Athlon Optics 10x42 Neos G2 HD Binoculars with Eye Relief for Adults and Kids, High-Powered Binoculars for Hunting, Birdwatching, and More

I have recently become an 'addict' of Athlon binoculars. The Neos G2 10x42 HD is my most recent acquisition for USD 105 (incl. shipping and import). I previously bought and still use the first generation composite bodied Argos 8x34 HD (USD 164 incl. shipping and import), the magnesium alloy Midas G2 8x42 UHD (USD 363 incl. shipping and import), and the magnesium alloy Cronus G2 10x42 UHD (USD 655 incl. shipping and import). (Today, some of these prices are significantly lower.)It is not quite fair to compare between 8x and 10x magnification, the above given price progression reflects my personal preference. It is true that I mostly use the two 8x Argos and Midas -- because I can hand-hold them. However, the Cronus on a tripod is supreme. So why did I buy the "cheap" Neos? Primarily because of curiosity and because the Neos was so affordable. To a lesser extent, I was influenced by the very positive customer reviews. The 5 stars I gave to Neos do not reflect their performance compared to my Cronus -- they reflect my opinion of their value of the "ridiculously good optics" for the price. The Cronus are worth the more than six-fold price to me, because I can afford it -- not because I see 6 times better through them.I am not going to repeat the freely available technical data. Instead, I mention the few things that caught my attention. The field (or angle) of view of the Neos 10x42 is specified as 5.8 degrees. This is on the narrow side compared to 8.1 degrees of Midas, but it does not seem restrictive to my eyes in any way. The clarity and sharpness in the middle of the view is of very high quality. The close focus distance of my copy is 4.5 meters -- a little longer than I expected. (For example, my Midas focuses down to 1.5 meters!) The only negative thing I found is the plastic focusing knob of Neos. With dry hands in cold weather, it feels a little slippery -- the almost frictionless focusing knob of the Argos has spoiled me. But this is really nit-picking. On the positive side, the Neos is lightweight compared to Cronus: 650 grams against 790 grams.Obviously, I do not need the Neos if I keep the Cronus. I will not give up my Cronus. So, my son is very happy with the Neos in his work in nature reserves. He has no problem hand-holding 10x binoculars and prefers them over the 8x magnification.

These are very good, wide view binoculars. Buy them if you want a relatively inexpensive pair of excellent lenses. They're well made, easy to carry, and attractive. The person to whom we gave the glasses as a gift loves them.

Not knowing or reading a single thing about these binoculars I just ordered them at the last minute for a hiking trip and we couldn't be more impressed with them. I'm no expert in binoculars, I imagine the pair I replaced were 25+ years old but I can't even compare this set with that old set. I have a very large Celestron set of binoculars I use for night sky viewing but these are actually than those to the point I don't even use that set now. During the recent lunar eclipse these were the only set I used and they were perfect.The little tripod adapter even came in handy although it's in weird location so it takes a little figuring out to use.These might be considered a little bit large for hiking, I just wanted one pair for hiking, camping you name it and these fit the bill perfectly.Highly recommend

First the Pros: These binoculars are very well made and feel excellent in hand. The textured armor has a nice grippy feel without being too rubberized and confidence inspiring. The overall quality is excellent and above average for the price. The premium box it comes in also gives the sensation of a premium product.Cons: I would have kept the Neos if the optics were better. Sharpness and clarity are underwhelming and average at best. The center is fine but the sharpness falls off quickly as you look towards the outer view. FOV is also below par, very narrow at around 319ft @ 1000yds according to specs. (10x42 version); FOV is equivalent to binos with higher magnification. I also noticed a lot of chromatic aberration and fringing in bright conditions which is annoyingly distracting. Comparing the NEOS HD G2 to the Celestron Trailseeker or Diamondback HD with the same magnification, the difference is night and day. I realize the two are in the next price bracket but optically a big leap forward in every respect.The NEOS and Talos are very well made and serviceable but a let down for me optically. I really like the brand and have high regards for what they are trying to do in the marketplace.... Unfortunately, the NEOS/Talos is just okay. Good attempt for the low price. My recommendation is to spend a little more to get better glass. I think the Argos might be a better bet.

Great value. Bought these for my wife. I have the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are slightly more refined but glass quality seems similar. At half the cost they are a much better value. I would recommend these to anyone who wants an extra pair or for kids or for yourself. I am of the camp that if you're gear is good enough you'll have no excuses. More expensive gear isn't necessarily worth it depending on what you value. Hunting is an expensive hobby and I always cut corners if I can get away with it. Rely more on myself than the quality of my gear. Spend more time in the field and less at the office. Retire sooner hunt more haha

I've owned much more expensive birding bins. This is just as good -- certainly as good as low/mid level Nikons. And at $100 they're totally acceptable. (Much) more expensive bins are great, but for an entry level (or spare pair) these are quite good. My second pair -- gave the first ones away.

The moto on the box says it all "Ridiculously good optics". The eye relief adjustment is a great feature for one like me that wears glasses. Binoculars easy to operate. I just can't believe how great the operation of these "Bino" is.The clarity is crisp at amazing distances. I recommend these binoculars to any sportsman, hunter, birder, survivalist, hiker, pretty much any use.Dan

product delivers as was promised.