This is a brief update on my review (post # 16) after testing the HD+ for stray-light performance.
Findings are generally positive, suppression of stray-light in the Lynx is quite good. Panning around a very bright light source, keeping it just outside the field of view, causes only few reflections. Veiling glare does not become an issue even with direct sunlight on the front lenses. Directly observing a bright LED light in the dark produces no noticeable ghost images, but distinct spikes (reflections on the roof edge of the prisms), slightly more pronounced than e.g. in the Zeiss Conquest HD or the Monarch HG, but observation does not get significantly hindered.
Even my favorite test, standing at the bank of a river and observing in the direction of a low (20%) standing sun and over the glittery water surface, did not cause major reflections that severely affected the image.
This confirms the overall positive impression I got of the new Lynx HD+.
fwiw Canip
Hi Canip,
Strangely enough, I’ve only just discovered this very interesting post of yours from one year ago. Did you compare the handling of stray light/veiling glare with the HD 8x30 you also have (if I’ m not mistaken)?
I have a Kite Lynx HD (non +) 8x30 which I still consider really great value for the price, for both optics and ergonomics, and already recommended to two people (family and friend) who both bought one after trying themselves (I give personal recommendations, but with the recommendation to try for yourself first
). However, I see (only/mainly) two downsides to this Lynx HD 8x30: the eyecups (not locking well and no intermediate position, meanwhile solved in the HD+), and the handling of stray light, veiling glare.
What you mention as your ‘favourite test’ is almost exactly a situation where my Lynx HD 8x30 clearly failed about a week ago compared to my Zeiss Victory 8x25 (which wasn’t perfect at it either, but still better, with a bit less general veiling and especially no kind of moon-like veiling patches at the edges as the Lynx under such challenging light conditions). When looking at the ocular and seeing the internal reflections, it seems to be due to a lack of internal baffling I think, but I’m not sure.
The fact that you mention that the Lynx HD+ 8x42 are passing that test quite well is really making me curious about the HD+. I’m wondering if it is due to the different format (8x42 instead of 8x30), a different optical design or internal baffling in the HD+ in general or 8x42 specifically, or improved coatings. Do you have any idea on that?
If anybody had the occasion to do a comparison of the HD and HD+ versions of the 8x30 specifically regarding stray light/veiling glare, in the field and/or comparing the view looking at the oculars, that might be very interesting. Or the 8x30 vs the bigger ones.
If anybody had the occasion to assess the same for the HD+ 10x50mm specifically, that might also interest me a lot! Considering their size, weight and optical specs, the Lynx HD+ 10x50, on paper, look like a very interesting candidate as low-light/long-distance binoculars to complement my most regularly used 8x30-32mm, making a great 3-binoculars-setup with also the compact 8x25.
While I still consider the Lynx HD 8x30 great, enjoyable binoculars, I‘ve recently discovered the joy of the Ultravid HD 8x32, which have improved contrast, ‘pop’ (...how to say it differently?) and are handling stray light superbly well. I guess, considering the huge price difference, I shouldn’t expect the Lynx HD+ to fully reach that level, but if the 10x50 does get close, preferably better than the HD 8x30 regarding stray light/veiling glare, I might think of those on the long run to complement my regular 8x32 rather than a great 10x42 (Bonelli 2, Ibis ED, Habicht or second hand alpha roof).
