looksharp65
Well-known member
Finally I got an opportunity to try out the Lynx HD. It wasn't until recently it arrived at the shop at Naturum Getterön, who kindly agreed to let me take it out for evaluation. I had brought my Nikon E II 8x30 which has similar specs and that is well-known to many birders.
First, I have that unfortunate and possibly imfamous habit of judging binoculars by the first impression. Unfortunate because what suits me may not suit someone else, and my tendency to deliver forcible positive or negative opinions might lead others in the wrong direction. This could throw some shadow upon other's opinion about my sanity, hence giving me an infamous reputation.
For me, there are five chosen key properties I expect from a good binocular.
These are sharpness to the edge, natural and brilliant colour rendition, good CA control, a wide FOV and glare resistance. But there's also the intangible moment of the first impression. I believe I'm fairly good at roughly evaluating binoculars very quickly. Admittedly, the meaning of connecting with and getting used to the binocular is very important, and quick evaluations may make me dismiss some binoculars too quickly and too harshly. So don't consider this a review, I only present my initial impressions.
Anyhow. I took the Lynx and was immediately impressed by the tight build (similar to the Conquest HD) and the handy dimensions. The view was relaxed, sharp and bright despite the murky Scandinavian winter light. Colour rendition seemed very neutral and the edge sharpness was remarkable considering its very wide field of view. It appeared slightly brighter than the E II, and the vividness of the colours was too close to see any difference.
As a whole, the view was very similar too the E II, but somewhat easier with spectacles. Further test should reveal differences but it was immediately likable.
Ignoring details that may not be equally important to different users, I rate it very highly. I own the E II and will not sell it, but faced with the choice I'd choose the Lynx. I would also choose the Lynx over the Conquest HD.
I would easily choose it over the Meostar for the view alone, but would probably choose the Euro HD over the Lynx because I love its design and how easy it is to hide in the hands or under a jacket.
Gijs's statements may sometimes be too generalizing, and in particular they seem biased when it comes to brands he doesn't carry.
But everyone should read what he writes about the Lynx HD, because this is a binocular that Kite and the optical engineers should be extremely proud of.
The Lynx HD is an astonishing optical achievement, a quantum leap forward.
Even the price is right. This is a binocular every birder should own a sample of, regardless of what other binoculars they have. To me, it seems to have everything it takes to become a modern classic.
My congratulations to Kite! :t:
//L
PS. I would really love to see a 6x30 in the series. And if somebody decides to arrange a bulk purchase with BF member quantity discount, I'm in.
First, I have that unfortunate and possibly imfamous habit of judging binoculars by the first impression. Unfortunate because what suits me may not suit someone else, and my tendency to deliver forcible positive or negative opinions might lead others in the wrong direction. This could throw some shadow upon other's opinion about my sanity, hence giving me an infamous reputation.
For me, there are five chosen key properties I expect from a good binocular.
These are sharpness to the edge, natural and brilliant colour rendition, good CA control, a wide FOV and glare resistance. But there's also the intangible moment of the first impression. I believe I'm fairly good at roughly evaluating binoculars very quickly. Admittedly, the meaning of connecting with and getting used to the binocular is very important, and quick evaluations may make me dismiss some binoculars too quickly and too harshly. So don't consider this a review, I only present my initial impressions.
Anyhow. I took the Lynx and was immediately impressed by the tight build (similar to the Conquest HD) and the handy dimensions. The view was relaxed, sharp and bright despite the murky Scandinavian winter light. Colour rendition seemed very neutral and the edge sharpness was remarkable considering its very wide field of view. It appeared slightly brighter than the E II, and the vividness of the colours was too close to see any difference.
As a whole, the view was very similar too the E II, but somewhat easier with spectacles. Further test should reveal differences but it was immediately likable.
Ignoring details that may not be equally important to different users, I rate it very highly. I own the E II and will not sell it, but faced with the choice I'd choose the Lynx. I would also choose the Lynx over the Conquest HD.
I would easily choose it over the Meostar for the view alone, but would probably choose the Euro HD over the Lynx because I love its design and how easy it is to hide in the hands or under a jacket.
Gijs's statements may sometimes be too generalizing, and in particular they seem biased when it comes to brands he doesn't carry.
But everyone should read what he writes about the Lynx HD, because this is a binocular that Kite and the optical engineers should be extremely proud of.
The Lynx HD is an astonishing optical achievement, a quantum leap forward.
Even the price is right. This is a binocular every birder should own a sample of, regardless of what other binoculars they have. To me, it seems to have everything it takes to become a modern classic.
My congratulations to Kite! :t:
//L
PS. I would really love to see a 6x30 in the series. And if somebody decides to arrange a bulk purchase with BF member quantity discount, I'm in.
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