Damienz
Forest dweller

Went into the city this weekend to look into a new smaller binocular for birding, hiking and walking my dog.
I do have an reasonably old Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 which I like but I really wanted something smaller.
Anyways, I had my eyes set on either the Hawke Endurance ED 8x32 or Opticron 8x32 Discovery WA ED, sadly they didn't have the latter in stock.
They're really friendly there and let customers try the binoculars both inside the store and even take a brief walk with them outside.
The salesman also recommended the Vortex 8x32 Diamondback but I had some problems getting a good view through themwith my glasses on.
The Hawke was excellent, loved everything about it except the size. It wasn't that much smaller than my Nikon though felt sharper.
When standing there pondering about the purchase I was offered a peak through a Kowa BD II 8x32 XD and as soon as I got the first glance through them it felt like a relevation.
Never experienced a binocular with that sharpness and the field of view was amazing.
So I guess what I wanted to say was: I'm a happy owner of my own pair of Kowa 8x32 and so far I'm thrilled.
Now I just need to get my dog less interested in them, she thinks it's her new toy...
Disclaimer: I'm a beginner both when it comes to birding and binoculars. On top of that I have a eye problem since about 10 years back leading to my pupils being constantly enlarged and I can't focus correctly 100% with them by myself. Hence, my experience of what's sharp or being good binoculars might not be up to everyone's standards.
I do have an reasonably old Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 which I like but I really wanted something smaller.
Anyways, I had my eyes set on either the Hawke Endurance ED 8x32 or Opticron 8x32 Discovery WA ED, sadly they didn't have the latter in stock.
They're really friendly there and let customers try the binoculars both inside the store and even take a brief walk with them outside.
The salesman also recommended the Vortex 8x32 Diamondback but I had some problems getting a good view through themwith my glasses on.
The Hawke was excellent, loved everything about it except the size. It wasn't that much smaller than my Nikon though felt sharper.
When standing there pondering about the purchase I was offered a peak through a Kowa BD II 8x32 XD and as soon as I got the first glance through them it felt like a relevation.
Never experienced a binocular with that sharpness and the field of view was amazing.
So I guess what I wanted to say was: I'm a happy owner of my own pair of Kowa 8x32 and so far I'm thrilled.
Now I just need to get my dog less interested in them, she thinks it's her new toy...
Disclaimer: I'm a beginner both when it comes to birding and binoculars. On top of that I have a eye problem since about 10 years back leading to my pupils being constantly enlarged and I can't focus correctly 100% with them by myself. Hence, my experience of what's sharp or being good binoculars might not be up to everyone's standards.