I'm the type that browses back and forth between products before I choose because I want to be sure what I buy will meet my expectations, has good longevity and lastly, good value. I mostly use bins for birding, beach trips, the Zoo, and some hunting in the Northwest. I tried out many bins at retail stores over the last few months, as well as reading about each one I had interest in. Once I felt like I had gathered enough info I narrowed it down to these Athlon 8x42 or the Vortex Viper 8x42.
I wanted something compact, crystal clear, and powerful enough for most of my outdoor needs. I want to note that Athlon and Vortex have very similar warranties, materials, and are both made in China. I went ahead and purchased the Athlon 8x42 after not really being impressed with the Vortex Viper 8x42. I have to tell you they are every bit as clear and then some compared to 500.00 to 800.00 bins from Vortex, Leupold and a number of other brands. They exceeded the quality of the Vortex viper 8x42 I compared them too for almost half the price. I also felt these were a closer match clarity wise to the vortex Razor 8x42. You can clearly see with good detail at 500 yards in open space. You can use these with very little outdoor light too. Magnification wise if you need to see any further than 500 yards you'd be better going with the 10x42 or 10x50. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these over the two brands above, and am very happy with the value for the dollar. I also purchased Athlon's Ares 15x45x65 spotting scope. It too has the same clarity and quality along with some excellent features and cool extras you can add to it for shooting or sighting in your rifle at longer distances. Athlon has found a long time customer in me for sure.

I live at the beach, and I am constantly watching the ocean (and all that comes by). I had a pair of 8X42 Porro Prism Olympus binoculars for many years that I really loved. Alas, I dropped them, and the prisms got jolted enough to ruin the image. I was in despair because they are no longer available. After much soul searching, I realized that the only thing to do is to get a better-quality binocular.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my choice, the Athlon Optics Midas 8X42 Binoculars. Since they are roof prism binoculars, they are lighter and more compact than my former pair. I can gaze at the ocean and the horizon for extended periods of time without fatigue. They also sport a wider field of view than my former binoculars. I have used them for stargazing as well. We have a lot of light pollution where I live but with a 42mm objective and a 5mm exit pupil these binoculars work great for someone my age (older).

The Athlon Optics Midas Binoculars come with handy objective lens covers that pop off and dangle. The attachment rings are secure so I can keep the objectives protected when not in use and quickly pop off the covers when I am ready to use. They have, of course, eyepiece covers, a neck strap and a carry case.

Pros:
1. Excellent field of view
2. Flat field
3. Lightweight
4. Pop on/off objective covers
5. Carry case, neck strap, eyepiece covers

Cons: None

I upgraded from $30 binoculars and it was totally worth the money. Easy to use and great viewing experience. I use it on the boat or when I am out in the woods with the dogs.

These are great, buy them. Prob not top of the line but very good for the price...

Lightweight and conpact. Excellent choice