Leupold is the Optics Authority of America. With 100 years of history in America they have been creating and refining optics for many purposes. These engineers have made optics for hunting and birdwatching and super high tech military needs. Optical precision and care in construction cannot be beat. Leupold is a company that is designed for success and will outlast recessions like the one we have right now.
Leupold Compact binoculars are favorites of mine. Because I use binoculars for field explorations and work I want something lightweight, durable and compact and easy to pack. The Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series is one I consider worth looking at. It folds really small for packing. These compact binoculars weigh less than 15 ounces.
By comparison, the Katmai Compact binoculars offer full-size features and weigh only 18.9 ounces plus they are only 4.1 inches long. Both have fully coated lenses to provide the best clarity, light transmission and good contrast. Both have rugged and waterproof casings. I learned that all Leupold binoculars are fog-proof and waterproof and all of them have had their internal parts purged with nitrogen to ensure the best visibility and highest quality optical preparation.
Both the Katmai and the Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series come with in black casings. An added feature for the Olympic series is the optional mossy oak tree camo colored casing. You will need to choose between 8x25 or 10x25 with the Olympic series. Both of these sizes fit my compact criteria. My preference is 8X25 because it is easier for me to scan the field at that magnification than it is at 10x25.
The specs and application information available at the Leupold site are exceptionally detailed and helpful. It makes comparing binoculars incredibly easy and practical.
Both of these Leupold binoculars are superb. It is primarily a matter of personal preference and perhaps size that will make the difference for your purchasing decision. By size I refer to the distance between your pupils relative to the interpupillary distance of the binoculars. Both are about 60-70 mm. The difference between the exit pupils is less than 1 mm. I really like the Katmai because it uses full-size components in a sturdy compact optical instrument.
The Olympic Dual Hinge Series has a close focus range that is nearly twice that of the Katmai Compacts. That means at 4 feet away you can still use the Katmai binoculars for closeup magnification. The Olympics stop providing clear focus at the close range of about 8 feet. In the field, it is less likely to be a concern because the birds I am watching are rarely closer than 8 feet anyhow.
Nonetheless the Katmai has full size eye cups which are good for people who wear glasses, which I do. That could be the primary point that makes me swing toward these gems for my new birdwatching binoculars. The Katmai Compact Binoculars are available in 6x32, 8x32 or 10x32 magnification. My preference is 8x32. They are comfortable in my hands and sturdy enough to be my primary binoculars. It is not possible to go wrong with Leupold binoculars.
Leupold Compact binoculars are favorites of mine. Because I use binoculars for field explorations and work I want something lightweight, durable and compact and easy to pack. The Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series is one I consider worth looking at. It folds really small for packing. These compact binoculars weigh less than 15 ounces.
By comparison, the Katmai Compact binoculars offer full-size features and weigh only 18.9 ounces plus they are only 4.1 inches long. Both have fully coated lenses to provide the best clarity, light transmission and good contrast. Both have rugged and waterproof casings. I learned that all Leupold binoculars are fog-proof and waterproof and all of them have had their internal parts purged with nitrogen to ensure the best visibility and highest quality optical preparation.
Both the Katmai and the Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series come with in black casings. An added feature for the Olympic series is the optional mossy oak tree camo colored casing. You will need to choose between 8x25 or 10x25 with the Olympic series. Both of these sizes fit my compact criteria. My preference is 8X25 because it is easier for me to scan the field at that magnification than it is at 10x25.
The specs and application information available at the Leupold site are exceptionally detailed and helpful. It makes comparing binoculars incredibly easy and practical.
Both of these Leupold binoculars are superb. It is primarily a matter of personal preference and perhaps size that will make the difference for your purchasing decision. By size I refer to the distance between your pupils relative to the interpupillary distance of the binoculars. Both are about 60-70 mm. The difference between the exit pupils is less than 1 mm. I really like the Katmai because it uses full-size components in a sturdy compact optical instrument.
The Olympic Dual Hinge Series has a close focus range that is nearly twice that of the Katmai Compacts. That means at 4 feet away you can still use the Katmai binoculars for closeup magnification. The Olympics stop providing clear focus at the close range of about 8 feet. In the field, it is less likely to be a concern because the birds I am watching are rarely closer than 8 feet anyhow.
Nonetheless the Katmai has full size eye cups which are good for people who wear glasses, which I do. That could be the primary point that makes me swing toward these gems for my new birdwatching binoculars. The Katmai Compact Binoculars are available in 6x32, 8x32 or 10x32 magnification. My preference is 8x32. They are comfortable in my hands and sturdy enough to be my primary binoculars. It is not possible to go wrong with Leupold binoculars.
About the Author:
Ready to buy new birding binoculars? Carin Nightingale is a writer who loves birding and birds with the best from east to west. Check her information about Leupold binoculars here. When you want to know more about the birds you see, sign up for the Better Birding E Course - the KISS Method.

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