Whilst others have posted much more detailed reviews of the ED2 7x36, I thought that I might add some comments, along the lines of my impressions of this binocular and how it fits in with my existing “collection”.
In “Test mode” all that has been written seems to be the same for my example. I see a good sweet spot of around two thirds of the field, then definition dropping of fairly quickly to the edge. Very good sharpness, brightness and contrast, a little more CA for me than has been described by most, although it is up there with the best I've seen. The CA I see is limited to a discolouration of the shadows in a contrasty scene (I may never see my favourite Neon-banded Gulls with this bin). I found that the focus is smooth and nicely damped. The focus point is reached in a progressive and predictable manner and remains within a significant movement of the focus knob. Not at all like some of the peaky and fussy focus mechanics I've had in many past binoculars. Really very good, just a little let down by a few mm play in the mechanism.
Comparing A to B with some of my collection provided some surprises. In so far as I can compare an 8x porro with a 7x roof, the ED2 7x36 (to my eyes) gives a similar view to my EII 8x30. It has a sweet-spot only slightly smaller than my EII, although the EII has a greater AFOV and so the onset of edge softness appears further out. The level of softness at the edge and the transition from the sweet spot to the edge is very similar. The ED2 is brighter and more contrasty than the EII and more so compared to the excellent Leica 7x42BN whilst offering a similar easy, comfortable view. Colours seem to pop with the ED2.
I had regarded the sharpness/contrast/brightness of my HRWP8x42 as being a benchmark, bettered only by some very expensive roofs. The ED2 at least matches and may just better it in this respect.
In the field the ED2 view is outrageously detailed. It's not too heavy and feels robust. For me, it brings the easy view of the 7x42BN together with the immersive experience of the EII. It won't provide the kind of 3D imagery of the porros but is now easily my binocular of choice for most uses. Far from being a cold weather alternative, it may just be good enough to replace the bins that were previously my first choice.
I'm aware of the edge distortion when I look for it and have not yet experienced any glare issues. I will wait and see if these and any other feature of this binocular becomes a problem for me over the next few months.
BTW, my original purchase (from Lanius Books for European buyers) had a problem. This was rectified as quickly as was possible by Zen Ray and Lanius Books. I appreciate the service that they gave me.
In “Test mode” all that has been written seems to be the same for my example. I see a good sweet spot of around two thirds of the field, then definition dropping of fairly quickly to the edge. Very good sharpness, brightness and contrast, a little more CA for me than has been described by most, although it is up there with the best I've seen. The CA I see is limited to a discolouration of the shadows in a contrasty scene (I may never see my favourite Neon-banded Gulls with this bin). I found that the focus is smooth and nicely damped. The focus point is reached in a progressive and predictable manner and remains within a significant movement of the focus knob. Not at all like some of the peaky and fussy focus mechanics I've had in many past binoculars. Really very good, just a little let down by a few mm play in the mechanism.
Comparing A to B with some of my collection provided some surprises. In so far as I can compare an 8x porro with a 7x roof, the ED2 7x36 (to my eyes) gives a similar view to my EII 8x30. It has a sweet-spot only slightly smaller than my EII, although the EII has a greater AFOV and so the onset of edge softness appears further out. The level of softness at the edge and the transition from the sweet spot to the edge is very similar. The ED2 is brighter and more contrasty than the EII and more so compared to the excellent Leica 7x42BN whilst offering a similar easy, comfortable view. Colours seem to pop with the ED2.
I had regarded the sharpness/contrast/brightness of my HRWP8x42 as being a benchmark, bettered only by some very expensive roofs. The ED2 at least matches and may just better it in this respect.
In the field the ED2 view is outrageously detailed. It's not too heavy and feels robust. For me, it brings the easy view of the 7x42BN together with the immersive experience of the EII. It won't provide the kind of 3D imagery of the porros but is now easily my binocular of choice for most uses. Far from being a cold weather alternative, it may just be good enough to replace the bins that were previously my first choice.
I'm aware of the edge distortion when I look for it and have not yet experienced any glare issues. I will wait and see if these and any other feature of this binocular becomes a problem for me over the next few months.
BTW, my original purchase (from Lanius Books for European buyers) had a problem. This was rectified as quickly as was possible by Zen Ray and Lanius Books. I appreciate the service that they gave me.
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