Review Time!

[firstcoueswas80]

Over the summer of 2017, I approached Mike Jensen, the owner and CEO of German Precision Optics, and told him I would like to do a research and review of their new, GPO Passion HD 12.5x50 binoculars. I used these binoculars (binos) through scouting, helping others, and hunting for myself for deer and elk during the 2017 season. Here are my findings;

When UPS finally made their way to my home to drop off these binos, I was very excited to get them out of the package. The box is nice, the case is nice blah blah blah who cares, lets get to the good stuff right?

I, personally compared these binos directly to my personally owned Swarovski 12x50 ELs, and my 10-15x50 Leica Duovids. Others who observed these binoculars have, or had used Leica Trinovids, Meopta Meostars, Vortex Razors, and various models of Swarovskis.

Initial impressions are important, and these did not disappoint. Solidly built and light weight. One small detail that I really was impressed and pleased with was the positive and solid clicks between different positions of the eyecups.

Since I am a hunter, and not a scientist, I did what can best be qualified as a purely field review. I didnt break out resolution charts, stare at license plates etc. I looked at critters. I looked at critters a lot. I looked at a lot of different critters. And, possibly most important, I looked at critters in a lot of different light. First light, last light, and middle of the day. I looked at does, fawns, javelina, nice bucks, and little bucks. I looked at critters as close as 200 yards, and as far as ~2000 yards.

Since nobody really cares how a binocular looks at optimum light, (because they are all great at that time of day), I will fast forward to the non-optimal, yet most important times of day.

Both dawn and dusk can be summed up rather quickly. Outstanding, given the class they are in. Are the Swarovski ELs? No, but what is? Are they 95-97% of what my Swarovskis are? Absolutely. My best guess is that the GPO Passion HD 12.5x50s are THE premium binocular in their given class. They out classed the Vortex Razor, The Meopta, and by one hunter of mine, were chosen over his Leica Trinovids. After one look through the GPO Passion HD 12.5x50s, he hung up his old Leicas for the new GPO binos for the next 5 days of his coues deer hunt in Southern Arizona. (Where he killed a very nice buck, I might add).

In short, one must ask, what is five minutes worth? For the average Joe, the GPO Passion HD 12.5x50s will fit your wallet, and your hunting style just fine. The GPO Passion HD 12.5x50s are clear, bright and about the perfect weight for hand held or tripod mounted use.

I am sold on mine, and will be recommending them to anyone and everyone I come across that is in the market.

[bigorange]

Nice review. Thanks for sharing.

[firstcoueswas80]

Also. I have spoke with the owner use this promo code for 10% off at purchase

 

10%off

[SunDevil]

42to30

[OpticNerd]

Nice! You feel the Swaros are roughly 3-5% better than the GPO. How so exactly?

[firstcoueswas80]

hey everyone, GPO made an error and the 10%off discount code wasnt intended to be public. GPO has great retailers offering specials on this bino. You can email him at mike.jensen@gpo-USA.com if you need help locating an on line retailer.

[firstcoueswas80]

Nice! You feel the Swaros are roughly 3-5% better than the GPO. How so exactly?

Mostly in edge to edge clarity. Colors are slightly better and brighter and "pop" a little better with the Swaros.

 

I was, however pleasantly surprised by the low light gathering capabilities of the GPO. I'd estimate they were 99% of the Swarovskis, and that is if any difference at all.

[Hatchet Jack]

Man you'd never cut it as a bino reviewer in the birding community! No chromatic aberration comparisons, pincushion distortion analysis. Will they fit in my fanny pack?? Come on man give us the good stuff

 

Good review. If I decide to go the 12x route I will definitely consider them.

[firstcoueswas80]

Man you'd never cut it as a bino reviewer in the birding community! No chromatic aberration comparisons, pincushion distortion analysis. Will they fit in my fanny pack?? Come on man give us the good stuff

 

Good review. If I decide to go the 12x route I will definitely consider them.

Other then "will they fit in my waist-worn man purse", I don't have the slightest idea what any of that means!

[oz31p]

 

Man you'd never cut it as a bino reviewer in the birding community! No chromatic aberration comparisons, pincushion distortion analysis. Will they fit in my fanny pack?? Come on man give us the good stuff

 

Good review. If I decide to go the 12x route I will definitely consider them.

Other then "will they fit in my waist-worn man purse", I don't have the slightest idea what any of that means!

I think it was a compliment

[Red Rabbit]

I came across this GPO review for the Passion HD 10x.

https://www.allbinos.com/index.php?art=173

[AZ8]

That guy worked for both Swarovski and Zeiss. He was president of Zeiss Sport Optics.

 

Pretty good pedigree. Not surprised those are quality binos.

[Big Browns]

I was able to use these binos in the field while Casey was testing them. I was highly impressed!!!