6x32/8x42/10x42/10x50/12x50/12x56/15x56 APO Binoculars

The 6x32 is excellent wide angle binocular, I really like the sharp, contrasty image

I’m very happy with my 12x50s. My one regret is not getting the optional eye cups. I didn’t know about them initially, then convinced myself my nose wasn’t that big when I read a few more reviews and heard about them. But after some use I’m now wishing I’d bought them to try. Shipping them to Canada almost doubles the cost for me to test the theory that they fit me better enough to matter. It would have been nice to be given the option of either size during purchase, or a suggestion to add them on to the order during checkout.

I received the Banner Cloud APO 12x50 binoculars, and I am very impressed. These are 95% of a Swarovski NL 12x50 for 1/5 the costs! They have the same huge FOV and the same tack sharp edges, but they don't have the glare the NL's have. The build quality is also impressive. The focuser is silky smooth, the eye cups work flawlessly, and the IPD tension is perfect. The accessories are very nice for the price point. The new smaller 44mm eye cups make all the difference in the world and for me are the perfect size. These are very impressive binoculars for the price, and I can see why they are all sold out. When they are in stock again, I am definitely going to buy some of the other sizes.

Service and delivery was very good with Sky Rover being responsive to my enquiries.

The optics are of a very high standard. They are sharp across with little discernible softening towards the edges. No evidence of chromatic aberration. High level of light transmission with a very immersive and superb image. I wear spectacles and require a good amount of eye relief. I like at least 18 mm. These are advertised as offering 18 mm of eye relief. I was able to enjoy an immersive image.

I purchased the 12x50 model. My main use for them will be nature observation, bird watching along with some astronomy. I

They have cut some corners, thankfully not with optics. In my opinion you would be lucky to find binoculars with this level of excellence optical quality at this price point. I paid $609 which equates to about £450. I bought directly from Sky Rover as opposed from Ali Express. Despite having to pay a delivery charge, it was cheaper (and potentially safer), to buy them directly

Now for the caveats. As mentioned, corners have been cut. I appreciate this may happen to keep the price down, However as mentioned, no compromises with the binocular’s optical excellence.

The neck strap is poor and cheaply made. No big deal. Either replace it with a good quality strap or potentially use a harness. The rubber armour is very thin. Do not drop them. The screw thread cover on the adapter point where you attach an adapter to mount the binoculars to a tripod is flimsy. It is extremely fiddly to remove and to put back on again. Not ideal if I am in a dark area doing a spot of star gazing. It will probably be lost in the very near future. I can hand hold them but at 12 magnification, I would prefer to mount them on a tripod for prolonged use.

In fairness the binocular bag looks quite decent. The attachment points are plastic. I am uncertain about their durability over the longer term. However a more robust bag can be substituted.

If the above caveats had not been in existence, I would have awarded five stars.

I am happy to recommend these binoculars, although you may wish to carry out the above substitutions.

The Banner Clouds are great! Eye relief is adequate for glasses. The AFOV is huge and the image quality is almost flawless. There is a slight softness at the very edge of the FOV, but you really have to look for it.

The depth of field is one of it's most impressive qualities. The fact that so much of the view is in focus gives it more of a 3D feel. I was especially impressed by the views of flowers, so I took it to the Butterfly Pavilion. It delivered spectacular views with the butterfly and entire flower in focus. However, the close focus is not as close as I would like. This would be less of an issue in the wild than in an enclosed exhibit.