The Oberwerk 15x70mm arrived today, just in time for the weekend! They ARE Bears; Rich's suspicions were correct. That is, they are made by the same Chinese factory, re-labled for a different customer. The soft case is the same, the instruction manual (multi-folded, generic sheet) is identical, the neck strap and cleaning cloth are identical. The only difference, aside from the silk-screened graphics and cosmetic differences on the rubber armor, is that the Oberwerks have a multi-coating on the front surface of the objective only. All other optical surfaces have single-layer MgF2 coatings, including the eyepieces. The apparent fields are identical, the true fields are identical. Both display the same ever-so-slightly-curved focal plane, and edge-of-field distortion begins to show up at the same distance from the center of the field, at around 2/3 of the distance from the center. The distortion is very mild, and probably won't be noticed by 95% of the people who use either binocular. As an aside, I've NEVER seen a binocular with no distortion near the field edge, regardless of cost. True, some high-dollar brands have a larger distortion-free zone, but the field always deteriorates near the edge. The eyepieces are identical with the Bears. Fold-down eyeguards makes seeing the entire field of view possible with glasses, if your prescription is not too strong. Focusing is tight and smooth, but there is a tad more "slop" with the Obies than the Bears, which do not "rock" at all, even when racked all the way out. There is a bit of "rock" evident on the Obies. Focusing the Bears requires slightly more finger pressure than the Oberwerks, so my impression is that the Bears are just a tad "tighter". Right diopter adjustment. I would mention that I have seen one of the Bears purchased last fall, with the eyegards eroded-off, because the owner kept them folded-down all the time. The rubber eventually cracked and separated at the fold-line. He considered the eyeguards a nuisance anyway, since he wears a strong eyeglass prescription. The same could happen to the Oberwerks, so be warned. Keep the eyeguards fully extended when not in-use, to maximize their lifespan. Right now, I have both pair tripod-mounted, looking out my window at birds in a tree only 100' away. I can not detect any difference at all in the image between the two units, either in fidelity or brightness. The throughput test will have to come under the stars, where the front-surface multi-coating would pay a better dividend. I'll have to chase down dim stars on a referrence chart for this comparison. The seller's on-line ad stated that a tripod-bracket was included, but I did not receive one. I'll check that out via email with the seller. Instead I got a second neckstrap with "Oberwerk" stitched on it. For now I am pleased with these binoculars. I didn't relish selling my duplicate pair of Bears, and it now seems that I essentially have them back, with a coating bonus. Although 50% more money than the Bears, the price is still very, very low for a 70mm binocular, especially when you consider this is a standard-stock item, and not an overstock or discontinued model, which the Bears were. Barring any surprises under the stars, I am recommending the Oberwerk 15x70mm binocular as an excellent value and reasonably well-made unit. Get your order in, Rich! Stay tuned for part 2, "Under the Stars with Obie & Bear" Chuck __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience http://launch.yahoo.com