Minox HGs V's Nikon HGLs

[peter1964]

HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING GETTING EITHER NIKON hgl 8X32 OR ALTERNATIVELY SOME MINOX hg 8X33 OR THEIR 8.5X43. CAN ANYONE MAKE THE CHOICE EASIER??

[BobinKy]

I have not looked through the Nikon hgl 8x32 (or its American version). However, two months ago I wanted to find a lighter binocular for bird and wildlife observing--to supplement my Swift Audubon 820ED 8.5x44 porro. I settled upon the Minox HG 8x33 BR roof.

What I like about the Minox is the size and weight, neutral color rendering, flat field, precision focusing, twist up eye cups, FOV, close focus, strap, case, and all of the optical engineering to produce these great daytime views.

What I would like to see changed about the Minox is longer eye relief, better detail in low light situations, more depth of field, armor that does not attract dirt and dust like a magnet, focus wheel with black finish rather than shiny bright metal, and better objective lens covers.

All in all, I get very positive comments from others--comparing it to a Leica.

I hope this helps.

--Bob
Kentucky, USA

[postcardcv]

the best bet would be to get along to a shop and test the two side by side for yourself - it's not just a matter of optics but also how they feel in the hand and how they focus.

[PYRTLE]

The Nikon HGL (8x32) is a very underated high spec roof prism - postcard is spot on in that you really have to physically test a binocular before buying it.....written technical spec is fine / reports are onlu one person's view and in most cases should be taken as read eg. Someone is not going to give a bad report on an optic if they are paid or receive a free pair from that company - get my point!

Given the optics you mention, I personally would also consider the Swarovski 8 x 30 SLC.

Best of luck, but please do get to a specialist optics dealer before buying.

[trealawboy]

I have only very briefly looked through Minox HGs, and not the model you want. I do own the Nikon HG 8x32s however, which I use as my primary birding binoculars. They are an excellent pair of bins and certainly rank alongside the other so-called top brands. I like the fast-focussing very much, but its not to everyone's taste. Close-focus, field of view, sharpness and contrast are excellent. Some BFers refer to excessive chromatic aberration with the Nikons, but I've never observed it with my pair. Their eye-cups are not as hard-wearing as some others.

Two reviews worth reading may be found at Alula (http://www.alula.fi/gb/test_nikonHG_and_Swarovksi_EL.html) and Better View Desired (http://www.betterviewdesired.com/Venturer-LX-32s.php). Note, these review the older incarnation, the HGs. The HGLs are the same optically, but housed in a lighter body and are manufactured using more environment-friendly processes.

[iveljay]

The Minox 8x33 HGs are my most used binoculars. They initially took some time to get set up for best viewing and the variable rate focussing can confuse if trying out next to another make. Some people find them difficult to focuss critically; according to a recent birding magazine review.

My Zeiss FL bin is probably the 'best' with Nikon EII s close behind but they arn't the first I grab. Irrational perhaps but it all boils down to what feels right for each of us considering, condition of eyes, weight, balance, peer pressure, steadiness of hand, and what we use them for, etc.

Nikon HGLs are good - they just didn't give me the buzz that triggers me into parting with money at the time which the EIIs did.

Generally the advice must be to try them - making sure that you get the dioptre setting at least roughly right and if one doesn't have the 'zing' factor try others. If you can't try - buy the most recommended. (search Birdforum). A lot of published tests are a bit long in the tooth or only cover some models but still give useful ideas of what to look for.

Clearly the best binocular is closely related to the meaning of life - when you find it please let me know. (and I bet that you will get a flood of posts on why you are wrong).

J

[NoSpringChicken]

Am I missing something here or is this an incredibly good price for the Minox 8x33 HG?

http://www.sherwoods-photo.co.uk/minox_bino/minox_bino_fs.html

Ron

[SteveClifton]

Nikon obviously spent all the development budget on the optics, not on the fit & finish of the HG's. I've had them just over 2 years (8x32's), and already have lost one of the little triangular badges from the front of the barrels. The other one is still held on by its double -sided tape! but the black paint is peeling from it. Also the rubber eyecups have become distorted and could do with replacing. Some might say these are minor points which don't affect the performance, but they look quite tatty-not something you should expect from a 'top' binocular.

Still, I intend to keep them and have no complaints about the handling or view they offer, especially at the bargain price I paid!

I haven't yet had cause to try out their customer service, but have heard mixed reviews. It will be interesting to see how they look and feel after another 2 years.

[jacquot]

I've had my Nikon 8x32 LX's for a year and they are perfect. They have accompanied me on various field projects in winter and summer with no physical problems. They are a great glass, with some CA, as other alpha glasses, but with a detailed, flat, wide and contrasty view with good color. They are also available at good prices if you look around. I haven't had to use the warrantee, but it is as good as it gets on paper. I purchased mine at a very good price as demos. The x32 LX (HG)'s are the ones to look for, not the LX-L, as the weight difference is not an issue and the view (and price) is better. I have not looked at the Minox, but I do also have Zeiss Fl's (10x32), which are another step up from the Nikons. Nikon, Zeiss and Leica have upgraded recently, and prices might be increasingly favorable for the older models. I LOVE what I see through my Zeiss. Each model has it's quirks, unfortunately, which are well documented on these lists. In the end, what you can see--with your eyes, when all works well--is what counts.
David

[iveljay]

Re Sherwood's prices - they were selling them at £475 back in July and were about the cheapest price then.
If I hadn't already got a pair... never mind, I've had the pleasure of using them which is the whole point.
This must make them a worth trying out. (N.B. RRP is still listed as £599)

J