Worth A Look: Burris Signature Select 8×42 Binocular

The classic look and pleasing feel of this roof prism binocular weren’t unusual or surprising, but soon after I picked it up, I became a fan of it. Glancing at the specs, the Burris Signature Select has all the features one would want:  a decent close focus (10′) for viewing the bird feeder out front, sturdy construction with water/ fogproofing, ample eye relief for eyeglass wearers, a generous field of view, and a relatively light weight at about 23 ounces.

Looking through the binocular, it was easy to appreciate the workmanship and quality of materials that provide the overall image quality of the Burris Signature Select. The view has an impressive clarity and brightness that, in my opinion, makes it a real bargain at the special price of $389.00. I liked the sharpness of color definition it afforded, the smooth-moving focus wheel, and the overall comfort in the hand. While I found the mechanics of the locking diopter (located on the focus wheel in the center) to be a bit awkward, it didn’t dissuade my general impression. To me, the Signature Select surpassed the optical quality of some binoculars in the $500-$600 range. This model is also available in a 10×42. I highly recommend it.

Originally published on June 17, 2010