Bruce,
I have a Monarch 8x42 HG and I can't get the blind cap on the front of its hinge to budge!
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Bob
Have you been able to get the cap off yet? Hopefully the photo above inspired you! Try pressing an ice cube against it for a bit. It is plastic so it may not be impacted much but it could help if things are close to giving loose. Also, using one of those rubber jar grip pads may help. Good luck!
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I can't see any concentric holes around the top of the hinge in your picture that could be used to tighten the hinge if necessary like there are on my 10x32 EDG .......
Bob
You are right, it is totally different than my EDG models. I am not sure if an owner can do a fix it your self on the HG if the hinge is loose. Fortuneately the HG is much better when it comes to hinge tightness as compared to the EDG which tends to be on the loose side.
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My LX-L's do have a warmer color balance which to my eyes draws out contrast and looks more natural than bins with so-called "neutral" (bluish to me) color balance. That's what I just couldn't get used to with the Swaro SLC's. Everything looked like it had a blue tint.
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I am thinking the HG tends to lean more toward the Zeiss color balance (slight yellow/green to me) rather than the white/blue of Swaro. The Swaro can get a little intense out here (AZ desert) in the summer with some colors. I have had no problem with extended viewing with either Zeiss models or the HG.
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I wish I could afford the EDG, but I'm not spending that much on a pair of binocs that I could leave somewhere by accident. Because I would. LOL
Consider looking for a used EDG.
The bad news for those that buy a new EDG at normal pricing is they have significant depreciation. The good news for those that buy a used EDG is that they have significant depreciation. I have on occasion seen like new EDG 32 mm models sell for less than the street price of a new HG. If going for a used EDG, stay with the EDG-II unless the EDG-I price is to good to refuse. I have an EDG-I in a 10X32 and it is great, just as good as the EG-II, but I am the original owner covered by the 25 year or whatever warranty Nikon is honoring at the moment.
As I recall, your Sightron disappeared for a while some time ago so I understand your concern for misplacing an expensive binocular.
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I wonder if Bruce could try one on his Monarch HGs center column to see if that kind of screw in adapter will fit it?
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After posting that photo last night I had a recollection of buying a tripod mount as a fill item to get free shipping. That motivated m to tear the place apart and to see if I could find it. I did find it and some other cool stuff I forgot about!
The screw does fit but for at least this particular brand, the bolt is longer than the hole and it does not screw in far enough to tighten the mount. The moral of the story is to choose your brand well. There is no label on mine but I think is may be a Bushnell. I think I can use a metal or plastic washer or spacer as a collar for a work around.
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I use my Sightrons almost daily. The full size 10x42's are reserved for serious birding/surveys and glassing all day for elk and deer, when I need resolution, light gathering and a wide field of view.
I had a Sightron 8X32 BS on trial but returned it for lack of over travel in the focus. The view was very good but I think you will find it more on the dull side contrast wise relatively speaking compared to what you will see in the HG or the EDG. The EDG shows even a little more contrast to me as compared to the HG.