Nikon 8x32 SE compared to Nikon HG 8x42
Hi BF,
Spent a week birding with my new 8x42 HG. Still no match to the 8x32 SE...
Comparisons:
- Color- SE is better, possibly more color neutral, more vibrant. HG color is wonderful but still lacks a little kick.
- Sharpness- SE still outdoes the HG eventhough the HG image is bigger still SE sharpness is better.
- Brightness- Is questionable because I felt the SE was brighter but I questioned myself in certain situations because the 42mm objective against the 32mm objective.
- Handling/ Ergonomics- Field of view goes to the SE at 7.5 degrees vs. the HG's 7 degrees. The HG's focus knob is the best period- Snaps into focus very fast and easy (not like the 8x32 HG which you are constantly over focusing). The SE focus knob is slow. The weight of the HG is bit overwhelming unless you get the proper neoprene strap but the HG is extremely well balanced. The SE is the lightest and I love it in my hands. Waterproof and ruggedness goes to the HG. Eye cups go to the HG but It doesn't matter much because I wear glasses. And I have never gotten black outs with my SE. I roll the rubber eyecups all the way back and that's it.
Conclusion- The best out there for me so far is the 8x32 SE. The next comparisson will be the Leica Ultravid 7x42 against my 8x32 SE. The Nikon HG 8x42 is not close to the view of the SE but is a good back up in bad weather. Unfortunately, I see the Nikon SE becoming a dinosaur that no one will give serious considerations to upgrading to a waterproof porro.
*The two bins in my comparisson were the old Nikon venturer 8x42 HG/ LX vs. Nikon Se 8x32
Hope this helps.
Carlos.
Hi BF,
Spent a week birding with my new 8x42 HG. Still no match to the 8x32 SE...
Comparisons:
- Color- SE is better, possibly more color neutral, more vibrant. HG color is wonderful but still lacks a little kick.
- Sharpness- SE still outdoes the HG eventhough the HG image is bigger still SE sharpness is better.
- Brightness- Is questionable because I felt the SE was brighter but I questioned myself in certain situations because the 42mm objective against the 32mm objective.
- Handling/ Ergonomics- Field of view goes to the SE at 7.5 degrees vs. the HG's 7 degrees. The HG's focus knob is the best period- Snaps into focus very fast and easy (not like the 8x32 HG which you are constantly over focusing). The SE focus knob is slow. The weight of the HG is bit overwhelming unless you get the proper neoprene strap but the HG is extremely well balanced. The SE is the lightest and I love it in my hands. Waterproof and ruggedness goes to the HG. Eye cups go to the HG but It doesn't matter much because I wear glasses. And I have never gotten black outs with my SE. I roll the rubber eyecups all the way back and that's it.
Conclusion- The best out there for me so far is the 8x32 SE. The next comparisson will be the Leica Ultravid 7x42 against my 8x32 SE. The Nikon HG 8x42 is not close to the view of the SE but is a good back up in bad weather. Unfortunately, I see the Nikon SE becoming a dinosaur that no one will give serious considerations to upgrading to a waterproof porro.
*The two bins in my comparisson were the old Nikon venturer 8x42 HG/ LX vs. Nikon Se 8x32
Hope this helps.
Carlos.
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