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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

Pincushion in explorer wa ed r 8x32 (1 Viewer)

Pondspy

Active member
United States
Still rather new here. Trying one now, like it except poles etc. bend even fairly close to center.
Is this common with this model/price range and would traveller or other be much better.
Note this is intended as a complement to my 10x42. Thanks
 
I also have the Explorer wa ed r 8x32. No pincushion effect in my sample. Haven't tried the Traveller, but it gets a lot of praise here and is higher quality than the Explorer.
 
Hmm thanks that's good to know. Will wait for more responses but may return it.
Shame because I like other aspects of it.
 
I gave one to a family member recently and have been nothing but impressed by it. But if it doesn't work for you then I'd return it. As mentioned, the Traveller is a really great little binocular.
 
Thanks for the replies. I also spoke with their U.S. rep who was helpful. Since the pincushioning is
bothersome I am sending it back. Now just trying to decide whether
to try another explorer or just move up to the traveller or an equivalent.
Based on other reading it seems the smaller formats are all trickier regarding personal
fit/eye relief etc. I don't wear glasses, but do sometimes use sunglasses so I need something
with that flexibility. Trying to stay below the $500 range in a 7 or 8x as these will be a lightweight
supplement to my 10x42 Mavens. I did have their 8x30 B.3 but sold it to get the 10's. The Explorer is a bit
brighter and was a more comfortable view for me. I even considered the Kowa YF ll and Blue Sky, etc. but
don't know if that level will work for me. Any other suggestions welcome, thanks.
 
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Thanks for the replies. I also spoke with their U.S. rep who was helpful. Since the pincushioning is
bothersome I am sending it back. Now just trying to decide whether
to try another explorer or just move up to the traveller or an equivalent.
Based on other reading it seems the smaller formats are all trickier regarding personal
fit/eye relief etc. I don't wear glasses, but do sometimes use sunglasses so I need something
with that flexibility. Trying to stay below the $500 range in a 7 or 8x as these will be a lightweight
supplement to my 10x42 Mavens. I did have their 8x30 B.3 but sold it to get the 10's. The Explorer is a bit
brighter and was a more comfortable view for me. I even considered the Kowa YF ll and Blue Sky, etc. but
don't know if that level will work for me. Any other suggestions welcome, thanks.
A few places still have the Opticron Verano 8x32 for sale (Optics Planet and Front Range Birding). You might also try a pair of Nikon Monarch M7 8x32's. REI is having a 20% off for members this coming weekend. The M7's were very clear and bright with good contrast but have a little too much glare for my liking. I bought a pair of Nikon P7 8x30's that have a large field of view; however, they are not as sharp or bright as the M7's but cost less than half the price.
 
A few places still have the Opticron Verano 8x32 for sale (Optics Planet and Front Range Birding). You might also try a pair of Nikon Monarch M7 8x32's. REI is having a 20% off for members this coming weekend. The M7's were very clear and bright with good contrast but have a little too much glare for my liking. I bought a pair of Nikon P7 8x30's that have a large field of view; however, they are not as sharp or bright as the M7's but cost less than half the price.
Thanks, will ck those, as verano was well liked by some here. I am an REI member and my local store doesn't have the 8x30 but
their M7 8x42 had a Lot of CA along roof lines etc. May need to ck their site tho, as their 8x30 seems to fit some well, others not.
Also have considered the Pentax AD 7x32 which looks interesting but is heavier.
 
Pincussion distortion is not a fault and is sometimes incorporated deliberately into binoculars.
There are two types of distortion, rectilinear and angular magnification distortion.
Both can exist together but you can't eliminate both at the same time.
If there is no rectilinear distortion all straight lines in the field would be represented as straight. However, the proportions of objects at the field edge would be distorted. Circular objects would be squashed to tangential ellipses and many observers would experience the rolling ball effect.
Angular magnification distortion changes the magnification towards the field edge. Barrel distortion would reduce the magnification and I can think of no instance where this would be desirable.
With the right amount of pincussion distortion however, objects appear somewhat larger at the field edge and maintain their proportions and the visual discomfort of the rolling ball effect when panning is eliminated.

John
 
Pincussion distortion is not a fault and is sometimes incorporated deliberately into binoculars.
There are two types of distortion, rectilinear and angular magnification distortion.
Both can exist together but you can't eliminate both at the same time.
If there is no rectilinear distortion all straight lines in the field would be represented as straight. However, the proportions of objects at the field edge would be distorted. Circular objects would be squashed to tangential ellipses and many observers would experience the rolling ball effect.
Angular magnification distortion changes the magnification towards the field edge. Barrel distortion would reduce the magnification and I can think of no instance where this would be desirable.
With the right amount of pincussion distortion however, objects appear somewhat larger at the field edge and maintain their proportions and the visual discomfort of the rolling ball effect when panning is eliminated.

John
Yes, I am aware that some pincushion is by design, but the unit I had was Really severe to my eyes. Thank you for all the
information, as I am still fairly new to the technical side of bins. Also a thank you to all who commented here. I did
find a Verano 8x32 (one of the last?) and am so far very pleased with it.
 

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