Excellent Optical Quality

By Leo on 12/6/2017

For its price, the SWFA SS 12X binocular brings you the same "goodness" we expect in the SWFA SS rifle scopes. For what most other 10X binoculars go for, you get 12X and a very functional mil reticle.



The binocular is made in Japan, not like the vast majority of consumer-grade optics these days. It comes with ocular and objective lens covers, a carrying case, and neck strap.



The optical performance is excellent considering the cost of the SWFA SS 12X. There is some loss of sharpness at the edges of the field of view, as is to be expected with any binocular, but no barrel or pincushion distortion. Twilight performance is also quite good, with usable contrast in low light.



Although the SWFA 12X is center focus, each ocular has its own adjustment. That way you can fine tune focus with the ranging reticle. The reticle is excellent; it does not cover or obscure the field of view as with a military reticle. It allows horizontal or vertical angular measurement from the edge of an otherwise unobstructed field of view.



There are no instructions for rigging the objective cover to the neck strap; you'll have to use your imagination. I recommend instead getting a pair of Butler Creek #26 flip-up scope caps for the objectives.



