Did you know that Leupold is ranked as America's Optics Authority? They have a solid 100 year American history with optics for multiple purposes ranging from butterfly watching or bow hunting or bird watching and tactical marine or military applications. Their engineering and optical precision make them worth the extra cost. Plus they come with an incredible incredible lifetime warranty from a company that is not going away.

Leupold Compact binoculars are favorites of mine. Because I use binoculars for field explorations and work I want something lightweight, durable and compact and easy to pack. The Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series is one I consider worth looking at. It folds really small for packing. These compact binoculars weigh less than 15 ounces.

By comparison, the Katmai Compact binoculars offer full-size features and weigh only 18.9 ounces plus they are only 4.1 inches long. Both have fully coated lenses to provide the best clarity, light transmission and good contrast. Both have rugged and waterproof casings. I learned that all Leupold binoculars are fog-proof and waterproof and all of them have had their internal parts purged with nitrogen to ensure the best visibility and highest quality optical preparation.

Both the Katmai and the Olympic Compact Dual Hinge Series come with in black casings. An added feature for the Olympic series is the optional mossy oak tree camo colored casing. You will need to choose between 8x25 or 10x25 with the Olympic series. Both of these sizes fit my compact criteria. My preference is 8X25 because it is easier for me to scan the field at that magnification than it is at 10x25.

The specs and application information available at the Leupold site are exceptionally detailed and helpful. It makes comparing binoculars incredibly easy and practical.

I especially like the Katmai because it uses full-size components and has a wider range of recommended uses. Nonetheless these are still compact binoculars. The distance between the pupils of my eyes are well suited to the interpupillary distance of both of these binoculars, from 60-70 mm. They both offer good eye relief and the exit pupil of the Katmai is larger by less than 1 mm.

Another characteristic that distinguishes these two Leupold binocular series is how close they focus. At 4 feet away the Katmai binoculars are still giving you good focus. But the Olympic close range focus stops at about 8 feet. Most often I would not find that a problem. Rarely do I need to see a bird closer than 4 feet anyhow! Butterflies are another story.

Nonetheless the Katmai has full size eye cups which are good for people who wear glasses, which I do. That could be the primary point that makes me swing toward these gems for my new birdwatching binoculars. The Katmai Compact Binoculars are available in 6x32, 8x32 or 10x32 magnification. My preference is 8x32. They are comfortable in my hands and sturdy enough to be my primary binoculars. It is not possible to go wrong with Leupold binoculars.