Combine web-based shopping with the rise of optical merchandise from the Far East: now what do you get? Low prices of course, but how about quality?
I tested a 8x42 binocular, sold on the internet for the price of 149 Euro and offered by the KATO-group, based in The Netherlands (with webshops in Germany, France and the UK as well).
This 8x42 is part of a larger series of binocular models, marketed under the Eden brand in three quality classes: HD, ED and XP. In the latter two you get chromatic aberration-treated ED-glass, in the HD version you have to accept more conventional technology, but even in that case the amount of quality you get for the money is impressive.
The first surprise is the size and weight of the package. These binoculars are remarkably small and lightweight (even compared to the very compact Swarovski SLC 8x42 HD, see picture) and yet everything youd expect from a modern binocular is there: nitrogen purged, rubber armouring, tethered objective caps, rain guard, adjustable eye cups, a decent strap and a no-nonsense case (with the degree of protection already present on the binocular I dont think youd need more).
The eyecups travel far enough to accommodate both spectacle wearers and the unaided viewer, the dioptre setting ring stays firmly put when it should and moves lightly on demand, and the focus wheel operates in the same manner: smoothly. This last feature proves especially important because focussing is rather fast: youll get from 1,2 meter to infinity in one turn, so a smoothly operating focussing wheel is necessary for fine focussing. I found that after some getting-used-to everything works fine.
Now, the optics. With a quite normal 7.4 deg. field of view (129 at 1000 m) the initial view comes as a surprise again. Its bright and contrasty, well corrected to the edges, with good transparency and depth. Youll even find very good sharpness in the center of the viewing circle. That is, until you compare this low budget binocular with a higher classed alternative, lets say a model 10 times more expensive. What I mean to say here is that the unavoidable compromises built into this binocular are to be found in the center sharpness. Which is good, i.e. good enough for most types of use, birding for instance, but not exceptional. Now, every binocular is a compromise, even the most expensive types, and so the question is always if the qualities and compromises are well considered, well balanced. I think thats very much the case here. In the way that the designers have chosen for a real fine, satisfying general view, and leave the ultimate optical perfection to the more expensive models. Well done. Taking the price into account the Eden 8x42 HD is a major achievement.
The 8x42 HD is sold in the Netherlands via the webshop www.knivesandtools.nl and in the other European countries via www.edenwebshops.co.uk or www.edenwebshops.de or www.edenwebshops.fr. Theres a 7 day money-back guarantee and a 25 year warranty on the binoculars.
Renze de Vries
PS. Also see KorHaans impressions of the higher priced Eden 8x42 ED in this thread http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=176276. His follow-up, a more elaborate review of the 8x42 XP, can be found here: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=209395
I tested a 8x42 binocular, sold on the internet for the price of 149 Euro and offered by the KATO-group, based in The Netherlands (with webshops in Germany, France and the UK as well).
This 8x42 is part of a larger series of binocular models, marketed under the Eden brand in three quality classes: HD, ED and XP. In the latter two you get chromatic aberration-treated ED-glass, in the HD version you have to accept more conventional technology, but even in that case the amount of quality you get for the money is impressive.
The first surprise is the size and weight of the package. These binoculars are remarkably small and lightweight (even compared to the very compact Swarovski SLC 8x42 HD, see picture) and yet everything youd expect from a modern binocular is there: nitrogen purged, rubber armouring, tethered objective caps, rain guard, adjustable eye cups, a decent strap and a no-nonsense case (with the degree of protection already present on the binocular I dont think youd need more).
The eyecups travel far enough to accommodate both spectacle wearers and the unaided viewer, the dioptre setting ring stays firmly put when it should and moves lightly on demand, and the focus wheel operates in the same manner: smoothly. This last feature proves especially important because focussing is rather fast: youll get from 1,2 meter to infinity in one turn, so a smoothly operating focussing wheel is necessary for fine focussing. I found that after some getting-used-to everything works fine.
Now, the optics. With a quite normal 7.4 deg. field of view (129 at 1000 m) the initial view comes as a surprise again. Its bright and contrasty, well corrected to the edges, with good transparency and depth. Youll even find very good sharpness in the center of the viewing circle. That is, until you compare this low budget binocular with a higher classed alternative, lets say a model 10 times more expensive. What I mean to say here is that the unavoidable compromises built into this binocular are to be found in the center sharpness. Which is good, i.e. good enough for most types of use, birding for instance, but not exceptional. Now, every binocular is a compromise, even the most expensive types, and so the question is always if the qualities and compromises are well considered, well balanced. I think thats very much the case here. In the way that the designers have chosen for a real fine, satisfying general view, and leave the ultimate optical perfection to the more expensive models. Well done. Taking the price into account the Eden 8x42 HD is a major achievement.
The 8x42 HD is sold in the Netherlands via the webshop www.knivesandtools.nl and in the other European countries via www.edenwebshops.co.uk or www.edenwebshops.de or www.edenwebshops.fr. Theres a 7 day money-back guarantee and a 25 year warranty on the binoculars.
Renze de Vries
PS. Also see KorHaans impressions of the higher priced Eden 8x42 ED in this thread http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=176276. His follow-up, a more elaborate review of the 8x42 XP, can be found here: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=209395
