[5 mm] These are excellent binoculars. I use them for handheld binocular astronomy. They inspire confidence: Fully multi-coated, waterproof, solid mechanics, comfortable in the hand. Most importantly, they see well: Stars are pinpoints. The Orion Nebula, the Beehive Cluster, and the Double Cluster in Perseus all appeared clear and beautiful. For 8x I expected it to split the double star Kuma (or Nu Draconis) in Draco, and it did. It also showed 2 of Jupiter's moons on a not-so-clear night as clear points (the other two moons were too close to the planet and so appeared as one). The 6 FOV is adequate. Daytime views are neutral, not tinted. I am not comparing them to 7x50, 10x50, or IS binoculars, as each of these display the skies differently, each having its own unique advantage over the others. But as 8x40s go, these are superb. Easy to grab and go, no need to mount, comfortable to use, with clear and pleasing views.

[Center] They are sharp and well collimated, easy to focus and very comfortable to use. I wear spectacles and I find the eye relief ample. The choice of 8x magnification works well with the 40mm objectives and the view is very bright. Everything from birds in the tree tops to stars in the sky are pinpoint sharp with great contrast and natural colour. The design is a well considered balance of everything you need in a general purpose binocular with a minimum of compromise and a great price. The internal focus works well and is likely to make the weather sealing effective. Everything about it is solid and easy to use. It's heavy at 900 grams and bulkier than a roof prism design, but for the price they are simply brilliant. The only thing not to like are the worse than useless lens covers - they simply won't stay on. They should be considered part of the packaging not part of the product. With reasonable care and an occasional clean the lenses will survive just fine even without the lens caps. I chose these over the Nikon 7x35 and 8x40 action extreme due to the Pentaxes better eye relief and internal focus. All in all I'm very happy and will likely get myself a pair of 20x60 Pentaxes to mount on a tripod for stargazing given my experience with these.

[5 mm] These are really nice for watching the birds at our feeders in the back yard. Focus adjusting is very simple and fast as we look at different distances.

[5 mm] The most comfortable binoculars in hand I ever held. Solid as a rock. Feels like military equipment. My wife, who could care less about cameras or optical devices, loves them. Razor sharp with great color, matching my Zeiss Victories and Kahles Austrian made glass. I don't think they are best for birding because the focus has a long throw that doesn't snap in like the Kahles. Also the objective lenses are closer together than most porros so the 3D punch is not quite as dramatic as for example my Swift 8.5x43s.....more like what you get from roofs. But I can't believe what you are getting for the money. They are my current favorites.

[8x] Great for outdoor activity: Birdwatching/ Fishing

[Center] Just used these at Magee Marsh for bird viewing and they were awesome. Crystal clear and very easy to use.

[5 mm] Great magnification for birding and a nice wide field of view as expected for an olympus product. Very nicely constructed and feel like much more expensive binoculars.

[Center] I'm not going to compare these to 4-figure binoculars from Swarovski (which I've tried, as a guide had them) or Zeiss. I will compare them to comparably priced options and a more expensive (and not nearly as good) pair an REI clerk had recommended to my wife a couple of years ago: in that regard, these are great. Olympus simply has superb optics, even in their mid-range and lower-priced lenses, and it shows in these binoculars. You don't have all the features (nitrogen filled, etc.) of much more expensive binoculars, but they are clear and bright, easy to use, offer decent relief, and are not too heavy or bulky. I like them. At 99 bucks they are terrific.

[Porro] Awesome binos!! I see them on the water, for stargazing, and out in the woods!! These accurately clear viewing, and allow a lot light in for day or night viewing. This is my 2nd pair of Ae model from Nikon, and shortly will be back for the 16x50's! But these are great for handheld, but also does have tripod mount! Nikon binoculars rock !!!

[5 mm] We have a feeder about 40 feet from our house and now I can see the birds in great detail. Very pleased.