Nikon 8x30 EII (1 Viewer)

Torview · Mar 30, 2015

Dennis, on a personal level I don`t like to reduce iconic binoculars like the EII to just value, for me the EII is probably the most enjoyable view of any binocular I`v ever used.

In fact if the price points were reversed and the EII cost SV money I`d still want one and would save longer to achieve that goal. I like it that much.

For me even the much touted SF does`nt provide the sheer delight the EII delivers, its a masterpiece IMO.

denco@comcast.n · Mar 30, 2015

Torview said:
Dennis, on a personal level I don`t like to reduce iconic binoculars like the EII to just value, for me the EII is probably the most enjoyable view of any binocular I`v ever used.

In fact if the price points were reversed and the EII cost SV money I`d still want one and would save longer to achieve that goal. I like it that much.

For me even the much touted SF doesnt provide the sheer delight the EII delivers, its a masterpiece IMO.

That is interesting that you like the EII better than the SF. Even with almost equal FOV's and the SF having the advantage of the sharper edges you still prefer the EII? What does the EII have that the SF doesn't? Is it the DOF or 3D view? Can you put your finger on it? It is amazing that a $400 binocular can still beat a $2500 binocular. My four favorite binoculars of any I have used are the Swarovski SV 8x32, Nikon EII 8x30, Nikon SE 8x32 and the Leica BN 8x32. I can't understand birders that wouldn't pay $200 difference to get an EII instead of say Frank's Sightron Blue Sky 8x32 but maybe they need waterproofness and the $200 is a big hurdle. The EII is a whole other world than the cheaper roofs. $400 is a BARGAIN for it. In reality how many times do you actually bird in the rain unless you are in the tropics. Around here in Colorado it is pretty dry most of the time.

oetzi · Mar 30, 2015

"What does the EII have that the SF doesn't?"
"..the most enjoyable view"
A difference, probably not measureable in "points".

Hermann · Mar 30, 2015

[email protected] said:
The most objective tests we have around is Allbino's and the EII's scored 135 points. The alpha level binoculars are scoring close to 155 points. That is BIG difference!

Even the best flawed test is, well, a flawed test.

So much for Allbinos (and Kikkertspesialisten, which is even worse).

Hermann

denco@comcast.n · Mar 30, 2015

Hermann said:
Even the best flawed test is, well, a flawed test.

So much for Allbinos (and Kikkertspesialisten, which is even worse).

Hermann

If you cut through all the stuff on Bird Forum when it comes down to fact I think the four best birding binoculars around are the Swarovski SV 8x32, Nikon SE 8x32, Nikon EII 8x30 and the Leica 8x32 BN.

Tom Bombadil · Mar 30, 2015

I wish the EII had 1 more mm of IPD. Allbinos measured its maximum IPD at 73.2mm. According to my eye doctor, mine is 73.8mm. Also its eye relief was measured at 13.8mm, which is on the low side when used with glasses, and not enough with certain types of glasses. Another mm here would be good too.

Torview · Mar 30, 2015

Oetzi, clearly you understand, I`m not suggesting the EII is "better" than the SF, clearly the EII is less "worldly" than the SF, but that view ! is sublime.

BruceH · Mar 30, 2015

Tom Bombadil said:
I wish the EII had 1 more mm of IPD. Allbinos measured its maximum IPD at 73.2mm. According to my eye doctor, mine is 73.8mm. .......

After reading your post, I went and measured the IPD of my Nikon 8X30 EII Black model. It is not that easy to get an exact measurement, but I kept coming up with approximate 75 mm. Also keep in mind there is a little fudge factor depending on pupil dilation.

There is one concern. As the barrels are spread apart to get a wider IPD, effectively the focus wheel lowers in relation to the binocular. This could result in the bottom of the focus wheel hitting the bridge of the users nose, depending on facial features.

I suspect the chances are good that the IPD is wide enough for your 73.8 mm measurement. However there may be a problem of it hitting the top of your nose. It is something you will have to try to know for sure.

Torview said:
............ but that view ! is sublime.

Absolutely. :t:

David Swain · Mar 30, 2015

BruceH said:
There is one concern. As the barrels are spread apart to get a wider IPD, effectively the focus wheel lowers in relation to the binocular. This could result in the bottom of the focus wheel hitting the bridge of the users nose, depending on facial features.

You could use them upside down

oetzi · Mar 30, 2015

Tom Bombadil said:
I wish the EII had 1 more mm of IPD. Allbinos measured its maximum IPD at 73.2mm. According to my eye doctor, mine is 73.8mm.

Have you tried the EII?
Measurements of IPD are one thing, but in reality there is easily a give-and-take of 2mm between eyes and eyepieces, with you still getting a good view.
With all my binos, i never have them exactly at the measured 62mm IPD. I even dont remember, whether I was measured 62 or 64mm. Really.
Between 62 and 64mm I get a good view and with a Porro I have to close down with decreasing distance, anyway.

Pinewood · Mar 30, 2015

BruceH said:
After reading your post, I went and measured the IPD of my Nikon 8X30 EII Black model. It is not that easy to get an exact measurement, but I kept coming up with approximate 75 mm. Also keep in mind there is a little fudge factor depending on pupil dilation.

There is one concern. As the barrels are spread apart to get a wider IPD, effectively the focus wheel lowers in relation to the binocular. This could result in the bottom of the focus wheel hitting the bridge of the users nose, depending on facial features.

I suspect the chances are good that the IPD is wide enough for your 73.8 mm measurement. However there may be a problem of it hitting the top of your nose. It is something you will have to try to know for sure.

Absolutely. :t:

Hello Bruce,

Clearly binocular manufacturers should provide information on nose relief, as well as eye relief.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :hi:

ceasar · Mar 30, 2015

[email protected] said:
If you cut through all the stuff on Bird Forum when it comes down to fact I think the four best birding binoculars around are the Swarovski SV 8x32, Nikon SE 8x32, Nikon EII 8x30 and the Leica 8x32 BN.

Is this the start of a "pump and dump" for your 8x32 SV?

People can hardly find any of the other 3 if they want to buy one new and it is tough to find them used.

Instead you should be arguing that your 8x32 SV is better than Nikons EDG or Leicas Ultravid or Zeiss's FL.

denco@comcast.n · Mar 30, 2015

David Swain said:
You could use them upside down

Wouldn't the birds be upside down then though? I guess you could stand on your head.

brocknroller · Mar 30, 2015

A simple rhinoplasty can cost as little as $3,000 if you don't want your nose to be to perfect like Diana Ross's and later fall off like Jacko's. Plus $400 for an EII, and for $3,400, you've got an alpha quality view at an alpha quality price.

Unlike the latest alphas, the EII's optics were perfected 16 years ago, and Nikon didn't need to change them except the coatings, which were updated. To boot, Tom will make more money in his new career as a male model. What more could you ask for? :smoke:

Brocko, not Jacko

denco@comcast.n · Mar 31, 2015

ceasar said:
Is this the start of a "pump and dump" for your 8x32 SV?

People can hardly find any of the other 3 if they want to buy one new and it is tough to find them used.

Instead you should be arguing that your 8x32 SV is better than Nikons EDG or Leicas Ultravid or Zeiss's FL.

I can't dump the SV 8x32 it is the only binocular I have. I think I am going to buy an EII 8x30 BNIB from Amazon for $414. That is a real deal for a brand new EII with free shipping and they probably have the very latest coatings from Nikon with the newer improved dent resistant black body armour. I am cash flush from selling about 4 other binoculars but I am not sold on the Zeiss SF yet. Maybe the EII will fulfill my wide FOV fantasies without breaking the bank.

denco@comcast.n · Mar 31, 2015

Torview said:
Oetzi, clearly you understand, I`m not suggesting the EII is "better" than the SF, clearly the EII is less "worldly" than the SF, but that view ! is sublime.

What do you mean by "Worldly"? Something that is "Worldly" doesn't necessarily perform any better than something that is less "Worldly." There is nothing wrong with liking the EII better.

David Swain · Mar 31, 2015

[email protected] said:
I think I am going to buy an EII 8x30 BNIB from Amazon for $414.

Which you will promptly flip when the current supply dries up. Seems you get interested (again) in certain bins when a) interest on BF rises while b) market price is low. Speculator. :smoke:

denco@comcast.n · Mar 31, 2015

David Swain said:
Which you will promptly flip when the current supply dries up. Seems you get interested (again) in certain bins when a) interest on BF rises while b) market price is low. Speculator. :smoke:

Your probably right. I just have to see what Torview see's in the EII. I really think there are a lot of EII's sitting over in Japan. There has been a steady supply for some time at varying prices but the supply hasn't dried up yet. I see you have good tastes with the two best porro's ever made the SE and EII and probably the best values out there. Good choice.

oetzi · Mar 31, 2015

[email protected] said:
I just have to see what Torview see's in the EII.

Why not try "to see" what you yourself may see?

BTW, I even find the view through/handling of my Aculon 7x35 superb.:king:

Tom Bombadil · Mar 31, 2015

oetzi said:
Have you tried the EII?
Measurements of IPD are one thing, but in reality there is easily a give-and-take of 2mm between eyes and eyepieces, with you still getting a good view.

No, I haven't tried an EII. Have never had my hands on one. However my experience, with several binoculars, has been that if they don't have a full 74mm IPD, then it is a very frustrating experience for me to try to use them. One where I have to extend them to maximum, position my eyes perfectly, and then I am constantly slightly shifting them left and right, as I can see the edge of the field in either one or both eyes.

In the case of binos with large exit pupils, say 6mm, I can make do. As the EII has 3.75mm exit pupils, there is a very good chance it would be maddening.

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