Before having to return them because of a loose screw in the barrel, I recently had the opportunity to use a set of Nikon 10x42 HGs for a couple of months. Based substantially on what I read on this forum and the BVD site, I replaced them with a set of Nikon 10x42 SEs. In a short period of time, I’ve found the SEs tremendously more satisfying to use and have been thinking about why they are so enjoyable. I realize these are my own mostly subjective opinions, but I can definitely understand why the SE line has such a fanatical following. Anyway, here are a few points of analysis:
Weight: At 25 oz, the SE is 10oz less than the HG, or appx 2/3 the weight. In the shop it may not seem like much, but when carrying the bins around in the field this is a really substantial difference.
Shape: The SEs are easier to grasp and carry, and seem to have better balance than the HGs. They simply feel better. Combined with the lighter weight, the SEs present a far superior ergonomic package.
Focus: HG focus is smooth as glass, but the knob turned a bit too easily for my taste, and even with practice I often tended to overshoot the focus and would have to ‘back and forth’ it more than I do with the SE. The SE focus is somewhat stiffer, but I feel it is more positive because of the stiffness; I tend to come into focus more easily with the SEs without the tendency to overcorrect and return.
Waterproofing: HG wins, no contest. However, in the worst-case scenario of the SEs becoming waterlogged, leaky, moldy, vermin infested or whatever, Nikon has a lifetime no-fault repair/replacement warranty that will take care of them. It’s $10 plus shipping for anything that goes wrong, including dropping them out of a window, running them over with a car, moldy/waterlogged, etc.
CA: Definitely more noticeable in the HGs, although it’s detectable in the SEs in some instances.
Optics: The image of the SE is slightly smaller, but it’s hypnotic. Why? The only thing I can find to explain it is the 3D effect of the SEs. The HGs are crystal clear, but flat (as are all the roofs-I also own a set of Pentax 10x43 DCF SPs, and have tested a number of Leicas and Swarovskis as well). It’s like sitting in front of a top quality HDTV with a plasma screen-beautiful, clear image-but it looks like an image: flat and 2D. The SE is not only sublimely clear edge to edge, but the subtle effect of 3D caused by the greater spacing of the porro’s barrels renders a depth that’s absent in the HG; it truly seems as if you’re simply standing 10x closer to the target without using anything. The sharpness and depth of the view almost transcends reality-I think this is why so many people are devoted to these binoculars. They are truly an incredible piece of work.
Price: Not an issue when I was hunting for a set, but the fact that I could buy two sets of the SEs for what I would spend on one set of the HGs (or 3 sets for the price of the Swar 10x42 ELs) is icing on the cake. It’s rare when you can get higher quality (in terms of how well you can see, not waterproofness) for substantially less money.
I’ll be on the lookout for a set of the 8x32 SEs.
Weight: At 25 oz, the SE is 10oz less than the HG, or appx 2/3 the weight. In the shop it may not seem like much, but when carrying the bins around in the field this is a really substantial difference.
Shape: The SEs are easier to grasp and carry, and seem to have better balance than the HGs. They simply feel better. Combined with the lighter weight, the SEs present a far superior ergonomic package.
Focus: HG focus is smooth as glass, but the knob turned a bit too easily for my taste, and even with practice I often tended to overshoot the focus and would have to ‘back and forth’ it more than I do with the SE. The SE focus is somewhat stiffer, but I feel it is more positive because of the stiffness; I tend to come into focus more easily with the SEs without the tendency to overcorrect and return.
Waterproofing: HG wins, no contest. However, in the worst-case scenario of the SEs becoming waterlogged, leaky, moldy, vermin infested or whatever, Nikon has a lifetime no-fault repair/replacement warranty that will take care of them. It’s $10 plus shipping for anything that goes wrong, including dropping them out of a window, running them over with a car, moldy/waterlogged, etc.
CA: Definitely more noticeable in the HGs, although it’s detectable in the SEs in some instances.
Optics: The image of the SE is slightly smaller, but it’s hypnotic. Why? The only thing I can find to explain it is the 3D effect of the SEs. The HGs are crystal clear, but flat (as are all the roofs-I also own a set of Pentax 10x43 DCF SPs, and have tested a number of Leicas and Swarovskis as well). It’s like sitting in front of a top quality HDTV with a plasma screen-beautiful, clear image-but it looks like an image: flat and 2D. The SE is not only sublimely clear edge to edge, but the subtle effect of 3D caused by the greater spacing of the porro’s barrels renders a depth that’s absent in the HG; it truly seems as if you’re simply standing 10x closer to the target without using anything. The sharpness and depth of the view almost transcends reality-I think this is why so many people are devoted to these binoculars. They are truly an incredible piece of work.
Price: Not an issue when I was hunting for a set, but the fact that I could buy two sets of the SEs for what I would spend on one set of the HGs (or 3 sets for the price of the Swar 10x42 ELs) is icing on the cake. It’s rare when you can get higher quality (in terms of how well you can see, not waterproofness) for substantially less money.
I’ll be on the lookout for a set of the 8x32 SEs.
