Brunton Epoch Binoculars

The Epochs are Brunton’s high performance roof prism binocular line, intended to compete with the best optics from all other manufacturers. They combine innovative design with the finest materials and superior craftsmanship in a stylish and distinctive look to produce a package that has high quality written all over it. The Epochs are currently available in 7.5x43, 8.5x43, and 10.5x43 configurations. Announced but not available until January 2005 is an 8-15x35 zoom binocular, which purports enough innovations to warrant its own review when it becomes available.

The first thing you notice about the Epochs is their look: charcoal gray rubber armoring with silver metal accents and black rubber dots on the broad focus knob and diopter adjustment ring. Brunton has also recently introduced camouflage versions of all three sizes. Upon picking them up, the hands fall automatically into the proper place, index finger on the focus knob, thumbs in the broad, shallow grooves beneath the barrels. They have a comfortable feel and are very light. The magnesium alloy chassis is a lightweight 26 oz. on the 7.5x model, and just 25 oz. for the 8.5 and 10.5x models. The 8.5 and10.5x versions are slightly smaller in size, at 5.8 inches tall by 5 inches wide, compared to 6 by 5 inches for the 7.5x model.

The view through the Epochs is simply superb. The image is very bright, and tack sharp right to the edges of the field. We detected no edge effect at all: straight lines remain straight even at the edge of the field. Colors are vibrant and true, with no hint of color aberration, even when viewing high contrast objects in bright light. All Epochs are fully multi-coated and phase-coated for the maximum light transmission with the minimum distortion. They are also fully sealed and nitrogen purged to be fog- and waterproof, and feature an external lens coating to minimize condensation. And the result is evident in the impressive image clarity.

The most radical feature of the Epochs is the focus mechanism. Brunton has pioneered a new variable speed focus mechanism. The Epochs go from minimum close focus to infinity in slightly less than one full turn of the knob, which is impressive enough. But they do so with a twist: the speed of focus is fairly course from 30 feet out to infinity, but at 30 feet or less, they shift to a fine focus mechanism. It takes a little getting used to, but once you are used to it, all other mechanisms feel clunky in comparison. The Epochs just snap into focus with unparalleled ease. The minimum close focus is impressive too. Both models close focus down to 3.5 feet. With the 10.5x model, it is difficult to get a full field at this distance – the dominant eye tends to take over, but the 7.5x model achieves full field relatively easily even at 3.5 feet. Basically, nothing is too close to be viewed through Epochs. Perhaps the only knock on the Epochs is in their depth of field. The 10.5x model in particular has a fairly shallow depth of field; the 7.5x model is notably better here.

The field of view at 1000 yards is 370 feet for the 7.5x model, and 290 feet for the 10.5x model. Eye relief is 20 mm on the 7.5x version, 19.5mm on the 8.5x, and 17 mm on the 10.5x model. The eyecup adjustment is another premier feature. The eyecups adjust with a twist and lock mechanism that can be fixed in place through a series of detents, maximizing the chance to find one that’s just right. The diopter adjustment is a lift and lock ring on the right ocular. Simply pull the ring towards the ocular and twist either direction to adjust, and then push it back to lock it in place. The ring is marked with a series of fine lines to indicate how much diopter adjustment has been made, so the setting, if memorized, can be easily reset if changing between viewers. This is the best possible diopter adjustment system.

The Epochs also feature pop-up, removable lens caps for both ocular and objective lenses. The hard plastic lens caps are mounted on a spring-loaded hinge to rings that fit snugly into the rubber armoring. Particularly with the ocular lens caps, this allows the cap to be positioned so that it minimizes stray light. It’s a clever idea, but the execution leaves something to be desired. The springs wear out, and then the hinge allows the cap to swing freely, allowing it to close inadvertently, which is a nuisance. In the end, the best feature of the lens caps is the fact that they’re removable.

Brunton did much better with the strap and case. The strap is a hybrid of stitched neoprene-like foam rubber and nylon strap, and attaches to metal lugs well positioned on the barrels, so that they never come into contact with the hands. It is comfortable and easily adjustable. The Epochs come in a hard plastic, foam rubber-lined Pelican case so sturdy it is nearly bombproof. Recognizing that this small suitcase isn’t terribly convenient in the field, Brunton has announced plans to release a more conventional soft leather case with a belt attachment loop in the near future. Included with the Epochs is a tripod mount adaptor, which screws into a recessed opening concealed beneath the nameplate on the objective end of the hinge between the barrels. The adaptor fits into the standard quick-release port of most modern tripod heads, or can be screwed onto the end of a monopod. This is provided to support the optional 2x field scope, a lens attachment that screws onto the left ocular of any Epoch binocular, turning that barrel into either a 15x, 17x, or 21x spotting scope. The field scope is not reviewed here.

Priced at an MSRP of $1449.00 for the 7.5x43 and 8.5x43 models, and $1499.00 for the 10.5x43 model, and another $50.00 across the board for the camouflage finish, the Epochs are definitely in the high cost bracket of binoculars. Discounts of up to $100 can be found on the market. In the end, this is a very high performance binocular that delivers truly top-notch optical quality, and for birders in that market, the Epoch is a serious heavyweight contender.

Brunton Epoch Binoculars - current price and availability