Comparing the: Hawke FrontierED 8 x 43, 8 x 36 and Zen Ray 7 x 36
Firstly, I do not work for Hawke or any other optics manufacturer and I am not a dealer.
For that matter you will soon discover I am no writer or reviewer.
A forum member suggested I may like to give my opinion/views on the three Chinese ED binoculars that I own.
Hawke Frontier ED 8 x 43, Zen Ray 7 x 36 ED2 and most recently Hawke Frontier ED 8 x 36.
Until recently my main binocular was the Zeiss Victory II 8x40.
I thought the 8x40 a wonderful binocular with one exception, the high level of Chromatic Aberration under bright viewing conditions.
Earlier this year I read somewhere about Chinese ED binoculars that were supposedly capable of competing optically with the top makers.
Through this forum I came across the various reviews of the Promaster/Zen and Hawke Chinese ED binoculars and was impressed with the comments regarding the lack of CA and of course cost .
In June I purchased via mail order the Hawke 8x43 ED. The first pair had a sloppy focus wheel and a black blob of something on one of the prisms. Thankfully the second did not exhibit any obvious defects.
The view through the Hawke 8x43 ED was stunning. Field of view was comparable to the Victory 8x40 and I thought the image through the Hawke to be “richer” than the Zeiss and without any of the CA that the Victory suffered from.
The main negative points with the Hawke were its SIZE and the crap strap that came with them.
In late July a Hawke binocular dealer informed me of the imminent launch (August) of the Hawke 8x36 ED. I placed an order for them.
Due to delays with the launch of the Hawke 8 x 36, I pre ordered the ZenRay 7x36 ED2.
The ZenRay 7 x 36 arrived early September and I received the Hawke 8 x 36 early October.
Below is my view on the three binoculars.
Physical size and Handling
Heightmm Weight grams
Hawke Frontier ED 8 x 43 165 850*
Zen Ray ED2 7 x 36 150 750
Hawke Frontier ED 8 x 36 145 710
The weights were measured on cheap kitchen scales. All binoculars had rain guard and lens caps fitted.
The specifications for the 8 x 43 from some sources state a weight of 745g. This must be incorrect.
Although the weight differences between the Zen 7 x 36 and Hawke 8 x 36 are small, the Hawke feels appreciably lighter than the 7 x 36.
This weight difference combined with the slightly shorter length makes the Hawke 8 x 36 feel more compact than these differences suggest on paper.
FOV
The Hawke 8 x 36 states a FOV of 420ft@1000 yds while the 8 x 43 states 426ft&1000yds.
I cannot accurately measure the FOV but to my eyes the difference in FOV is negligible between the Hawkes. The Zen’s have an appreciably larger FOV 477ft@1000 yds.
However, the actual view through the 8 x 36 looks a little smaller than both 8 x 43 and 7 x 36.
I wear spectacles and I think this observation may be due to the differences in ocular size.
Occular size
8x 36 21mm
7 x 36 26mm
8 x 43 24mm
Resolution and Contrast.
Central resolution is excellent for all three.
The sweet spot is smaller with the 8 x 36, resolution starting to fall away towards the edge sooner than the 8 x 43. To my eyes the sweet spot from the 7 x 36 is just a little better than the 8 x 43.
In bright conditions the contrast from all three is very good.
Overcast conditions the 8 x 43 is top followed by the 7x36 and the 8 x 36.
I think this is to be expected.
Colour cast.
Apologies for the following clumsy description of colour differences.
The me the view through the Zen 7 x 36 presents a slightly “bluer”, bolder image with a little more contrast, while both Hawke’s look neutral to very slightly yellow.
The differences are hardly perceptible and I only notice this when I am directly comparing the views between them.
Chromatic Aberration.
Under bright conditions I can see virtually no CA in the 8 x 43 and Zen 7 x 36.
The Hawke 8 x 36 does show a little more. My Zeiss Victory 8 x 40 was far worse.
My simple test for this is to look at aerials both close and at long distance against a bright sky.
Conclusion.
I like the handling and compactness of the Hawke 8 x 36 over the Hawke 8 x 43.
If the 8 x 36 were released before the 8 x 43, I don’t think I would have felt the need to go and look through the 8 x 43.
The Zen 7 x 36 was almost my perfect binocular. I love the FOV and the colour rendition of the Zen but find I have to constantly fiddle with my eye placement to minimise the reflections/glare that occurs under certain conditions.
After revisiting the 8 x 43, I am more comfortable with the view provided by the 8 x 43 over both of the smaller binoculars.
IMO the view through the 8 x 43 is more comfortable and (outweighs) the size and weight disadvantage over the smaller Hawke and Zen Ray. I have decided to keep them.
Hawke Frontier ED 8 x 36 and Zen Ray 7 x 36 ED2 will shortly be for sale.
