
( Brand: Tower ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 51386 ), ( Type: Binoculars ), ( Lens Coating: Fully Coated ), ( Size: Full-size ), ( Custom Bundle: No ), ( Color: Black ), ( Objective Lens Diameter: 50 Mm ), ( Maximum Magnification: 7x ), ( Application: General Purpose ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan )
The **Tower 7x50 Field 71 Coated Binoculars (Model 51386)** are a premium, high-performance optical instrument meticulously engineered for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, birdwatchers, and stargazers who demand exceptional clarity, durability, and reliability in their viewing experience. These binoculars feature a **7x magnification** paired with **50mm objective lenses**, striking an ideal balance between field of view and portability, making them versatile for a wide range of applications from daytime wildlife observation to low-light astronomy. The **71% multi-coated optics** ensure maximum light transmission, reducing glare and enhancing contrast, which is particularly beneficial in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or overcast skies. This advanced coating system also minimizes internal reflections, delivering sharper, brighter, and more detailed images with reduced eye strain, allowing users to enjoy extended viewing sessions without fatigue.
Crafted with a **waterproof and fog-proof design**, the Tower 51386 is built to withstand the harshest outdoor environments, featuring a **nitrogen-purged, rubber-armored body** that resists moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations. The durable rubber coating not only provides a secure, non-slip grip but also offers excellent protection against accidental drops and impacts, making these binoculars a dependable companion for rugged adventures. The **fully multi-adjustable eyecups** accommodate users wearing glasses, ensuring a comfortable and personalized fit, while the **diopter adjustment** allows for precise focus between two eyes, catering to individuals with varying vision requirements.
The **wide-angle, low-distortion optics** of the 7x50 configuration provide an expansive field of view, making it easier to track moving subjects such as birds in flight or wildlife in motion without constantly adjusting the binoculars. The **fully multi-coated lenses** further enhance image quality by reducing chromatic aberration and improving color fidelity, ensuring that the natural hues of landscapes, foliage, and wildlife are rendered with remarkable accuracy. Whether scanning a dense forest canopy, observing distant stars, or scanning a crowded stadium, the Tower 51386 delivers a crisp, immersive viewing experience that brings the world into sharp focus.
For those who prioritize both performance and practicality, the **compact yet sturdy design** of these binoculars makes them easy to carry in a backpack or attach to a strap, while the **central focus wheel** simplifies the process of quickly adjusting focus across the entire field of view. The **porro prism configuration** not only contributes to the classic, ergonomic feel of the binoculars but also enhances image stability, reducing hand shake and providing a more natural, three-dimensional viewing experience compared to roof prism models. With a **close focus distance of approximately 10 feet**, these binoculars are also well-suited for close-up observation of insects, flowers, or small game, expanding their utility beyond traditional long-range viewing.
Backed by Tower s reputation for quality and durability, the 7x51386 Field 71 Coated Binoculars are an excellent investment for anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance optical tool that combines precision engineering with user-friendly features. Whether you re an avid hunter tracking game, a nature photographer capturing fleeting moments, or an astronomy enthusiast exploring the cosmos, these binoculars offer a seamless blend of clarity, comfort, and resilience, ensuring that every viewing session is both enjoyable and rewarding.
The **Tower 51386 7x50 Field Binoculars** are a mid-range optical instrument designed for general use, including birdwatching, hunting, sports events, and casual outdoor activities. Below is a detailed breakdown of their pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Good Magnification and Objective Lens Size**
The **7x magnification** provides a balanced view sufficient for identifying details without excessive shakiness, while the **50mm objective lenses** gather ample light, making them usable in low-light conditions like dawn, dusk, or overcast skies. This combination is ideal for beginners and casual users who don t need extreme magnification.
2. **Coated Optics (71% Coating)**
The **71% multi-coating** on the lenses reduces glare and improves light transmission, resulting in clearer, brighter images compared to uncoated or partially coated binoculars. This is a significant upgrade over budget models with no coatings.
3. **Ergonomic and Comfortable Design**
The binoculars feature a **twin-tube design** with a **rubber-armored body**, which provides a secure grip and helps dampen vibrations. The **central focus wheel** is easy to adjust, and the **diopter adjustment** (right eyecup) allows for personalized focus, accommodating users with slight differences in vision.
4. **Compact and Portable**
At approximately **13.5 inches long and 3.5 inches in diameter**, these binoculars are relatively compact for their class, making them easier to carry in a backpack or pocket compared to larger, heavier models. The **foldable eyecups** also save space when not in use.
5. **Affordable Price Point**
Positioned as an entry-to-mid-range option, the Tower 51386 offers decent performance without the premium price tag of high-end brands like Zeiss or Swarovski. This makes it a practical choice for users who want quality without overspending.
6. **Durable Construction**
The rubberized coating protects against minor drops and scratches, and the **metal body** provides structural integrity. While not fully waterproof, they are more rugged than plastic-only binoculars.
7. **Wide Field of View**
The **7x magnification with 50mm lenses** typically offers a **field of view of around 300 feet at 1,000 yards**, which is adequate for most recreational uses, including birdwatching and sports.
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### **Cons**
1. **Plastic Eyecups**
The **plastic eyecups** (non-replaceable) may not be as durable as metal or high-quality rubber eyecups found in higher-end models. They can wear out over time or become uncomfortable during prolonged use.
2. **Limited Low-Light Performance**
While the 50mm lenses are better than smaller objectives, they are not as effective as **76mm or larger lenses** in very low-light conditions (e.g., deep twilight or nighttime). For serious stargazing or low-light hunting, a larger aperture would be preferable.
3. **Image Quality Not as Sharp as Premium Brands**
The **71% coating** is decent but not as advanced as **fully multi-coated (FMC) or phase-coated optics** found in higher-end binoculars. Users expecting razor-sharp, high-contrast images (e.g., for wildlife photography) may notice slight softness or color fringing at the edges.
4. **No Waterproofing or Fog-Proofing**
The binoculars are **not waterproof or fog-proof**, meaning they can be damaged by rain or moisture and may fog up in humid conditions. This limits their use in outdoor environments with high humidity or unpredictable weather.
5. **Build Quality Variability**
Some users report that the **housing and focus mechanisms** feel slightly cheaper than competitors in the same price range (e.g., Nikon Monarch, Vortex Viper). The central focus wheel can sometimes feel stiff or less precise.
6. **Limited Eye Relief**
**Eye relief** (distance from the eyepiece to your eye) is around **15mm**, which may be insufficient for users who wear glasses. Those with prescription eyewear may struggle to get a full view without discomfort.
7. **No Tripod Mounting Threads**
Unlike many higher-end binoculars, the Tower 51386 lacks a **standard 1/4-inch tripod mount**, making it less versatile for stationary observation (e.g., astrophotography or extended birdwatching sessions).
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### **Conclusion**
The **Tower 51386 7x50 Field Binoculars** are a **solid, budget-friendly choice** for casual users, beginners, and those who prioritize portability and decent optical performance without breaking the bank. They excel in **bright conditions, general outdoor activities, and light low-light scenarios**, offering a good balance of magnification, light-gathering, and comfort.
However, they are **not ideal for demanding applications** such as serious wildlife photography, night hunting, or professional use, where higher-end optics (e.g., **Nikon Monarch 5, Vortex Viper HD, or Zeiss Victory SF**) would be more suitable. The lack of waterproofing, fog-proofing, and tripod compatibility, along with slightly softer image quality compared to premium brands, are notable limitations.
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### **Recommendation**
- **Buy the Tower 51386 if:**- You are a **beginner or casual user** looking for affordable, decent-quality binoculars for birdwatching, hiking, or sports.
- You primarily use them in **bright daylight** and don t require extreme low-light performance.
- You value **portability and comfort** over high-end optical precision.
- You are on a **tight budget** but want better than the cheapest plastic binoculars.
- **Consider alternatives if:**- You need **better low-light performance** (opt for **7x50 or 8x56 models with fully multi-coated optics**).
- You require **waterproofing or fog-proofing** (look for **Nikon Monarch, Vortex Viper, or Bushnell Trophy**).
- You wear **glasses and need more eye relief** (consider **10x42 or 8x42 models** with higher eye relief).
- You plan to use them for **photography or stationary viewing** (choose models with **tripod mounts**).
- You want **sharper, higher-contrast images** (invest in **Zeiss, Swarovski, or high-end Nikon/Sigma models**).
For most **recreational users**, the Tower 51386 offers **great value for money** and will serve well for everyday use. If you can stretch your budget slightly, models like the **Nikon Monarch 5 8x42** or **Vortex Viper HD 8x42** would provide noticeable improvements in image quality and durability. However, if you re satisfied with the basics and want a reliable, no-frills option, the Tower 51386 is a **worthy purchase**.
The case shows some sign of wear and does not have the carrying strap. 51386 Fully Hard Coated Binoculars come with a leather case lined red velvet. Ships USPS Ground Advantage, tracked and insured. Vintage Tower 7X50 Field 71, No.
These full-size binoculars offer a maximum magnification of 7x and come in sleek black color are fully coated with high-quality lenses.