Q1: I want to send these binoculars to a friend in Ireland. How do I do this?

A: You have two options 1. We can ship it to your friend if you put your friend as the shipping address. 2. You can have it shipped to you and then ship it to him yourself. Whichever option is easiest for you.

Q2: What are the strongest compact, durable, and not-too-heavy binoculars currently available on the market? Brand and specifications would oblige. They are to be used mainly for tourist travel in Switzerland & other European locations. Thank you.

A: My suggestion would be the Nikon Mopuntaineer II ATB 10X25. 10 times magnification 25mm objective lenses 25yr no fault warranty and very compact.

Q3: What is the difference between porro and roof prisms in binoculars

A: A porro prism binocular is where the prism inside the chambers are at 45 degree angles. In the roof prisms they are at 90 degrees. So in a porro the objective lenses are offset form where the eyepieces are while in a roof you are looking straight through them.

Q4: what is the best binocular focus technique to achieve a crisp image

A: Before even trying to focus on anything you want to see, you'll want to make sure your diopter adjustment is properly set and that your eyecups are set to your particular visual needs. Then turn the focus knob slightly past the focus point and back-turn it so it's precisely on. That method seems to work best.