[the_handy_andy]

Anyone got a pair of these? if yes how do you rate them?

Andrew

[FrankD]

Andrew,

The buzz was over the newer configurations (7x36 and 9x36). I don't think anyone purchased the newere 8x42s IIRC. I would not mind grabbing a pair to see how they compare with my impressions on the older model.

[ceasar]

I don't have the new 8 x 42's. I have the new 9 x 36's and the old 8 x 42's. I can tell you that the new ones will be brighter. The new 9 x 36's are brighter than the old 8 x 42's. The new ones have coatings on the Objectives that have a distinctive Purple undertone (or overtone, if you will.) This is different from the old coatings. They are just as solidly contructed as the older models.
Bob

[FrankD]

Bob,

That is saying a lot in my opinion considering the smaller objective and greater magnification of the 9x36s. I wonder if the apparent centerfield sharpness has improved any.

[ceasar]

Frank,
Improvement in brightness is not hard to discern. As far as sharpness, not much, if any, as far as I can tell. They are at their best in sunny conditions. They are sharp enough, but are at a disadvantage. The only ones I have to compare them with are my 10x's for the most part and the 8 x 32 SE. They can't match up to the 10 x 35 EII, which is to be expected, nor the 10 x 32 LX L or 10 x 42 SE of course. They are clearly better than the Pentax 9 x 28 in sharpness, brightness and contrast and the old 10 x 32 Eagle Platinum/Raven; and they come close to holding their own against the Minox 10 x 32 BDBR Asph, especially on edges, but the 10x advantage is evident and they are not as bright. Contrast is better with the older Alphas.

If I can complete some personal items soon, I hope to have a more detailed report shortly.
Bob

[FrankD]

Thank you Bob. I look forward to it.

You are commenting on the 9x36, yes?

[ceasar]

Originally Posted by FrankD

Thank you Bob. I look forward to it.

You are commenting on the 9x36, yes?

Yes.
Bob