Billingham Galbin 10 binocular case review
Lightweight and beautifully crafted, this waterproof case brings comfort, protection, and style in spades
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Billingham loves binoculars. I mean, it really loves them. Though this West Midlands, England-based company made its name crafting cases for cameras, this family business’ first attempt at a bag for binoculars is exquisite. Not only that, but elsewhere on its website, it sells shoulder slings and separate shoulder pads, inserts and dividers, drawstring bags, and even leather tripod straps. Anything you could ever want for optical gear, in fact, all carefully crafted and hand-stitched.
If you are struggling to understand why anyone would want to pay such care and attention to a pair of binoculars, you’re not traveling properly. You’re missing wildlife, landscapes, and thousands of sights in the night sky. So get yourself a good pair of binoculars, whether for birdwatching, hiking, or stargazing, then put them in a Billingham Galbin case. Here’s why:
Billingham Galbin 10 binocular case: design
The Galbin just looks so 1950s, but that’s not canvas on the outside of the bag. It’s actually FibreNyte, a tough and waterproof material. Elsewhere are leather trims, clasps, toggle locks, and a quick-release shoulder strap, the Galbin springs a surprise by having a drawstring cord fastener around the top. As well as lending it proper waterproofing, that area is able to cover the tops of slightly oversized binoculars. We also love the secret compartment at the back that could be used to stash lens covers, notebooks, a snack, or perhaps even a passport. However, if the latter, Billingham may want to add some kind of fastener to stop the content is falling out.
Billingham Galbin 10 binocular case: in use
In our test, we used the Galbin with a pair of 10 x 42 Canon image-stabilizing binoculars for an evening’s stargazing. They’re worth a few quid, and we’ve been on the lookout for a good, padded case to keep them in for some time. The truth is that most binocular cases are of poor quality, and don’t offer much protection. The ones you get in the box with new binoculars – if any – are usually very poor. With the Canon snuggly inserted into the Galbin, they felt safe on the shoulder and proved easy to get in and out. Galbin are also very lightweight when not in use; while I was stargazing using my binoculars, I was able to push the Galbin around the back of my body and not notice they were there for over an hour. However, in practice I found myself putting the lens covers in a jacket pocket rather than risk them falling out of the slip pocket on the back of the Galbin.
Billingham Galbin 10 binocular case: conclusion
As impressive on looks as on its ability to keep binoculars safe, secure, and away from the weather, the Galbin is as good a binocular case as you’ll find. Expensive? Absolutely. But if you’re looking for a bag that loves your binoculars as much as you do, the Billingham Galbin 10 binocular case is perfect for traveling birdwatchers and stargazers alike.
Price as reviewed: £135
