Audubon Intrepid 8x40WP and 10x40WP
and Family 8x40 binoculars

Like the Audubon Equinox roof prism binoculars, also reviewed on Optics4Birding's review section, the full size Audubon Intrepid and Family binocular models are alternatives to more expensive binoculars. The Intrepids and Family models are porro prism binoculars manufactured for National Audubon by Sheltered Wings, USA. Starting at an MSRP of $69 for the non-waterproof 8x40 Family, and at $150 and $160 for the waterproof 8x40WP and 10x40WP models, the Audubon porro prism line represents a good value. While porro prism binoculars are not of the same design and solid optics as the more expensive Audubon Equinox line, they work well for less demanding uses like backyard birding and viewing sporting events.

Weighing in at 17.8 oz. for the non-waterproof 8x40 Family model and 22 oz. for the WP (waterproof) models makes them seem lightweight and easy to hold steady. The reason for the difference in weight is that the surface of the 8x40 is a plastic shell, with the only rubber armoring being in the eyecups and the protective rim around the objectives. The WP models feature full textured black rubber armoring for a comfortable secure grip, as well as "shockproof" construction.

Optically, the color fidelity and resolution is fairly good, due mostly to the Intrepids' precision ground, fully multi-coated lenses and high index BAK-4 prisms. The view through all shows something of a "tunnel effect", a black border peripheral to the field of view. This was most pronounced in the 10x40WP model, and less so in the 8x40s.

Three hinges hold the two WP models together in sequence, and between the lower two is the broad focusing knob with a pebbled, textured surface to promote better traction. By contrast, the 8x40 Family has a narrow focusing wheel just beneath the upper hinge, again, rubber armored for better grip. The rest of the central pole on this model is a single large hinge segment. In the three fresh out of the box models we reviewed, the focal mechanism was stiff and difficult to rotate. While likely to loosen up with time, it could be potential drawback. On the plus side, all three models went from close focus to infinity in only a single full turn of the dial which is better than many more expensive binoculars. Close focus on the 8x40 Family was 16 feet, which is fine for sporting events, but not close enought for a birding binocular. The WP models focus down to a minimum of 10 feet, which is considerably better.

The eyecups on all three models were of the classic pliable rubber design that folds down to accommodate those who wear eyeglasses. On the 8x40 model, this rubber cup is only about 5 mm deep, reflecting the fact that this binocular has 12 mm of eye relief — suitable for non-eyeglass wearers. The WP models both have a more generous, eyeglass wearer-friendly 19 mm of eye relief, and the eyecups are accordingly deeper. In actual testing, folding down the rubber eyecups proved to be difficult, and when attempting to fold them back up again, on one occasion, the entire eyecup assembly came off in the hand! This was particularly problematic since it happened with the right eyecup that has the diopter adjustment on it. Not knowing what position the eyecup was in when it came off made putting the eyecup assembly back on a vexing task. Diopter adjustment, which is setting the eyepieces for uncorrected vision, was the standard way of twisting the entire right ocular in or out, to adjust the focal length relative to the fixed left ocular. This mechanism was properly stiff, but not having a locking mechanism leaves open the question of whether or not it might loosen with age and the proper setting might need to be re-adjusted. On the 8x40 model, the diopter setting mechanism was the same, but there was no painted scale of "+", "0" and "-" to guide the adjustment. Instead it was raised lettering on the inner portion of the ocular tube, where it is more difficult to see.

The 8x40 model, with the widest field of view of 330 feet at 1000 yards, has an advantage over the WP models The WP models come in at 315 and 270 feet at 1000 yards for the 8x and 10x WP models respectively. The WP models are more compact at 5.4 inches tall by 7.1 inches wide; the 8x40 are a bit larger at 6.1 inches high and 7 inches wide. The 8x40 model features a screw at the end of the hinge pole, which when removed, provides a means for a tripod mount.

The WP models both come with several nice accessories: cordura cases with Velcro closure flaps, hard rubber lens caps for oculars and objectives that fit snugly enough to not be easily lost, and soft fleece-like blue lens cloths. The cases are padded, and have belt-attachment loops on the backside. The straps are basic nylon cords with a small, slightly padded leather segment to cushion the neck. The case for the 8x40 Family binocular is foam-padded nylon with a Velcro closure flap. The lens caps, rather than fitting over the lenses, insert into them, albeit rather snugly and securely, and they attach to each other by interlocking loops, to make losing them more difficult. The strap was a simple nylon affair of roughly one-inch width.

Ultimately, the best selling point on the Intrepids are the prices. The 8x40 at $59.99, the 8x40WP at $139 and the 10x40WP sell for $139 means these would be good starter binoculars. Each carries the Audubon Limited Lifetime warranty.

Audubon Porro Prism Binoculars - current price and availability