When the Second World War ended, the Soviet Army managed to take possession of many German manufacturing plants, including that of optics maker Carl Zeiss. The manufacturing processes and device technology was taken to Russia. In Russia, the technology was streamlined and honed for the purposes of creating similar products, such as powerful military binoculars. These devices were strictly for military consumption for a few decades. The late 1980s saw Russian military binoculars exceed the performance of the iconic Zeiss devices they were initially based on.

The USSR Company, based in New York, now provides Russian military binoculars for sale to the public. Authentic items such as these optical devices are imported from their country from a military warehouse. Binoculars such as the 8 X 30 and 12 X 50 are some of their more popular products. The lineage and quality of the device is apparent, even in the aesthetics of the packaging.

The USSR 8 X 30 Binoculars

The 8 X 30 variant is a high-grade device, which comes in a meticulously-crafted leather carrying case. The brand-new 8 X 30 binoculars are virtually made as they were half a century ago, resulting in reliable binoculars with an antique look and feel. The original specifications were taken from the Zeiss factory, and subtly improved on by the Russian manufacturers. Despite the seemingly archaic technology utilized in the device, the visibility in the Zeiss lens is superb, no doubt attributed to the Zeiss legacy – the creation and use of excellent lenses, with equal clarity in all portions of the lens. These 8 X 30 binoculars also come with a Mil-scale reticule with increments in five mils, which equate to 19 inches every 100 yards per line. Adjusting the distance and focus is smooth and user-friendly, without much deviance in the field of view. The binoculars look and feel ten times more expensive, and are well worth the $75 price tag, especially in terms of field operation.

The USSR 12 X 50 Binoculars

The 12 X 50 military binoculars are also based on original German technology. However, this first-rate device shows signs of more contemporary craftsmanship and design. Its quality is equal to that of the 8 X 30, albeit with more practical packaging. The case is in durable hard plastic, as opposed to the 8 X 30’s leather container, which makes it suitable for arduous all-weather conditions. This device also comes with the same five-mil reticule, although adjusting the focus and distance on these binoculars is not as smooth as the 8 X 30’s. These are also larger than the other set of binoculars, although it has a surprisingly light weight. The specifications of the 12 X 50 contribute to great performance in the field, although many may find that it has more power than needed. Distance adjustments during field scanning with this variant often result in high degrees of deviation with the field of view, making it difficult to observe a specific area. The 12 X 50 binoculars are recommended for rifle users who wish to get better image detail and do away with using a riflescope. As with the 8 X 30s, this device is worth several times its $95 retail price.