Hi all,
I figured I'd pop back in this thread and post my thoughts on the SII 8x32s. As a preface, I'd like to mention that this is my first personal set of binoculars. I've used a couple of other very low end Tasco/Bushnells, but nothing of 'quality' until now. Having said that, I'm actually quite familiar with lens aberrations, and have worked with a number of optical systems. (I'm currently grinding through an Optical Science & Engineering PhD program. While our lab works mainly in nonlinear optics w/ femtosecond lasers, I've had a few courses in geometrical & physical optics.)
But... rather than talk about that stuff (I'm still on winter break here, come on!), here are some casual observations...
I've heard a lot about the cold weather focusing problems with respect to the SIIs. I spent some time last week in a tree stand (end of deer season here in NC), with temperatures ranging from 30F to 55F over the course of the morning. During this time, I couldn't detect any noticeable difference in my ability to adjust the focusing knob. I've read some complaints in this thread as to cold weather performance, but can't say that I experienced any problems in that regard. Sure - I didn't throw them in the freezer, but I typically don't observe stuff outside at 0F. Why cry over a situation that'll never happen? The focus knob itself has a very nice feel from lock to lock.
While I've never used the dual hinge roof before, I found that the SIIs fit nicely within my hands. Some users commented on being irritated with the location of the strap lugs and/or raised SIGHTRON logo on the sides, but I never found these to be distracting in the least. I've got medium sized hands (typically wear medium sized gloves), and my fingers seem to fall into place in a position where this is not an issue. (Pinky thru middle fingers in the 'hole' in the center, pointer fingers on the focus, and thumbs below.)
On my scale with the strap but no covers, these come in at 17.75 oz, rounded to the nearest 1/4th oz. They don't feel too heavy while using both hands, but I did find myself using both hands to steady them, and reduce fatigue. 8x is certainly tricky to hold with a single hand, and it was much nicer using both. I can see them becoming a little heavy with repeated single hand usage over the course of the day. (My usage period was probably 40 minutes of every hour, for a 4 hour stretch.)
While some describe the outer surface as hard plastic, I prefer to think of it as a semi-soft rubber. It feels comfortable in the hands. The eye-cups are OK. I don't know if I like the flat surface - maybe something rounded would be nicer - but they aren't bad. There are four 'stops' to the cups, and I found I preferred the 2nd/3rd setting. It felt like the fourth setting resulted in vignetting of the image, but that could have just been me. Who knows.
Optically speaking, they perform pretty well in my opinion. You're always going to have chromatic aberrations in any real optical system, and the magic SIIs are no exception. CA is present, but not overly so - certainly not in an offensive way. With respect to the rest of the Seidel aberrations, nothing is particularly bad. Distortion is well controlled in the center, with the slightest bit of pincushion right along the outer edges. Little field curvature again on the outer edges. Glare is very well controlled.
Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the purchase. My only nitpick would be with the accessories. The objective covers are fine, but the ocular covers/rainguards not great, to put it politely. Any suggestions on a replacement?
These were picked up for $160 to my door right after Thanksgiving, and seem to be a pretty good value. While I may still end up getting a pair of 6x binoculars for tighter woods viewing, there are no regrets with the SIIs. For most of what I will use them for, they are 'good enough', which is an idea that probably gets forgotten around this place. There's always 'better', and the chase itself is often more enjoyable than the end result... But for most folks' use, it probably doesn't amount to much aside from unnecessary spending. Anyway, I certainly don't think I'd be happier had I spent any more money. If I purchase another pair in the future, it'll probably be a set of Kowa 6x30s. Supposedly they punch above their price point, and I think the 6x would work quite well in the woods.
