[robmv]

I'm looking to upgrade from a pair of Viking Vistron 8x32 and I can just about stretch my budget to £500. There seems to be an awful lot of choice at the top and bottom ends of the market, but less so around this price point.

My main interests are waders and waterfowl and I would like to move up to 10x42s to avoid lugging my scope around all the time. ED glass would be nice, but only if it doesn't mean compromises elsewhere.

I had a quick look through the RSPB HD 10x42s at Conwy last weekend and was quite impressed, but there seems to be mixed opinions on this forum. I also tried the Viking ED 10x42s but found the focus wheel to be oddly positioned (it felt too close to my face somehow, but I suppose you get used to that sort of thing). The Swarowski ELs were fantastic, but sadly way out of my budget.

Any advice would be gratefully received!

[ClarkWGriswold]

Hi Rob. I posted a similar question earlier in the year and was pointed in the direction of second hand "alpha" binos. Was really pleased I took AlexP's advice as the Leica 8x42 Trinovids I ended up buying are great. Some may find them a little heavy but I don't have an issue with this.

Nikon SE's and EII's also seem to be really popular on this post. Hopefully some others will be able to give you some expert advice.

Rich

[Veracocha]

My stock answer is Hawke Frontier ED 10 x 43. Simply outstanding views and value. Sherwoods are knocking them out for less than half your budget. If you don't believe they can compare with the alpha's even at this price then you are cheating yourself.

[robmv]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

My stock answer is Hawke Frontier ED 10 x 43. Simply outstanding views and value. Sherwoods are knocking them out for less than half your budget. If you don't believe they can compare with the alpha's even at this price then you are cheating yourself.

These do look like excellent value. Is the Mk II any different optically, or is it purely a cosmetic upgrade?

[Veracocha]

Originally Posted by robmv

These do look like excellent value. Is the Mk II any different optically, or is it purely a cosmetic upgrade?

Really not sure but if it is then I'm in the market for a new pair also. If not then the price difference for cosmetic changes doesn't seem good value. Nevertheless, still outstanding performance/value.

[spuggyhawk]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

Really not sure but if it is then I'm in the market for a new pair also. If not then the price difference for cosmetic changes doesn't seem good value. Nevertheless, still outstanding performance/value.

Ive just purchased 10x42 frontier ed 2011 version.. only had them since monday.

Anyway from what ive been told about the upgrade is.. some change to the glass to help gather more light, the focus wheel requires less turning to go from close to distant plus the cosmetic stuff. they now have integral front lens caps.. these i dont like.

This is the first time that ive gone to 10x, i usually have 8x. ive been using them for the last 3 days and i am finding 10x not great with my eyes... i seem to be getting eye strain so i'm hoping i can change them for 8x... if not maybe one of you guys could pick up a new pair off me saving yourself some dosh.

jon

[Veracocha]

Originally Posted by spuggyhawk

Ive just purchased 10x42 frontier ed 2011 version.. only had them since monday.

Anyway from what ive been told about the upgrade is.. some change to the glass to help gather more light, the focus wheel requires less turning to go from close to distant plus the cosmetic stuff. they now have integral front lens caps.. these i dont like.

This is the first time that ive gone to 10x, i usually have 8x. ive been using them for the last 3 days and i am finding 10x not great with my eyes... i seem to be getting eye strain so i'm hoping i can change them for 8x... if not maybe one of you guys could pick up a new pair off me saving yourself some dosh.

jon

Interesting, thanks for the info Jon.

[robmv]

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

I took the plunge yesterday and purchased an ex-demo pair of Minox HG 10x42s for £445.

[ClarkWGriswold]

Good luck with them Rob. I'm sure they'll be great.

Rich

[lilcrazy2]

For those wanting to know the difference in the Hawke Frontiers, this was posted on another forum

http://www.birdingtoday.co.uk/hawke_...eview_108.html

tom

[FrankD]

I just checked out that review that Tom linked above. I cannot speak to the optical improvements though based on earlier comments in this thread it appears as if they changet the antireflective coatings and added a faster focusing speed. After I read that it reminded me of the upgraded Zen ED3. Then, when I looked at the comparison pic between the old Frontier ED and the newer version my earlier thoughts were again confirmed of the similarity.

Hawke kept the focusing knob exterior the same as the previous version but changed the armoring coverage. It looks very similar to the ED3 in that regard. There aren't any attached objective covers with the ED3 though.

[NoSpringChicken]

Originally Posted by robmv

I took the plunge yesterday and purchased an ex-demo pair of Minox HG 10x42s for £445.

Nice one. I think you might have bought the last pair. Sherwoods are now showing only 8x33 ex-demos on their website.

Ron

[Hobbes2]

Originally Posted by robmv

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

I took the plunge yesterday and purchased an ex-demo pair of Minox HG 10x42s for £445.

I'm glad you were directed to these, Rob. They're a real bargain. I also bought the 10x43s and have been extremely impressed. They are not free from aberrations but the detail and clarity are exceptional. A friend with a pair of 10 year old equivalent Swaro ELs tried them and said they were better (brighter) than his.

Hobbes