FrankD
Well-known member
Oh my, so much to comment on. I love it!
Kevin,
Yes, the neckstrap is out of the bag if that is any indicator. I have finally decided to narrow my selection down to a few select bins (for now ) The Hawke is going to be one of them.
Huang,
I sincerely appreciate the comments/feedback. If I can I would like to continue to discuss a few of your points.
3. I really prefer the texture of these binoculars. Not just the checkered/dotted pattern but the feel of the rubber. It is very smooth and makes it a pleasure to pick up.
5. I am glad you pointed out the two part focusing knob. I forgot to mention that in the review. The "plate" that has the Hawke Frontier ED Logo on actually does not move folks. The focusing ring is behind it and moves separately from the front plate. Nice touch.
6. The difference in friction feel between the Promaster and the Hawke is immediately noticeable. The Promaster has more of a Nikon Monarch/Pentax SP type of feel to the tension. The Hawke feels more like the Vortex Razor but without the stiffness. It has a great feel of control to it. Nicely done.
9. I am glad you clarified the coatings utilized on the lenses/prisms. The Promaster description goes into more detail as to what is utilized. The Hawke does not. I am glad to see that they share pretty much everything but the Repellemax.
10. That I am glad to hear. I wish this was always the case. Sometimes I feel like a company comes out with a wonderful prototype with alot of potential but then really fails to keep on eye on quality control. The unit I have is excellent in fit and finish as well as image quality. I hope they all are at this level of quality.
11. Yes, that bit of stray light is there but I haven't found it to be an issue. I wonder, if possible, that it could be remedied though with further research into the design. It is a minor issue but one that I think separates it from being more "perfect" in design.
13. In my opinion you folks just set a new standard in terms of price and performance. The Hawke ED and Promaster ED models offer superb optical performance for the price. Much better than anything else I have seen at this price point or several hundred dollars more.
Lastly, your question about the 32 vs 36 mm. Good question. I think either would do. A 36 mm would be nice as a compromise bin between a 32 and 42 mm. But since we already have the 42 mm version then I think a 32 mm would make more sense in terms of compactness.
Now here is an important point. I think you would do well enough selling the usual formats 8x32/10x32, etc... However, serious binocular users have been clamoring for a high quality 7x32 for some time and none of the optic manufacturers are listening. If you really want to set the binocular-loving public on its ear then come out with a 7x32 version of the Hawke ED at the same quality level of its 42 mm counterpart. Give it the same level of eye relief as the 42 mm (at least 16 or 17 mm) and give it a generous field of view (I am thinking at least equivalent to the 8x42 version but if you can squeek out a bit more without compromising on overall image quality then go for it).
They will sell like hotcakes and not just to birders but to hunters as well. I visit both types of forums and there are as many hunters out there who realize the benefits of a 7x32 configured binocular.
Thank you for taking the time to come here and comment. I do believe everyone here sincerely appreciates it.
Kevin,
Yes, the neckstrap is out of the bag if that is any indicator. I have finally decided to narrow my selection down to a few select bins (for now ) The Hawke is going to be one of them.
Huang,
I sincerely appreciate the comments/feedback. If I can I would like to continue to discuss a few of your points.
3. I really prefer the texture of these binoculars. Not just the checkered/dotted pattern but the feel of the rubber. It is very smooth and makes it a pleasure to pick up.
5. I am glad you pointed out the two part focusing knob. I forgot to mention that in the review. The "plate" that has the Hawke Frontier ED Logo on actually does not move folks. The focusing ring is behind it and moves separately from the front plate. Nice touch.
6. The difference in friction feel between the Promaster and the Hawke is immediately noticeable. The Promaster has more of a Nikon Monarch/Pentax SP type of feel to the tension. The Hawke feels more like the Vortex Razor but without the stiffness. It has a great feel of control to it. Nicely done.
9. I am glad you clarified the coatings utilized on the lenses/prisms. The Promaster description goes into more detail as to what is utilized. The Hawke does not. I am glad to see that they share pretty much everything but the Repellemax.
10. That I am glad to hear. I wish this was always the case. Sometimes I feel like a company comes out with a wonderful prototype with alot of potential but then really fails to keep on eye on quality control. The unit I have is excellent in fit and finish as well as image quality. I hope they all are at this level of quality.
11. Yes, that bit of stray light is there but I haven't found it to be an issue. I wonder, if possible, that it could be remedied though with further research into the design. It is a minor issue but one that I think separates it from being more "perfect" in design.
13. In my opinion you folks just set a new standard in terms of price and performance. The Hawke ED and Promaster ED models offer superb optical performance for the price. Much better than anything else I have seen at this price point or several hundred dollars more.
Lastly, your question about the 32 vs 36 mm. Good question. I think either would do. A 36 mm would be nice as a compromise bin between a 32 and 42 mm. But since we already have the 42 mm version then I think a 32 mm would make more sense in terms of compactness.
Now here is an important point. I think you would do well enough selling the usual formats 8x32/10x32, etc... However, serious binocular users have been clamoring for a high quality 7x32 for some time and none of the optic manufacturers are listening. If you really want to set the binocular-loving public on its ear then come out with a 7x32 version of the Hawke ED at the same quality level of its 42 mm counterpart. Give it the same level of eye relief as the 42 mm (at least 16 or 17 mm) and give it a generous field of view (I am thinking at least equivalent to the 8x42 version but if you can squeek out a bit more without compromising on overall image quality then go for it).
They will sell like hotcakes and not just to birders but to hunters as well. I visit both types of forums and there are as many hunters out there who realize the benefits of a 7x32 configured binocular.
Thank you for taking the time to come here and comment. I do believe everyone here sincerely appreciates it.