Audubon Equinox and HP

[elkhorn98]

Anyone have comments about the Equinox or the Equinox HP. I am looking for a 10x42, roof prism, Bak4, coated, phase corrected, waterproof, fogproof for about $300 or less?

[elkhorn98]

Here is a favorable review of the Equinox from the Eagle Optics website.
Equinox Review link (http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?dept=1&type=13&pid=3811)

[John Traynor]

Here is a favorable review of the Equinox from the Eagle Optics website.
Equinox Review link (http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?dept=1&type=13&pid=3811)


A few months ago, I briefly compared an EO Raptor 8X42 to an Equinox 8X42 and the Equinox won. The store owner came to the same conclusion. Here's a link for the new Equinox HP model...under $300.00
http://www.audubonbinoculars.com/binoculars_equinox_hp.html

Go to Eagle Optics and use their binocular selection menu...it will help you narrow your choices!

Good Luck.
John

[elkhorn98]

Yeah I saw the audubon website and the Eagle Optics review. I just can't find a lot out there on the HPs. I guess they are pretty new. Thanks.

[Robert Ellis]

Yeah I saw the audubon website and the Eagle Optics review. I just can't find a lot out there on the HPs. I guess they are pretty new. Thanks.

The last time I spoke to EO the HPs were delayed until summer.

[elkhorn98]

here is a new review out for the equinox HPs review (http://www.optics4birding.com/RevAudubonEquinoxHP.aspx)

They will be available May 1st. So I think I will compare those with the Nikon Monarch ATBs I am looking at.

[John Traynor]

here is a new review out for the equinox HPs review (http://www.optics4birding.com/RevAudubonEquinoxHP.aspx)

They will be available May 1st. So I think I will compare those with the Nikon Monarch ATBs I am looking at.

Most reviews never mention IPD and I often wonder how many people unknowingly buy bins that really aren't suited to them. The majority of mid-price bins start at 58mm and for me, at 57mm, they are eliminated as soon as I pick them up. I wish every spec listing would list IPD, but most don't!

Thankfully, the Equinox has a low IPD of 54mm (verified last year). That should appeal to a lot of folks with low IPD's, but it also means many more will be able to improve their short range views by reducing their normal IPD a few mm.

The best news is that there are several really nice mid-priced bins available to consumers. EO's modifications to the Equinox indicates they listen to consumers and care about designing a worthy birding tool.

John

[elkhorn98]

John,

What exactly is the IPD?

[Richard Scott]

John,

What exactly is the IPD?

IPD is inter-pupilary distance

[John Traynor]

John,

What exactly is the IPD?


The distance measured from the center of one pupil to the other. If you don't know your IPD (eyeglass users should), you can probably get a technician at one of the eyeglass shops to measure you for free.

Assume your IPD is 58mm and the bin you own has a minimum IPD of 60mm. When you close the bin all the way (60mm) you will see circular images in each eye that are not perfectly joined into a uniform image, which is what you want to see. Get a bin that goes down to 58mm and you'll see one circular image, assuming, of course, that the bin is properly collimated.

If your diopter remains constant and you see "better" images one day than another or your eyes strain a bit, you might want to take a look at how you set the IPD. If the optical path is not carefully aligned, all sorts of aberrations can and will interfere with your enjoyment.

John

[spinoletta]

Here is a favorable review of the Equinox from the Eagle Optics website.
Equinox Review link (http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?dept=1&type=13&pid=3811)

That Eagle Optics info looks more like an advert than a review.

Looked on Google for a binocular review and found reviews for both the old and new Equinox models at Optics4Birding. Here is the link to newer version:

http://www.optics4birding.com/RevAudubonEquinoxHP.aspx

Sound pretty good for the price.

Pipitsforever ;)

[marcus]

Just a few hours ago I went to EagleOptics.com and ordered an Audubon Equinox 8x42. The older version.
OK, I'll be finding out soon if their IDP fits me.

[marcus]

A guy from UPS came about an hour ago and delivered my Audubon Equinox. Once I took the box from the deliverer, I was surpised by how light they were. The box almost seemed empty.
Of course, it's night now, so I can just look out into the dark with them. Their optics seem really good for me, but I have to wait until tomorrow morning to see what they'll really be like.
One thing that I don't like about 'em is the neck-strap that came with them. The advertisement says a 'wide strap', but it is not too wide or comfortable. I may have to get a new one.

[marcus]

I really have to have these binoculars 'squeezed' together for the IDP to suit me. But of course IDP differs for different people, so I can't say that having to do that is something bad about these binoculars.

[elkhorn98]

Marcus,

So how are they? Image quality, etc...

[marcus]

Elkhorn, thanks for asking.
Maybe getting the eyecups and IDP set-up is a little bothersome, but the image quality of these binoculars is perfect. I have them around my neck now and can clearly see things at least a mile away perfectly. These are really a pair that makes me wonder why somebody feels they need to spend more than around $200 for new binoculars. Even though I have done that a few times.
I suppose that one thing about these that are not equal to some 'top-guns' is that they are not as bright. But that may seem so now just because it's around 7:30pm over here and it's getting cloudy out.
Oh, thanks again for asking the question.

[elkhorn98]

Marcus,

Anything new to report on the Equinoxes? I am leaning toward the Equinox HPs or the swift 828 HHS.

[marcus]

Hello Elkhorn,
I really don't have 'anything new to report' about my Equinox, mainly because the one I have is the less expensive one. You're leaning toward an HP.
I was thinking at first that the kind I have as optics as good as an HP, but I'll be honest and admit the the HP's field of view is probably wider than mine. Just a 331 ft. FOV is not too great, but I'll survive.

[Robert Ellis]

The HP has the same fov I think, the improvement is in the coatings.

BTW for those in this market range, the lesser two models in the new Stokes line are due out early June. The Broadwing 8x42 for about 350 and the Talon 8x42 for about 200. The Talon is supposed to beast a field about 370' at 1000yds.

[marcus]

You're sure right about the coatings. This morning was very bright and sunny, and it was real 'killing' my vision trying to look out over the lake with all that reflection. I was
really wondering if the coating in the Equinox I was using needed improvement.