ExploreOne 6x21 Explore One Binoculars (Gray)

Excellent binoculars for children - not a toy

We purchased these binoculars, along with similar-priced Carson HU 5x30s, for a children’s nature education program. The gray version and the blue version appear to be identical except for color. Children preferred the Explore Ones, which gave them the feeling of using real binoculars like grown-ups, while they felt the Carsons were more like toys. The Explore Ones have a smaller interpupillary adjustment range (53-66 mm compared to 57-71 mm for the Carsons), possibly an advantage for children with very closely spaced eyes. Central sharpness is decent in both. The sweet spot of the Explore Ones is noticeably larger, and off-center chromatic aberration is greater in the Carsons. Color rendition is relatively neutral in the Explore Ones, while in the Carsons it is slightly blue. The apparent field of view is wider in the Explore Ones. Both have fold-down eyecups; children may have difficulty folding them down without smudging the eyepieces, so adults may have to fold them down if necessary. On both, focusing is smooth with little play. Carsons have greater depth of focus, an advantage making it easier for children to focus them. Both can focus closer than 6’/2 m. Explore Ones have a right eyepiece diopter adjustment while Carsons have none. (For children, diopter adjustment is a mixed blessing, as it is one more thing for instructors to manage. The adjustment is stiff enough to stay set in normal use.) Explore Ones have individual serial numbers; Carsons do not. While Explore Ones are not the equals of good normal adult binoculars, their optics are surprisingly good for the price. They are not waterproof but are solidly constructed. Thrifty adults might even consider buying them as glove compartment binoculars or casual pocket binoculars, provided that the 66 mm IP distance is not too small. Highly recommended as children’s binoculars.