Al Miller

Every now and again, a product comes along that reminds us just how far we’ve come from where we started. Burris’s Landmark field glasses are a case in point.

Remember what binoculars were like a few decades back? In most instances, the higher the magnification, the greater the bulk and weight. There were a few lightweight models available, but too many were flimsily constructed and their optical quality wasn’t anything to brag about. As always, there were a few exceptions, but for most of us, their cost was prohibitive. At the time, I can recall one old-hand pontificate: “When it comes to optics, you get what you pay for.” I won’t argue with that, but sometimes it’s possible to get more than you pay for.

That’s what caught my attention about the Landmark 8x32s. Pegged in what is now referred to as the “popular-priced range,” its optical quality caught me by surprise. Take resolving power, for instance - you know, the ability of an optical system to deliver a clearly detailed image of whatever’s being viewed. Targeting the phone number on a real estate sign 372 yards away (measured with an electronic rangefinder), I had no trouble reading the 6-inch numerals.

On another sign 3-inch numbers, black on a white background, were plainly distinguishable at a measured 438 yards. At 165 yards some one-inch numbers, black on silver, were almost - but not quite - legible. Repeating the experiment with two other 8x glasses, each of which retails for more than twice the cost of the Landmark 8s, revealed the same level of performance. Apparently, 8x has its limitations, and those small numbers were just too bloody far away to be seen clearly at that magnification level. However, a street sign with the name in green letters, 2 inches high, on a dark brown backing stood out in stark relief. Range: 108 yards.

As far as I’m concerned, the Landmark 8s have resolving power to spare.

Color transmission and light-    gathering ability were impressive too. The little 8x32s were pointed at almost every hue in the local spectrum. All shades were faithfully reflected in the ocular lenses’ image.

The glasses were tested at sundown as well as first light. They took advantage of every bit of light available. Peering into shadows brought all the hidden details into view. Cloudy days should hold no terrors for the Landmark 8s.

Thanks to a generously sized, ribbed focusing knob, changing and controlling focus demanded little effort. That feature proved particularly handy when scanning a rock squirrel colony scattered across the face of a distant hillside.

With eyecups folded and extended for the width of my eyes, the Landmark is 5 inches high and only 4 1/4 inches wide. It fits easily into a jacket pocket, and when hung around the neck, its 20 ounces is never noticeable, even after several hours pass. In addition, its charcoal gray-and-black decor kills all reflections. The rubber armor is another plus: no fear of any unwoodsy clicks or rattles should something hard or metallic bounce off the sides.