GoView is a relatively new optics brand, founded in 2021 by the former CEO of Zeiss Sports Optics, aimed at offering affordable, stylish binoculars and monoculars for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and sports fans. Their ZOOMR series is the primary product line, designed to combine modern aesthetics with functional performance, targeting a younger audience with vibrant color options like Miami Blue, Ruby Red, and Sunset Orange, moving away from traditional black or green optics.
Key Features of GoView Binoculars
Design and Build:
Modern Aesthetics: GoView binoculars stand out with eye-catching, colorful designs, unlike the typical muted tones of traditional binoculars. They’re marketed as a lifestyle accessory, complementing personal style.
Materials: Models like the ZOOMR 8×26 and 10×34 use lightweight, durable magnesium housing, which is rare at their price point (typically seen in higher-end optics). The 8×42 and 10×42 models use glass-fibre-reinforced plastic for lightness and durability.
Ergonomics: They feature ergonomic designs with retractable eyecups for glasses wearers, aluminum diopter adjustments, and a short hinge/bridge for easy handling. The binoculars are nitrogen-filled, making them fog-proof and waterproof (IPX5 rating).
Portability: Compact models like the 8×26 (weighing around 0.4 kg) and 10×34 are ideal for travel, while the 10×42 (0.568 kg) balances portability and performance.
Optical Performance:
Lens and Prism: GoView binoculars use fully multi-coated lenses to reduce chromatic aberration and color fringing, paired with BAK4 roof prisms for clear, bright images.
Magnification and Objective Lens: The ZOOMR series includes:
8×26: Compact, ideal for casual use, with a wide field of view (FOV) and excellent portability. Praised for bright, crisp images and suitability for home use (e.g., on a windowsill).
10×34: A middle ground, offering decent brightness but less compact than the 8×26 and not as bright as the 42mm models.
8×42 and 10×42: Larger objective lenses provide better low-light performance and a wider FOV (e.g., 106m at 1000m for the 10×42). These are suited for wildlife observation, sports, and travel.
Field of View: Varies by model, with the 10×42 offering 6.1° (106m at 1000m), which is decent for mid-range binoculars.
Light Transmission: Multi-coated lenses ensure bright, clear visuals, though they don’t compete with premium brands like Leica or Swarovski.
Accessories:
Each binocular comes with a comprehensive accessory set, including:
CLOSR Smartphone Adapter: Allows digiscoping to capture images or videos with a smartphone, enhancing the user experience for sharing observations.
PORTR Carrying Strap: Adjustable for comfort and convenience.
Carrying Case: Premium-feel leather-touch case for binoculars and a compact padded case for monoculars.
Lens Caps and Cleaning Cloth: For protection and maintenance.
The unboxing experience is designed to feel premium, with thoughtful packaging that enhances the ownership experience.