Habicht 10x40 vs. Nikon SE 10x42

[Gregory Sargean]

As a dedicated porro user I am trying to decide between the Swarovski Habicht 10x40 or Nikon SE 10x42. I have looked through both (although I haven't done a side-by-side comparison) and I really liked each one of them. Although I don't abuse my binoculars, I have been known to be negligent in ensuring their safety, so durability is a consideration. I'm looking for insights into the trade-off in durability and optical quality between the two models. Would I be sacrificing much in the way of image quality if I opted for the habichts? Or would the Nikons be plenty durable enough? (Cheapskate that I am I would probably save $170 by skipping the rubber armoring and getting the black Habichts instead). I live in New England, so the stiff focus wheel of the habicht during winter is a consideration.

Thanks

[chartwell99]

As a dedicated porro user I am trying to decide between the Swarovski Habicht 10x40 or Nikon SE 10x42. I have looked through both (although I haven't done a side-by-side comparison) and I really liked each one of them. Although I don't abuse my binoculars, I have been known to be negligent in ensuring their safety, so durability is a consideration. I'm looking for insights into the trade-off in durability and optical quality between the two models. Would I be sacrificing much in the way of image quality if I opted for the habichts? Or would the Nikons be plenty durable enough? (Cheapskate that I am I would probably save $170 by skipping the rubber armoring and getting the black Habichts instead). I live in New England, so the stiff focus wheel of the habicht during winter is a consideration.

Thanks
I presently own the Nikon SE and have in the past owned the Habicht. The Swaro has a noticeably wider field and is, in many ways, a very nice binocular. It is also advertised as waterproof, which is probably the cause for the annoyingly stiff focus. Nonetheless, the Nikon is, for my eyes, optically in another league, and, if watertight integrity is not an issue, seems very robust and durable. If waterproof is not a critical attribute, I would go with the Nikon - you won't be disappointed.

[henry link]

I agree with Chartwell about the optical difference. Also the eye relief of the Habicht is quite short at 12mm. If you decide to buy the Swarovski I would spend the $170 extra for the armored version just to avoid the small uncomfortable eyecups that come on the black version. BTW I thought the armored version had been discontinued some time ago.

[TTT]

I have compared my own 10x42 SE with my friend's 10x40 Habicht (latest model) on several occasions, and I'm not all convinced the SE has the superior optics. I feel they are pretty equal. The SE has perhaps slightly better contrast and sharpness, but I felt the colors of the Habicht were warmer and more pleasing. The SE has a slight red color cast that shows pretty well, especially in winter. The Habicht has slightly better FOV, but also produces more stray light.

They are both great binos, but I still think I would have picked the Habicht if I had to choose between them.

[Gregory Sargean]

Thanks for the info/opinions. I found a pair of used black habicht 8 x 30 s at B&H for US$449. I already had $300 in gift cards from B&H, and they graded the binos at 9+ (almost like new), so I snatched em' up.

[TTT]

Thanks for the info/opinions. I found a pair of used black habicht 8 x 30 s at B&H for US$449. I already had $300 in gift cards from B&H, and they graded the binos at 9+ (almost like new), so I snatched em' up.

A good choice! The 8x30 Habicht is even better than the 10x40. I have owned the "green" version for 10 years, and it is still as good as new. Optically it is top notch with an awesome 3D view. Its only drawbacks are the rather stiff focusing wheel and a bit too much straylight. But it is easily among the best allround binos out there, IMHO.

BTW, I think the main reason for the stiff focusing wheel is the very solid bridge between the oculars. For the same reason the "green" version" is worse than the "black" one (even more solid bridge).

[Otto McDiesel]

they graded the binos at 9+ (almost like new), so I snatched em' up.

That was a 10+ choice.

[Gregory Sargean]

All right I am at it again. Although I am perfectly satisfied with the 8x30s (delighted actually) I have had the nagging urge to get a pair of top of the line 10x porros. Based upon my experience with the 8x30s I decided to set aside a few $ and buy a pair of 10x40 habichts. But today at lunch I walked into a photo store and found a pair of 10x42SE's for $499.00 on clearance. As luck would have it I also recieved a mileage check for $500 this afternoon. Is this a no-brainer?

[Otto McDiesel]

All right I am at it again. Although I am perfectly satisfied with the 8x30s (delighted actually) I have had the nagging urge to get a pair of top of the line 10x porros. Based upon my experience with the 8x30s I decided to set aside a few $ and buy a pair of 10x40 habichts. But today at lunch I walked into a photo store and found a pair of 10x42SE's for $499.00 on clearance. As luck would have it I also recieved a mileage check for $500 this afternoon. Is this a no-brainer?

You already bought them, didn't you?

[Gregory Sargean]

You already bought them, didn't you?
I won't be there again until Thursday!

[Robert Ellis]

You really missed something if you missed the 12x50 SEs selling from an online pawnbroker for $359. They are gone now, I wonder who the lucky fellow was?

[Gregory Sargean]

12x is a little too high powered for my shaky hands, still a good deal though!


You really missed something if you missed the 12x50 SEs selling from an online pawnbroker for $359. They are gone now, I wonder who the lucky fellow was?

[Gregory Sargean]

Well I went out and bought the Nikon SE 10x42. After using them for just a day a couple days I am already impressed. Testing them outside the shop I didn't see what all the fuss was about, but after getting a look at a few birds under different conditions, I quickly figured it out. The view through these really is spectacular. There is a great depth of field and the sharpness and clarity are phenomenal. The Swarovskis are impressive too but they just don't quite equal the SE's view. Aside from the view, I like everything else about the Swarovskis better, (except the stiffer focus) and I really wanted them to be my favorites, but I think the Nikons will be my primary binocular. I'll save the Swarovskis for rainy days, etc.

[Otto McDiesel]

Well I went out and bought the Nikon SE 10x42. After using them for just a day a couple days I am already impressed. Testing them outside the shop I didn't see what all the fuss was about, but after getting a look at a few birds under different conditions, I quickly figured it out. The view through these really is spectacular. There is a great depth of field and the sharpness and clarity are phenomenal. The Swarovskis are impressive too but they just don't quite equal the SE's view. Aside from the view, I like everything else about the Swarovskis better, (except the stiffer focus) and I really wanted them to be my favorites, but I think the Nikons will be my primary binocular. I'll save the Swarovskis for rainy days, etc.

You have two of the finest binoculars. Happy birding!!!

[Gregory Sargean]

You have two of the finest binoculars. Happy birding!!!
...and for less than US$1000 I might add. Thanks!

[Gregory Sargean]

After field testing the two binoculars for the last two weeks I have formed some definite opinions about them.

Nikon SE 10 x 42
-Spectacular view and depth of field, very sharp
-Useless lens caps and eyepiece covers
-Fogs up easily
-Styling isn't much of an improvement over the $50 Nikon models.

Swarovski Habicht 8 x 30 (Black Leather Version)
-Great view, very crisp and sharp
-No lens caps
-Waterproof and fogproof
-Very small, almost compact sized
-Classic styling is very nicely done

The bottom line: For everyday use I tend to reach for the Swarovskis, they fit nicely under the front seat of my car and are easy to use. When I'm going birding I reach for the Nikons, but keep the Swarovskis handy in case of rain. If I had it all to do over again and a pair of habicht 10 x 42 were the same price as the Nikon SE, I would go for the habichts. The view is not quite as nice but I think as a total package the Swarovskis are more suitable for everyday birding. I wouldn't bother with the rubber armoring they seem rugged enough with the leather.

[kabsetz]

Gregory,

Swarovski EL 42mm objective lens covers fit the Nikon 10x42 SE objective barrels. I also use an Optolyth one-piece drop-on eyepiece rainguard and an Opticron neoprene strap. All of these are clear improvements over the original rather sad accessories.

Does your SE really fog up internally very easily? What kinds of conditions do you use it in?

Kimmo

[Gregory Sargean]

Does your SE really fog up internally very easily? What kinds of conditions do you use it in?

Kimmo
Not internally, externally. In the cold, damp, rainy weather we've had over the last couple weeks they the eyepieces fog up after about 15 seconds of viewing. I'm not sure if it was the eyecups or what but it was certainly annoying. The Swarovskis didn't have this problem under the exact same conditions. I kept having to switch between the two until finally I just stuck with the Swarovskis. When the sun came out I used the Nikons.

[kabsetz]

Okay, I understand now.

The Swarovski has rather shallow eyecups which ventilate quite readily and don't keep a lot of air inside. The SE has rather high eyecups which seal around the viewers face much better, which means that humidity from your face does not ventilate away as much and thus condenses on the cold lens. What you can do is to have the eyecups folded down in this kind of weather, and support the tops of the eyepiece barrels against your brow. This works, but it is a drag, especially since the eyecups wear out much quicker if they are folded up and down frequently.

Kimmo