12.02.2009
Atlas Optics Sky King 8x42
Apart from its lack of name recognition, the Atlas Optics Sky King 8x42 at $199.99 is one of the best binocular deals on the market right now. Its optical quality compares very favorably, and sometimes exceeds, binoculars that cost nearly twice the price. When I bought my 8x42 EO Rangers nearly ten years ago, I would have loved to have had the Sky King as an available option. A view through the Sky King makes it obvious that improvements in optical engineering and technology have come a long way since that time. Compared to other binoculars in its price class, the Sky King topped out on features like contrast, edge-to-edge sharpness, and center resolution. Other specifications, like Eye Relief (17mm), Close Focus (6 feet), and a Field of View of 365 feet at 1,000 yards are well within the ranges that qualify it as a winner. The Sky King’s only negative characteristic is its 26.7-ounce weight, but this is still lighter than a typical high-end binocular.
Link: Atlas Optics Sky King 8x42