Viking ED 10x42 or Hawke Frontier 10x42 (1 Viewer)

Hi All

Does anyone have any experience with either Viking ED 10x42 or Hawke Frontier 10x42?

I'm looking for a new pair of bins with £500ish to spend (could go a little higher if I'm extra nice to the missus ) I've seen great reviews on the Nikon HGL 10x42 but these may just be beyond my reach.

Are the 2 models I've listed much different to the Nikon?

I had a quick look at the Viking ED at an RSPB site, and found the image superb, but the hinge very loose. I only tried them for a few minutes indoors, so didn't get a chance to "test them fully".

Any help greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

My advice would be get an 8x42 Hawke and then spend the money you save on scope. 10x has too narrow a field and the view will nor be as steady as the 8x. You will not "see" any more through the higher mag unless you do all of your viewing at very long distances. I was the same when I started birdwatching seriously, I thought the higher the mag the better - wrong! Whatever you get will be light years better than the zoom you are currently using. Enjoy your new toys when you get them.

Paul

thegoon said:

Hi All

I had a quick look at the Viking ED at an RSPB site, and found the image superb, but the hinge very loose. I only tried them for a few minutes indoors, so didn't get a chance to "test them fully".

Click to expand...

I also have looked at a Viking ED 10x42 and found the hinge too loose (at Minsmere). If you held it horizontal the barrels would close under gravity.

I preferred the RSPB HD in 10x power to the Viking - Ive only had very brief views through Hawke ED's but they seem good for the money though have a very slow focus as I recall.

Missed the second part of your question. Yes definitely go for the Nikon if you can.