I liked the focus adjustment on the Nitrex binocular for low light viewing. Some focus knobs are so sensitive the slightest turn markedly changes the focus. This is fine for some hunting, particularly spotting game in open country, as you can quickly and easily change the focus distance without repositioning the fingers on the knob. But these sensitive adjustment knobs can make it difficult to find sharp focus in very low light. The Nitrex knob was just right, for me at least. Changing focus was quick and easy but there was enough leeway for careful fine-tuning in dim light.

I used the Nitrex 8X42mm binoculars extensively for over a month and was impressed with the optical quality and light transmission in low light. Note the absence of a carrying strap. I opted to carry these fairly compact binoculars in a coat pocket.

The eyecups were the only onboard part of the binocular I was not impressed with. They are simple polymer cups that you can pull out and they click into either the extended or lowered position. I prefer the latter position but on a couple of occasions I pulled the binocular from my pocket and found one of the eyecups had been pulled out unintentionally. It wasn't a major problem and would likely be no problem if carried on a neck strap or binocular harness, but a bit firmer lockup would've been nice.

The Nitrex binoculars are rubber coated and provide a sure comfortable grip. I used it hard for a month and it still looks like new. Judging a binocular is partly subjective, of course, but I very much like this model. It suits my style of hunting here in the south and would be darn near perfect except for those eyecups.

Conclusions
Manufacturer's suggested retail is often misleading so I searched the Internet for a street price on these optics and found MidwayUSA offers the 3-10X50mm Nitrex scope at a price of $329.99. I suspect that price may come down some as the scopes get into the pipeline and competition heats up. The 8X42mm Nitrex binocular was not yet listed on Midway's site but they did have the 10X42 model for $289.95.

The Nitrex binoculars come with a useful nylon carrying case. You can see it's a fairly roomy case and getting the binoculars in and out is easy. It's also lightweight, has a solid latch that can be operated quietly, and offers excellent protection.

This puts the Nitrex optics into a highly competitive niche in which ATK will be vying for market share against some well-respected brands. It seems shooters have finally began to accept that cheap optics are a poor investment, yet many cannot afford the expensive glass. This leaves them shopping in this $300 range for their optics and competition is heating up and providing shooters with some excellent mid-priced scopes and binoculars. The entry of Nitrex optics into this niche can only be a good thing for shooters.

If you want features like side parallax focus, bullet drop compensating reticles, or illuminated red dots, you will have to look elsewhere, for now at least. But if quality of build and brilliant glass are your goal and at a reasonable price, Nitrex optics are worth a look. Of course, I cannot guarantee these optics will perform to everyone's satisfaction. Certainly not by testing only a couple of samples.

The true test will be how they perform for a majority of people who buy them and only time and consumers can make that judgment. Purchasing any new brand of optics is a gamble but based on ATK's track record, the odds are stacked in the consumers' favor. If you look at ATK's product line from Federal ammunition to RCBS reloading equipment you will not find a lame horse in the stable. I trust ATK would not damage that reputation by introducing an inferior optics line.