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Sightron "Blue Sky" II 8x32 (3 Viewers)

Just some quick observations after comparing the Sightron Blue Sky II 8x32 and the Nikon EDG 8x32 for three days.
The EDG is sharper but not by a great deal, The EDG is brighter and that is quite noticeable. I see more fine detail with the EDG. The EDG has that "picture window" quality to it's view and the Sightron seems cramped in comparison. That might be due in part to better useable eye relief on the EDG. Edge sharpness definitely goes to the EDG although the Sightron isn't bad. I like the way the Sightron represents color. It's warmer than the EDG and, to my eyes, very pleasant.
I give the ergonomic nod to the EDG because it's a little heavier and that helps to steady the image and thankfully it lacks those bulging "eyebrows" of the Sightron. The view through the EDG is just more comfortable.
None of the above was a surprise given that the EDG lists for around $2000 and the Sightron for around $200. That extra zero accounts for the subtle and not so subtle refinements in the EDG.
So, the Sightron comes a lot closer to the performance of the EDG then it has any right to given the $1800 list price differential and I might have decided to keep the Sightron except for one "fly in the ointment". The focus mechanism. My sample was stiff out of the box but useable. Once I got it outside it was another story. The focus wheel became very stiff and sluggish. Once the temp dips below thirty it's a real struggle to turn the focus nob, especially with gloves on. I took the Sightron to view a Common Chaffinch which has been spending time at a local feeder here in north Jersey. With the temperature hovering in the mid twenty's the focus mechanism became so difficult to turn that I had to remove my gloves and pre-focus the Sightron on the feeder.
This is a very nice binocular in almost every respect, especially at the $200 price point. However that stiff focus mechanism is probably a deal breaker for me.

I have continued to use the Sightron Blue Sky II 8x32 and would like to make some additional comments about this binocular. My earlier impressions were probably colored a bit by my initial experience with the bin. As I mentioned, I had an issue with the focus mechanism getting stiff in cold weather. I've since found that part of the problem that first day was my loose fitting gloves. The Blue Sky is still stiff in the cold but usable with a closer fitting glove with leather palm and fingers. Not the buttery smooth focus of the Nikon EDG but eminently useable.
Frank D. pointed out the excellent depth of focus which took me a while to notice and appreciate. The focus might be on the stiff side but I have to re-focus less.
So I stopped comparing the Sightron to the EDG and just started appreciating the Sightron's particular combination of qualities. It was then that I understood Frank D.'s comment about the Blue Sky 8x32; “it displays exceptionally high performance levels in just about every area.”
The fact that I could say the same about the EDG only emphasizes the incredible cost to performance ratio of the Sightron! Since I got the Blue Sky the EDG hasn't seen much use
Truth be told, the more I use these bins the more “I use these bins”.
Tom
 
In my never ending quest to find the perfect binocular I have ventured far from the mainstream binocular market. The company name "Sightron" will carry little recognition for most birders but those in the US hunting population are very familiar with their optics' products as they have been producing high quality optics for many years. Admittedly, I knew next to nothing about Sightron other than to see occasional posts in reference to their riflescope products over on 24hourcampfire. I never imagined that they produced binoculars not to mention one that I would end up trying.

What led me to them was a bit of a roundabout journey. Many evenings I surf ebay, amazon and various other places around the net in search of "good deals" on more well-known optics. You might be surprised though with what you find if you type in "8x42 or 8x32 binoculars" in a search engine or two instead of just typing "Nikon" or "Bushnell". It was just such a search that led me to find many of the other bins I have tried in the last three or four months.

That search did not initially lead me to the Sightron model referenced in the title of this thread. It actually lead me to the Vixen Foresta 8x32 DCF HR open-bridge model. I had considered buying them but $329 was a little steep for what I was looking for at the time. I did find a nice review of them over on allbinos.com which, in turn, led me to the Kenko version of them (Ultraview HP 8x32). $239 looked better than $329 plus the allbinos review of them was equally positive. I decided to order one. Sadly though, after I placed the order from Amazon, I was informed that they were out of stock with no mention of when they would be back in stock. I sat back then and considered my options.

I am not sure how that led me to the Sightron SII "Blue Sky" 8x32 but I did eventually find it. It appears to have all of the same specs and features as the other two and now the price was down to $189.99. It didn't appear to offer as aesthetically pleasing of an exterior as the other two but how does that phrase go about beggars and choosers? ;)

So I ordered one and it arrived early last week. I have had plenty of time since then to give it a try and compare it to a variety of other binoculars I have on hand. In truth my expectations were not high because I have run into a variety of binocular "downfalls" that I have not posted here on the forum. I expected this to be just another journey out of the binocular mainstream. I was expecting average quality control and image quality along with mediocre handling. Boy was I surprised by what I received.

Let me start off with a rather shocking statement....this is currently the best overall 8x32 I have tried. Now, take a step back and consider what I just posted. I do not post this lightly and please do keep in mind that I do own the 8x32 Nikon SE and have owned the likes of the 8x32 FL, 8x32 Swaro EL, the 8x32 Meopta Meostar and the 8x30 Nikon EII. So, then you might ask how anyone in their right mind would consider a $190, non-ED, Phillipine made roof prism glass to be preferrable to all of these others? Well, there is an easy answer to that and a complicated one. The easy answer is price versus performance. The more complicated one is that this binocular simply provides the best combination of optical performance, handling and quality control for the price that I have yet to handle. So then the question becomes how does it stack up to what I have on hand.

;)

Well, I do have three 8x30-something porros and one other 8x32 roof on hand to compare them to. I am going to immediately dismiss the Celestron Nature 8x30, the Ultima DX 8x32 and the Dakota 8x32 Elite. Each is a fine instrument in their own right but only the 8x32 Nikon SE is direct competition to the Sightron SII 8x32. How can I make such a statement? Well the answer is fairly simple.....

Ergonomics:

The ergonomics for my hands are very close to perfect. This is an open-bridge design which means that it is very easy for your hands, and my hands in particular, to comfortably wrap themselves around this binocular. Hand placement is extremely critical in the perceived ergonomic comfort level of any binocular. With this particular design my fingers effortlessly slide between the hinges. I can even reposition my hand slightly to allow the pinky and ring finger to sit comfortably on the forward bridge connection for an even more stable image. This stability adds to the viewing comfort level of this binocular.

In addition to hand position the weight of this binocular plays a major role in the perceived comfort level of the handling of this binocular. It has a listed weight of 19 ounces which is average to slightly below average for most 8x32 roof prism models currently on the market. That isn't too unusual but then consider that the 19 oz is distributed over a 5 inch plus frame and you can understand why the binocular feels so light in your hands. The open-bridge design only further enhances this feel.

So, then the question becomes, is there anything not to like ergonomically about this binocular. Yes, there is one issue. Sightron chose to be employ a bumped-out extrusion for their nameplate near the eyepiece end of the barrel. This provides the only "less than perfect" feel to the binocular. Neither the Vixen nor the Kenko has this little "bump out" to the barrel so I would imagine the ergonomics on these two models to be even better.

In addition, though I do not find the eyecup edges to be objectionable a slightly more rounded design is more comfortable in my experience. This would be another area where one of the other two versions of this binocular might fare better.

How about focus?

Well I find the focusing speed to be ideal. It has very good depth of focus. The focus is smooth in both directions but just a tad stiff to be entirely "perfect" in my experience. However, I found something interesting that is often overlooked. When focusing to the far end of focusing knob range in either direction the focus comes to a very abrupt stop. You can almost feel the focus hit a metal "stop" in both directions. There is absolutely no "spongy feeling" in either direction. It is easily the most positive feeling I have ever felt in a focusing knob. The focus is also extremely precise. The image jumps out at you when you reach perfect focus and then it stays in focus for a decent distance as the focusing knob is turned in either direction. Translation? Excellent depth of focus.

Note: The focus is counterclockwise to infinity.

Now the fun part the......

Optical Performance:

Where to start? Well, as I mentioned, the image snaps wonderfully easily into sharp focus without having to move the focusing knob back and forth. There is no problem finding perfect focus in this model. The image itself is bright for an 8x32 model with very good contrast. Colors are very well represented, rich and well saturated. Not quite the equivalent of the 8x32 SE but above average in my opinion. I am going to attribute part of this to the slightly warm (red/purple) color bias of the image. As is often the case this is not readily apparent until you compare it with a binocular that offers either a neutral color representation or one with a cold (blue/green) bias.

The size of the sweet spot is larger than average. In casual use it almost appears as if it reaches very close to the outer edges of the image. Under careful inspection I would estimate the sweet spot size to be close to 80% of the image. The outer portion which is out of focus appears to be primarily field curvature as I can easily refocus the edges with a slight turn of the focusing knob.

As I mentioned the apparent sharpness is excellent. It comes exceptionally close to rivaling the 8x32 SE and the ZR 8x43 ED3. That genuinely surprises me as the this is a non-ED roof prism binocular. Color fringing is very controlled in the sweet spot and only marginally noticeable in the area of the image out of focus.

The field of view is advertised as 7.5 degrees (394 feet) and comparing it to the 8x32 SE this seems to be the case. This is certainly not the widest field of view in an 8x32 and should probably be considered "average" overall. The interesting part is when you couple this size of the field of view with the other aspects of the binocular's optical performance (size of sweetspot, CA control, etc...) the image is extremely relaxed and quite natural.

Another optical performance area where this binocular seems to shine is in its straylight control. I have tried to push this binocular under conditions which should force it to display some aspect of ghosting, flare or other straylight conditions and it excels. Internal baffling and design seem to be very well thought out and extremely effective.

Conclusion:

Is this binocular "perfect"? No, certainly not. However, it displays exceptionally high performance levels in just about every area I could think of examining. If it wasn't for that little "bump out" in the body I would almost call this binocular "close to perfect" in terms of the total package. One cannot overlook the most important fact and the one that separates it from just about any competition...the price. Finally, a wonderfully high-performing 8x32 binocular that truly anyone can afford.

I just read this but it sounds to me like the gold prospector that has been searching for gold for years and just discovered the big lode and now everybody in search of the $200.00 binocular that is equal to an alpha is putting their pick over there shoulder and following him. Just remember you get what you pay for and what seperates a cheap binocular from an alpha is how they perform in poor light and under rough conditions of weather and usage. Is this binocular going to focus when it is 10 degrees out or when you drop it in a stream. Is it going to last 10 years or one year? What's going to happen to the armour and the seals when it is exposed to constant sun and humidity? A $200.00 binocular CAN'T be built with the same quality control and care as a $1000.00 binocular. Does Sightron have a warranty and will they fix this binocular if you break it or is it disposable. This Sightron is a passing ship in the night and will be forgotten in a year and worthless in six months. If you are looking for a good quality binocular put the $200.00 on a Nikon SE or EII and down the road you will be glad you did. I have had alot of cheap binoculars and there was always something wrong with them when I got them or after a year of usage SOMETHING happened to them. No more cheap binoculars for me and if you are smart you will put your pick down and wait a year and relax and see what happens to Sightron. It will be a distant memory and you will be glad you didn't waist your money on them.
 
Dennis
Do you have to work hard at being ignorant or does it just come naturally? When will the realization dawn on you that many(and I mean MANY) of us don't give two tinkers damn about alpha binos. Antlers in the dark huh? Who do you think just fell off the truck?
Sightron has been in business in the USA for 18 years and is owned by the Japanese maker Kenko. So my dollar to a doughnut they're around next year, and the year after. Or would I be "waisting" my money?

Since you brought it up, get a pair of the Alpha SE's and EII's and lets drop em in a stream and see how well they hold up. Bet the Sightrons will outperform them underwater.
 
This Sightron is a passing ship in the night and will be forgotten in a year and worthless in six months.

This is the point you lose all your credibility with me. See I know for a fact this isn't true. I have inexpensive compact binoculars that have been on adventures with me for twenty five years. I still love putting them in my pocket for an outing just for old times sake and the memories that come flooding back when I hold them. And they've been through the mill and still ticking. While there are better optics now these are still good and worth passing on to a friend who is just starting out or strapped for cash.

This is why I stated in another post that your positions on this subject are illogical. And they are. While I do agree that the alphas are the very best out there that does not make all other's worthless. Your extremely elitist attitude is what is worthless IMO.
 
This is the point you lose all your credibility with me. See I know for a fact this isn't true. I have inexpensive compact binoculars that have been on adventures with me for twenty five years. I still love putting them in my pocket for an outing just for old times sake and the memories that come flooding back when I hold them. And they've been through the mill and still ticking. While there are better optics now these are still good and worth passing on to a friend who is just starting out or strapped for cash.

This is why I stated in another post that your positions on this subject are illogical. And they are. While I do agree that the alphas are the very best out there that does not make all other's worthless. Your extremely elitist attitude is what is worthless IMO.

Sorry, but that's my opinion. I wouldn't waste the $200.00 on them. I feel in a year or two you will have trouble with them. People are already complaining they are hard to focus in cold weather. That has been my experience with cheaper binoculars. It is not an elitist attitude. It is good sense. Buy your off brand cheap binoculars. We will see how long they last. My point is you should pay a little more and get a good name brand quality pair of binoculars and they will last longer and serve you better.
 
Dennis,

You always put a smile on my face. You just love to stir the pot, don't you? You find a thread on an optics' subject or particular model which is popular and then throw out some opposing opinion just to create controversy. Love it. You are the Howard Stern of Birdforum. ;)

Ok, I will play along...just to make things as interesting as ever.

I have had the Sightrons for four months now. Yep, still have 'em...long after many other bins have come and gone. More expensive bins? Yes. Higher performing bins? Yes.

Why?

Because of what I originally mentioned and because of what others have posted about subsequently after purchasing them. They are an excellent value and they perform very well in just about every optical area.

Are they an "Alpha bin"? Depends on your definition of "Alpha". They certainly aren't a Zeiss FL, Nikon EDG or Leica Ultravid HD but then again they shouldn't be as they are only $200.

Please do let me know the next time you drop your bins in a lake. I have been using binoculars for quite a few years and can't honestly remember if this has ever happened to me. If it did I would expect the Sightrons to be waterproof provided they weren't 20 feet down and/or sitting in there for more than a few minutes.

As for someone "complaining" about stiff focus in cold weather...please be kind enough to go back and re-read Brown Pelican's follow up post. His comment was placed because of the type of gloves he was using on that particular day. When he changed gloves he did not have as much of an issue.

And please do let me know which binoculars have focusing mechanisms that don't stiffen up somewhat in colder weather. There is a big difference between becoming somewhat stiff and becoming unusable.

;)

Anything else?
 
Sorry, but that's my opinion. I wouldn't waste the $200.00 on them. I feel in a year or two you will have trouble with them. People are already complaining they are hard to focus in cold weather. That has been my experience with cheaper binoculars. It is not an elitist attitude. It is good sense. Buy your off brand cheap binoculars. We will see how long they last. My point is you should pay a little more and get a good name brand quality pair of binoculars and they will last longer and serve you better.

Remember the time you opined on what total garbage the olympus trackers were?

Fun times, they.

If I spent $2000 (or far more) on a few bins in my life, only to have some newbie come along, see the folly in that, when a $200 bin gets you literally 95% of the way there, I'd be a bit miffed as well.

At least here on BF you have a few willing candidates who will feed the troll for fun.
 
There need be no justification necessary for the purchase of such fine optics. If I wasn't inclined ethically to my views on best values I'd buy the best pair of those alpha's I could find. What mystifies me is the lack of good will and fairness towards those who choose something less. This kind of attitude has nothing to do with the quality of optics IMO.

On a lighter note I'm chomping at the bit to get my hands on the Sightron's. I'm going to be very impressed if they are appreciably better than the Ranger's I'm currently in love with. I'm thinking they won't be that much better because I can't imagine that much bang for the buck but I'm so willing to be wrong.
 
On a lighter note I'm chomping at the bit to get my hands on the Sightron's. I'm going to be very impressed if they are appreciably better than the Ranger's I'm currently in love with. I'm thinking they won't be that much better because I can't imagine that much bang for the buck but I'm so willing to be wrong.

My suggestion....don't go into using the Sightrons with the expectation that they are the "be all, end all" binocular. They aren't. They are exactly what everyone has said they are...a good solid performer in every area at a very affordable price.

B :)
 
Of course I won't. I may be new but I'm not quite that ignorant. I've been listening carefully and that has been made plain many times.

But if they aren't better than $2000+ binos I'm going to hunt you down.:C
 
Of course I won't. I may be new but I'm not quite that ignorant. I've been listening carefully and that has been made plain many times.

But if they aren't better than $2000+ binos I'm going to hunt you down.:C

If you are ever in east central Pennsylvania then you know you are always welcome at my humble abode.

;)
 
That would be fun but I warn you I'll have to bring the dogs and Kilo is a Pitt Bull/Bull Mastiff and weights in at around 115lb. Do you have that much food in the house?
 
Jay,

I haven't checked but I would guess a polycarbonate. Maybe something similar to the Zeiss. It is probably one of the reasons that it is so light for an 8x32 of its length.

Thanks Frank.

I think Zeiss uses some kind of polycarbonate reinforced with glass (?) fibers. Eagle Optics/Vortex do polycarb also. No idea what theirs is.

I am aways curious about the durability and ability to maintain alignment of the plastic body bins. But given the relative new-ness of the use of that material (as far as i know, wonder who did it first?) guess i will have to wait and see.

There are so many binoculars out there now days. I am tempted to try these, except for having no way to rationalize another pair of 8x30/32 class bins.
(having: Nikon 8x32 SE, Leupold 8x32 GR HD, Zeiss 8x30 Diaylt BGATP, Leupold 8x30 Yosemite BX-1 8-P )

At present, i am studying the 7x42 size offerings, of which thereare actually, few of quality.
 
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At present, i am studying the 7x42 size offerings, of which thereare actually, few of quality.

You can say that again. This is an area I keep an eye on as well. My understanding of current offerings goes something like this....

Inexpensive Barska roof - $70

Meade Montana, Bausch and Lomb Discoverer, Weaver GrandSlam (priced from $99, $200 (used market) and $350 respectively)

Zen Ray ED3 - $410

Leica Trinovid 7x42 (anywhere from $450-$850 used of course)

Meopta Meostar $870

...and then you hit all of the Alphas...EDG, Ultravid, FL

Did I miss any?
 
Meopta Meostar B1 7x42
Zen Ray ED3 7x43

No, i do not think you missed any. The 2 above are the current ones to catch my eye. I am a tad negative on the second one, given, its apparent eye cup, focus, and other BF reported problems.
Of the Alpha's the Zeiss 7x42 FL is the most attractive to me. But I suffer from the old-guy-likes-a-metal-body, and of course, the cost...
 
..I did forget the Leupold Cascade 7x42. Often overlooked because of the narrower field of view but the price is attractive. Those CA comments in the Leupold forum are a definite turn-off though. I am surprised a bit by it as I would expect the lower magnification to exhibit less....all else equal.

I do like your three "favorites". I have owned all three and would be entirely happy using any of them. The Zeiss is my favorite of all time. I had several units back when they were heavily discounting the non-Lotutec models in preparation for the Lotutec ones. Since then the prices have skyrocketed. Sadly, no more FLs for me.

The Meopta is a safe bet. Very good optical performance in an extremely durable package.

The ZR is still "young". Other than the extra long eye relief I did not have any complaints about it. Just yesterday I was comparing the prototype to a Nikon Premier LX 8x42. The former was notably brighter, sharper and had a wider field of view. The only area that the Premier's "shined" was in their edge performance and superb focusing tension.
 
..I did forget the Leupold Cascade 7x42. Often overlooked because of the narrower field of view but the price is attractive. Those CA comments in the Leupold forum are a definite turn-off though.

Very recently tried and returned by me. The CA comments are well deserved. It is visible in the center of the FOV when focused spot on, a dark/light CA-ish subject. Away from the center, well, do not get me started....:-C

It is really too bad, since the view in general was very easy-comfy.
 

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