Nikon EDG II users, past or present.... (4 Viewers)

[The-Wanderer]

Dantheman,

Hold on a bit longer and I'll see what I can do

 

[[email protected]]

If you compare Allbinos transmission value numbers of the Swarovski 8.5x42 Swarovision and the Nikon 8x42 EDG II you will see that there is very little difference between them.

http://www.allbinos.com/allbinos_ranking-binoculars_ranking-8x42.html

Bob

The Swarovision is not really a high transmission binocular either compared to a Zeiss HT or Habicht. When I compared the Swarovision to my EDG which I did over a long period of time I found the Swarovision appeared brighter because the EDG has a slight reddish tint , whereas, the SV is more neutral or colorless. The SV to my eyes seems a little brighter. I preferred the SV over the EDG because it appeared brighter and the SV had sharper edges than the EDG. Also, I much preferred the ergonomics of the SV over the EDG. Neither the SV or EDG are in the same class when it comes to transmission as the HT or Habicht. You are talking almost 95% transmission on either one which gives you the sparkle Tobias is talking about. I know what he means. I GET him. I like the SV for other reasons including it's big flat field and sharp edges but it doesn't have the transmission or the sparkle of my Habicht nor the 3D view. I am not saying the Habicht or SV is the BEST just that I prefer them for various reasons. The Habicht has a sparkle and transparency that you just don't get with any other binoculars due to it's simple porro design and glass and coatings. If you like flare control you will definitely like the EDG. It is one of the best at controlling flare but it is not HT. It all depends on what you like.

 

[Troubador]

Individual perception of brightness seems to vary quite a lot from person to person and it seems likely to me that since we all appear to be sensitive to different colours this could easily explain why some folks perceive a model to be slightly dull and others do not.

When it comes down objective measurement I will definitely go with those from Gijs whose methodology and results have been independently verified.

Lee

 

[Gijs van Ginkel]

Lee,
You made my day, everywhere where I look I see sparkles....
Gijs

 

[Troubador]

Lee,
You made my day, everywhere where I look I see sparkles....
Gijs

Gijs

The sparkles are caused by the La Trappe Quaddrupel beer.
An indispensible companion for precision laboratory testing!

Cheers Lee

 

[NDhunter]

I will give my thoughts about the Nikon EDG binoculars. I have owned the 10x42 model since
2009 almost 7 years now, first the EDG I and now the current EDG II. If the OP wants to scroll
back, there are lots of comments about the EDG, on the Nikon subforum.

I like the EDG, because I like the flat field view, as I have experience with the SE's and the LX and LXL
models. Nikon has the formula just the way I like it, a very nice view without any distortions along
the way. I also have had the Swarovision since 2010, and last fall the Zeiss Victory SF, so I know and understand
how those fine binoculars compare.

They are all very good, but my comment of the 8.5x42 SV, is the view is almost too flat, and that
can make for a different view, that some may need to get used to. I have not seen any globe effect
in any binocular if anyone cares.

As mentioned above the EDG has quality fit and finish, excellent eyecups and one of the smoothest
focusers that you find on any binocular. I find the light handling very good without flare or glare, and
the colors are very natural, and it offers and nice bright view that is very satisfying.

There is no perfect binocular, as they all have their strengths and weaknesses, and that is
why many reviews and thoughts on here may vary. That is why it is nice to have choices.

I consider the EDG an alpha equal to the others mentioned.

Jerry

 

[cycleguy]

Gijs

The sparkles are caused by the La Trappe Quaddrupel beer.
An indispensible companion for precision laboratory testing!

Cheers Lee

And all this time I had figured Dennis was using star filters on his objectives...:t:

CG

 

[[email protected]]

I will give my thoughts about the Nikon EDG binoculars. I have owned the 10x42 model since
2009 almost 7 years now, first the EDG I and now the current EDG II. If the OP wants to scroll
back, there are lots of comments about the EDG, on the Nikon subforum.

I like the EDG, because I like the flat field view, as I have experience with the SE's and the LX and LXL
models. Nikon has the formula just the way I like it, a very nice view without any distortions along
the way. I also have had the Swarovision since 2010, and last fall the Zeiss Victory SF, so I know and understand
how those fine binoculars compare.

They are all very good, but my comment of the 8.5x42 SV, is the view is almost too flat, and that
can make for a different view, that some may need to get used to. I have not seen any globe effect
in any binocular if anyone cares.

As mentioned above the EDG has quality fit and finish, excellent eyecups and one of the smoothest
focusers that you find on any binocular. I find the light handling very good without flare or glare, and
the colors are very natural, and it offers and nice bright view that is very satisfying.

There is no perfect binocular, as they all have their strengths and weaknesses, and that is
why many reviews and thoughts on here may vary. That is why it is nice to have choices.

I consider the EDG an alpha equal to the others mentioned.

Jerry

IMO I really don't think the EDG has as good of build quality as either the Swarovski SV or especially the Leica Ultravid. Those two just seem to be a step above the Nikon. When you look at the EDG it just doesn't look like a $2K binocular. The focus is smooth I admit but the fit and finish and armour just doesn't look "Alpha".

 

[NDhunter]

IMO I really don't think the EDG has as good of build quality as either the Swarovski SV or especially the Leica Ultravid. Those two just seem to be a step above the Nikon. When you look at the EDG it just doesn't look like a $2K binocular.

I don't just look at binoculars, I use them. The Nikon EDG has a very
nice and quality build, from the armor to the eyecups.

As you may have noticed, I don't play favorites, and do spend more than
a few minutes when doing a comparison and giving my opinion. :smoke:

Jerry

 

[[email protected]]

And all this time I had figured Dennis was using star filters on his objectives...:t:

CG

You know it is funny this term "sparkle" we are hearing more and more on Bird Forum but in astronomy we always talked about the "sparkle" you get from a fine APO telescope that uses Fluorite as a CA reducing lens. You really notice it observing astronomical objects through a really fine high transmission telescope like a Televue APO. I really think it is caused by the high transmission of light going through a fluorite crystal lens which produces that crystalline like image or sparkle. It just makes things come alive.

 

[[email protected]]

I don't just look at binoculars, I use them. The Nikon EDG has a very
nice and quality build, from the armor to the eyecups.

As you may have noticed, I don't play favorites, and do spend more than
a few minutes when doing a comparison and giving my opinion. :smoke:

Jerry

I had the EDG for a long time and although it was perfect in every other way it just to me was less bright and lacked the sparkle of the HT binoculars.

 

[ceasar]

Dennis,

None of them "look like a $2K binocular." Tell anyone who is a casual user of binoculars that the binoculars you are using cost you $2000.00 and watch their reaction.

Bob

 

[lucmor444]

I have both an EDG II and Leica UVHD and in respect to build quality really find there is little to separate them albeit, as noted, the focus is sooo smooth on the EDG.

 

[SivaL]

I have both an EDG II and Leica UVHD and in respect to build quality really find there is little to separate them albeit, as noted, the focus is sooo smooth on the EDG.

Welcome to BF. How do you compare the optical qualities of EDG II and UVHD? Is the EDG II better than the Leica?

 

[SivaL]

Chuck, post 15,
House of Outdoor does not perform transmission test, I do that at Utrecht University and my results are published on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor as part of the universities "science shop" policy.
Gijs van Ginkel

Hi Gigs, I looked at your comparison of Nikon EII with other mid sized bins - http://www.houseofoutdoor.com/testrapporten/TEST_NIKON_8X32_SE_EN_NIKON_8X30_EII_VERGELEKEN_MET_8X30en_32_mm-kijkers_van%20Kite_Meopta_en_Swarovski_april_2013.pdf. What stood out was the transmission rate of 77.2% at 550nm. Could it be this low? Allbinos puts it close to 90% - http://www.allbinos.com/270-binoculars_review-Nikon_8x30E_II.html

The reason I am asking is after comparing EII with the FieldPro SV 8x32 I don't see any difference in brightness most of the time. If your measurements are correct and if I can't notice the 15% increase in brightness of the SV over EII how I will notice a 3% increase of the Zeiss HT over the SV I ask myself.

 

[NDhunter]

Hi Gigs, I looked at your comparison of Nikon EII with other mid sized bins - http://www.houseofoutdoor.com/testrapporten/TEST_NIKON_8X32_SE_EN_NIKON_8X30_EII_VERGELEKEN_MET_8X30en_32_mm-kijkers_van%20Kite_Meopta_en_Swarovski_april_2013.pdf. What stood out was the transmission rate of 77.2% at 550nm. Could it be this low? Allbinos puts it close to 90% - http://www.allbinos.com/270-binoculars_review-Nikon_8x30E_II.html

The reason I am asking is after comparing EII with the FieldPro SV 8x32 I don't see any difference in brightness most of the time. If your measurements are correct and if I can't notice the 15% increase in brightness of the SV over EII how I will notice a 3% increase of the Zeiss HT over the SV I ask myself.

Disregard anything Gijs posts about Nikon optics, it seems he has not had
any experience, and as he has posted, it seems he has a bias against Nikon.

He has not tested them, and so is missing a lot.

I am not sure what this is all about. You would think someone that posts
evaluations of all of the top binoculars would include them all.

Jerry

 

[cycleguy]

I have both an EDG II and Leica UVHD and in respect to build quality really find there is little to separate them albeit, as noted, the focus is sooo smooth on the EDG.

+1 for Nikon EDG the focus is sooo smoth

CG

 

[cycleguy]

if I can't notice the 15% increase in brightness of the SV over EII how I will notice a 3% increase of the Zeiss HT over the SV I ask myself.

According to some on this forum: "by the sparkle"!!o

CG

 

[[email protected]]

Dennis,

None of them "look like a $2K binocular." Tell anyone who is a casual user of binoculars that the binoculars you are using cost you $2000.00 and watch their reaction.

Bob

Yes, I know what you are talking about. I have had some casual bystanders at Cabella's walk by when I am looking at some Swarovski's and hear the salesman tell me how much they cost and see their eyes get big as saucers with misbelief over how much they cost. The average person doesn't understand spending more than $200 on binoculars. Give them a pair of Nikon Monarch's or Sightron Blue Sky's and they are happy. They don't GET paying $1500 more for a 10% improvement in optics.

 

[mfunnell]

The average person doesn't understand spending more than $200 on binoculars. Give them a pair of Nikon Monarch's or Sightron Blue Sky's and they are happy. They don't GET paying $1500 more for a 10% improvement in optics.

I've done it and I'm still not sure I get it I blame an interest in optics (to a level that may not be entirely sane), a once-off (unexpectedly high) pay cheque - and insanity, again.

...Mike