Overview of Russian-made binoculars

It is generally accepted that high-quality optics for tourists, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are made exclusively abroad. But the modern market allows you to find good binoculars with high magnification and their other models of Russian production, which are not inferior to European and American counterparts. A detailed review will help you figure out which brands of products you should pay attention to.

Optical instruments made in Russia were once considered almost the best in the world. Today, only a few enterprises make complex professional models of equipment for observation; some of the models are developed exclusively for military needs. Russian-made binoculars available for sale are usually divided into 3 main groups.

• Naval. These models have the highest magnification factor. Often they provide night vision function, other additional settings and options. Military binoculars can be tactical, with maximum magnification and a compass.
• Hunting. Specialized machinery, resistant to mechanical damage. Often has night vision function. Electronic binoculars can be equipped with a laser rangefinder.
• Tourist. The most extensive group, distinguished by affordable cost and low requirements for the quality of optics. Touring binoculars are lightweight and not too difficult to carry, even on long hikes.

The list of modern manufacturers of binoculars from Russia can hardly be called extensive. But this does not mean that domestic optics are inferior to foreign ones in their class. The best and highest quality models, including special ones with high magnification, can be found in several brands.

An optical-mechanical enterprise from Kazan produces tourist-class binoculars, as well as models for hunting and fishing. The products of the brand are distinguished by a good complete set; upon purchase, each product is supplemented with a carrying strap, a case, covers to protect the eyepieces. Among the advantages of KOMZ binoculars, produced under the Baigish or BPC trademark, are:

• durable and lightweight aluminum body;
• wear resistance;
• ease of customization;
• wide range of models;
• The optimum ratio of price and quality.

The disadvantages of the products of the Kazan Optical and Mechanical Plant include limited functionality., as well as not the highest magnifying abilities. Among the KOMZ binoculars, you can find options for monoculars and classic solutions designed for tourists, hunters, bird watchers and observers of weather phenomena. Among the models for military tactical purposes, there is an 8 × 30 BPS with a head mount and separate focusing lenses. Camouflage solutions are represented by the BPC5 8x30M models with the "Pixel" or "Hunter" colors.

For those who wear glasses, KOMZ has developed binoculars of the Baigish series BPOs 10 × 42 and 7 × 30. They have a goniometric grid, the body is rubberized, and an improved resolution is provided. The exit pupil is removed, suitable for using the device without removing glasses.

A Russian company that develops special optical devices for surveillance and security. Binoculars with image stabilization of the BKS series with high magnification are of particular interest to buyers. The company has developed a special image stabilization system that allows for high focusing clarity when observing in motion, from a boat or a helicopter.

Devices of this brand retain their properties in any conditions, do not use external power sources, give all the advantages of working with a tripod, without requiring a stationary fixture of the device. Binoculars' bodies are made of metal, with a protective coating based on rubber and plastic, and are sealed to protect against moisture when immersed in water.

An enterprise from Sergiev Posad successfully creates developments for law enforcement agencies. The Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant has been operating since 1935; it produces binoculars with and without image stabilization. Among the models, you can find options in camouflage colors or in a neutral monochrome case. Today the brand produces several product variants.

• BP 8 × 20. Observation binoculars for daylight applications. The model implements separate focusing of the lenses, providing optimal contrast and sharpness of the image. The device weighs 250 g and is housed in a magnesium alloy case.

• BDN-9. Binoculars for day and night use. Has a wide range of operating temperatures, can operate at air humidity up to 100%. The mode switch is manual, the magnification in the day range reaches 14.5, in the night range - the zoom is equal to X5. The device is equipped with a rangefinder grid, a compartment for battery power supplies.

• Image stabilization models. This includes binoculars BSM 20 × 50, BSM 16 × 50, BKS 20 × 50 with high magnification. They are suitable for use in vehicle driving on land, water or air.

• Wide-angle BSh2. The model range has options with a magnification of 10 and 8 times, with a lens diameter of 40 or 50 mm. These binoculars have individual focusing, waterproof housing.

The basic rules for choosing the right binoculars lie in the exact correspondence of the characteristics of the product to its purpose. Here it is better to purchase optics with the necessary parameters and functions from the very beginning.

• For tourism. Here you should focus on binoculars with a magnification of up to 7-10 times. This is enough to consider the necessary landmarks. Lightweight touring binoculars can be used without a special tripod, they can be moisture resistant, fit into a rubberized case. The average cost of high-quality Russian-made models starts from 5-7 thousand rubles. It's easy to find 8x zoom models in this category.
• For hunting. This category contains models with medium and high magnification rates - from 10 to 15 times, costing from 2000 rubles. But keep in mind that increasing the zoom will narrow the field of view. For observation of game or animals from the point, similar models are produced on a tripod. For movement, light models are more suitable, with a lens diameter of 25-40 mm and an increase of 4-7 times.
• Electronic. Used by hunters and the military, these binoculars are equipped with laser rangefinders and LCD screens. Such devices allow you to achieve maximum accuracy of the sight, provide an equally good view at night. The error of the device is minimal, but it costs significantly more than its mechanical counterparts.
• Marine. These binoculars are also used by fishermen and hikers as they provide the widest possible view of the water area. On yachts and ships, models with tripods and 7-10x magnification are used. It is better to take light portable binoculars in a waterproof case, foldable or regular, into the boat. The cost of such models reaches 15-30 thousand rubles.
• Tactical. This category includes binoculars that have a rangefinder reticle and a built-in compass. Most often they are made for naval needs, do not distort when rolling, and high luminosity rates provide excellent visibility in any weather. The nitrogen-filled housing does not sink when immersed in water, and the devices also automatically select the optimal focus. The diameter of the lens for such binoculars should be about 50 mm.