[Hobbes2]

I'm looking into getting a pair of lightweight, "affordable" 10x binoculars. Ideally, I'd like a 10x36 binocular (to keep weight low but field of view as good as possible). I've read some positive reviews on the Hawke Frontier ED series. Is the ED version of the Frontier that much better than the phase corrected version, please? Sherwood optics have the ED (10x36) at £215 and the phase corrected (10x32) at £110 (http://www.sherwoods-photo.com/hawke...oculars_fs.htm).

Alternatively, are there better options that I should look into, please, for less than £250?

Many thanks
Hobbes

[Veracocha]

I have had every derivitive of the Frontier ED's and many more fom other manufacturers including Svaro. IMO these represent incredible value (especially at Sherwoods prices) and optical performance that matches the big boys. I can't see any better value anywhere in the UK. I bought a pair of 10 x 43 off Sherwoods two weeks ago, also look in their used section, having seen them I can honestly say they were mint condition.

[Hobbes2]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

I have had every derivitive of the Frontier ED's and many more fom other manufacturers including Svaro. IMO these represent incredible value (especially at Sherwoods prices) and optical performance that matches the big boys. I can't see any better value anywhere in the UK. I bought a pair of 10 x 43 off Sherwoods two weeks ago, also look in their used section, having seen them I can honestly say they were mint condition.

Great endorsement! Many thanks indeed. The other make I was looking at was Vortex (http://www.sherwoods-photo.com/vorte...oculars_fs.htm). Their "Fury" and "Crossfire" 10x32 models are 100-200g lighter (which is very tempting). The fullsize "Viper" (10x42) is tempting because even that is lighter than the Hawke Frontiers but it is a little pricier. Have you had any experience with these?
Thanks
Hobbes

[typo]

The Frontier ED is very popular. One I rather liked at a lower price point was the Helios Aero ED which can be found at about the £160 mark. It's rather more compact than the Hawke which, and has a slightly narrower field of view.

David

[Hobbes2]

Originally Posted by typo

The Frontier ED is very popular. One I rather liked at a lower price point was the Helios Aero ED which can be found at about the £160 mark. It's rather more compact than the Hawke which, and has a slightly narrower field of view.

David

Thanks, David. I've just read your review on the Helios Aero ED 8x42. It certainly sounds promising. I'd prefer a more compact binocular - I'm not very 'big and strong', lol.
Thanks
Hobbes