crinklystarfish
Well-known member
I really like the 10x30 format and have tried just about every 10x30 available; all come up short.
The least-worst option, for me anyway, is the Nikon Monarch HG 10x30.
But, I find errant light control really puts a dampener on things. Following fairly random efforts to try to improve things I modified a few parts and am now habitually using the binocular as something of a 10x25. The combination of extending the objective lens shrouding and reducing the objective aperture to 25mm - for me, anyway - improves both diffuse-light veiling glare and near-sun flare. The results aren’t earth-shattering, but there is an improvement.
Only in very low light is the image perceptibly darker.
If you like the MHG but are irritated by poor errant light control, it might be worth experimenting.
The images depict:
1. A cut down standard MHG tethered objective lens cover - this is basically just to help with cosmetics, but improves ergonomics, too.
2. A bespoke, 3-D printed, objective-lens aperture insert.
3. A slightly modified Nikon 10x35 EII eyecup rubber (opened out from about 22mm to 25mm).
4. The above two pieces fitted together (the 3-D printed piece mimics the ‘mounting dimensions’ of the 10x35 EII eyepiece).
5. One standard MHG tethered objective lens cover in place and one assembled extension interference-fitted in place.
Everything fits nice and securely but is demountable if required. It looks OK, is largely all-Nikon and not only helps with light control but keeps a good deal of rain / drizzle off the objective lenses, too.
The mod may or may not appeal, just sharing for interest’s sake.
The least-worst option, for me anyway, is the Nikon Monarch HG 10x30.
But, I find errant light control really puts a dampener on things. Following fairly random efforts to try to improve things I modified a few parts and am now habitually using the binocular as something of a 10x25. The combination of extending the objective lens shrouding and reducing the objective aperture to 25mm - for me, anyway - improves both diffuse-light veiling glare and near-sun flare. The results aren’t earth-shattering, but there is an improvement.
Only in very low light is the image perceptibly darker.
If you like the MHG but are irritated by poor errant light control, it might be worth experimenting.
The images depict:
1. A cut down standard MHG tethered objective lens cover - this is basically just to help with cosmetics, but improves ergonomics, too.
2. A bespoke, 3-D printed, objective-lens aperture insert.
3. A slightly modified Nikon 10x35 EII eyecup rubber (opened out from about 22mm to 25mm).
4. The above two pieces fitted together (the 3-D printed piece mimics the ‘mounting dimensions’ of the 10x35 EII eyepiece).
5. One standard MHG tethered objective lens cover in place and one assembled extension interference-fitted in place.
Everything fits nice and securely but is demountable if required. It looks OK, is largely all-Nikon and not only helps with light control but keeps a good deal of rain / drizzle off the objective lenses, too.
The mod may or may not appeal, just sharing for interest’s sake.