/birding

By Nedrom

from Phoenix, AZ

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Close Focus
Lightweight
Quality Lenses
Strong Construction
Waterproof
Works Well With Glasses

Cons

Best Uses

Bird Watching
Wildlife Viewing

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

I originally found a pair of these at a REI garage sale. The eye cup rings were broke, but I was able to glue them back together. However the optics were great. That was two years ago, and now these have become my primary binoculars for the field (over a new pair of REI 8 x 32 waterproof binos). When we take them into the field with other people, they are always surprised how clear and large the images are. My wife and I bought a pair for her parents Costa Rica trip and they loved them.

Comment on this review

Dec

2012

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Awesome Clarity

By Rick Outdoors everything

from Washougal, WA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Close Focus
Compact
Lightweight
Quality Lenses
Strong Construction
Waterproof
Works Well With Glasses

Cons

Best Uses

Fishing
Hunting
Wildlife Viewing

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

I use these for just about everything - from hunting to observing other fishermen on the Columbia River to watching elk come out of the trees while out camping. They are light enough not to cause any extra burden in the pack and are very well suited for glasses (which I have). My wife, who is quite petite, appreciates the fact that they quickly adjust to her physical features for viewing comfort.

Comment on this review

Jul

2012

(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

A bit difficult to focus

By April Morsley

from Mill Creek, WA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Strong Construction
Waterproof

Cons

Difficult To Focus

Best Uses

Bird Watching

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

I like the padded strap and the case. They are not too heavy. They are difficult to focus and to keep in focus from one look at something to the next. The lens caps that are attached do not stay on, they keep popping off.

Comment on this review

Jul

2012

(0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Excellent binoculars

By Lovehiking

from San Diego

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Close Focus
Compact
Lightweight
Quality Lenses
Strong Construction
Waterproof

Cons

Best Uses

General use

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

Wonderful binoculars

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Binoculars

By jjjATL

from Atlanta, GA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Close Focus
Quality Lenses
Strong Construction
Works Well With Glasses

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

I use these primarily for bird watching. They have excellent clarity and brightness. The range of focus was better than the others in the store and allows real close-up views of birds at feeders close to the house.

The field of view is wider than other binoculars that claim larger numbers. This was tested in the REI store by looking at signage: More letters could be seen at same range with these than with others. The 42 lenses are a nice size - not too heavy and large - without sacrificing viewing brightness and quality. These also make a great make-shift zoom lens for taking wildlife pics with a cell-phone camera.

The diopter adjustment is quite tight at first but then easy after you move it one time. This is a GOOD thing because the setting does not shift with handling.

The attached lens covers are adequate for keeping things safe in a bag. The bag is a tad small for putting the neck strap in with the binoculars. The neck strap itself is very comfortable with good padding around the neck.

Very satisfied with this product.

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Solid for the $$

By lugmore

from Monroe, WI

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear optics
Comfortable to use
Easy focus adjustment
Good Value
Solid Feel

Cons

Carry case - too small
Eyepiece weakness

Best Uses

Bird Watching
General purpose
Wildlife Viewing

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

Overall was happy with the binoculars until one of the eyepieces came off as I was twisting to extend it. REI refunded me and now I am looking at a pair of Bushnell's after researching a bit. On the plus side the binos felt solid, well built with very good optical quality for the price. Some very, minor distortion of image at the edges but i have seen a lot worse. The carrying case was an annoyance as it was too small and was difficult to close the flap and secure the binos inside. I would definately recommend these binoculars as REI has a wonderful return policy should you happen to have an eyepiece problem. BOTTOM LINE: If you like these, they work for your eyes, buy them without hesitation.

Comment on this review

Apr

2012

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Binos, Light in hand, perfect view

By Cogger9

from Seattle WA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Close Focus
Lightweight
Quality construction
Quality Lenses
Quick to focus
Strong Construction
Waterproof
Works Well With Glasses

Cons

Everyone wants to borrow

Best Uses

Bird Watching
Sporting Events/Concerts
Wildlife Viewing

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

These are bright, easy to use, easy to focus binoculars. The light that pours through is brilliant, clear and sharp. They are great in low light such as forests and at dusk. They pull in the light as if by magic. They seem to cut through the mists and clouds.

The view is in focus from edge to edge. There is no fuzzy edge or halo effect. The wide view leaves nothing out. The sharpness is incredible and the wide angle shows you everything.

They practically jump right up to your eyes and illuminate the distant mountains. They are easy to use and although they are not compacts, I don't mind their weight, since they work so well. They are stable in the hand and I don't get tried holding them. They can be used one-handed if necessary. There is a threaded mounting point for a ¼ 20 thread screw to attach them to a mount. You would need an adapter to fix them to a tripod.

The 8 power magnification is perfect for viewing birds, sports, scenery and wildlife. I have a 12 power pair of other binoculars, but the 8 x 42 are now my go-to binoculars for almost everything. When you hold them up to your face the scene does not shake or bob around.

They are well made and I have no problem with their construction or use. The eye piece is easy to use for eye glass wearers or not. The strap is well made. They are a joy to use.

Comment on this review

Nov

2011

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Very Nice!

By NWDoc

from Seattle area

See all my reviews

Pros

Compact
Quality Lenses
Strong Construction
Waterproof

Cons

Best Uses

Bird Watching
Hunting
Wildlife Viewing

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

I looked around and tried a lot of brands. These were the best I found in this price range. Models costing twice as much weren't any better from what I could tell.

Then I got these outside for some real use. Love 'em! Optics are really good; the construction is solid; they stood up to the weather great; and they are relatively small and light. You'll pay a ton more to get something with comparable optics that is smaller and/or lighter than these.

Two nice touches that make a big difference to me: they're easy to focus with one hand, and the lens caps are attached so you don't lose them.

If you're looking for nice binoculars, I would suggest you take the time to look these over. I was ready to dismiss them as a pair of "store brand" binoculars. Glad I didn't!

Comment on this review

Oct

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great quality - good enough to buy twice

By AutreVie

from Houston, Texas

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Compact
Lightweight
Quality Lenses
Strong Construction
Waterproof

Cons

Tiny attachment points

Best Uses

Bird Watching
Wildlife Viewing

Comments about REI XR 8 x 42 Waterproof Binoculars:

Purchased these at local REI store 14 months ago, lost on a school field trip, and about to purchase a replacement pair.
These binoculars provide a stable, bright, clear image and are comfortable to use. Very good quality and value, good balance and feel, especially when used with a harness. The strap attachment points on each side are designed too small, though, so you need to some with a way to attach the harness. This is a problem with other binocular brands as well. Highly recommended!