John, I had a chance to look through Jerry's first 10x42 EDG and I thought the CA was very well controlled. I didn't notice any on dark objects against the sky. Contrast and resolution are excellent. I liked the feel of this binocular in my hand, it felt like I could use it all day. I really didn't have any problem with the diopter control, I set it 2.0 diopters and forgot it just like I have done in all the SE series,LX & EII series. The focuser never was a problem. Brock had some trouble with the diopter control/focuser.
I normally don't wear my glasses while using binoculars but found the EDG worked very well with or without my glasses, the eyecup adjustment worked very well for me. The edges of the field are very good. I did a quick check using my -.2.0 left eye in right and left barrels and then when I got to the very edge/ right at the edge I could switch to my right eye and the very edge would be in focus, so I would say at the "very" edge of this sample there was 2.0 diopter curvature. I did measure boosted resolution with just 2 1/2 power booster and it was 3.8 arcsec and I am sure with more magnification it could do better. Well for one thing the view told me that. The only problem I have with the EDG series so far is the price.
Regards,Steve
I know that Jerry sent this to Brock to try and I had a chance to look through it as well and I thank Jerry for that chance.:t:
Steve has better focus accommodation than I do. I often have to reset the right diopter on my 8x32 LX for different distances whereas Steve can "set and forget".
This was the same with the EDG. However, I don't have this issue with either the SE or EII.
However, what is
mooreorless interesting to note is that BOTH Steve, with his
smallish human hands, and I, with my
Klingon Hands, which were once described by a CN bin forum member as "freakishly large," felt the same way about how the EDG fit our hands.
"I liked the feel of this binocular in my hand, it felt like I could use it all day" echoes my sentiments precisely.
It is the only roof I've tried that fits my hands as well as porros.
The Nikon SE has garnered similar praise from both small- and large-handed users.
And as I mentioned earlier, the view reminded me of the SE.
So for those looking for "SE optics" in a roof design, the EDG will probably satisfy that wish.
However, like Steve, the only problem I have with the EDG series (now that they've fixed the focuser cap) is the price.
From what I've read, the EDG is priced lower than the new Swaro EL ED, but I cannot imagine Steve Ingraham calling the EDG, "a poor man's EL".
As SE aficionados will remember, Nikon first released the 10x42 SE model before the others.
So I lay down the gauntlet for Nikon to produce a WP/FP 10x42 SE with ED glass for $1200.
Discounted, it will end up at around $1,000, with used and refurbs going for about $800.
Certainly not a "poor man's" alternative, but one that would fit more birder's budgets than the EDG, which sells for $2,000.
Mr. Kariya, if you truly want to "reaffirm [your] corporate philosophy of "trustworthiness and creativity," and "in the face of an unstable global economy... apply the passion and wisdom that promotes constant innovation through manufacturing competitiveness," I suggest you make a WP SE
for the people instead of continuing to chase after higher profits like the alpha p'taks.
http://www.nikon.com/about/info/greeting/index.htm
