Best lightweight 8 x 32 & 8 x 42 binoculars in these price ranges? (1 Viewer)

[OPTIC_NUT]

My most important properties:

1) contrast (this enhances color, effective resolution, the apparent brightness, night performance, 3D effect)
2) field edge sharpness (though it's hard to achieve affordably if the fov is wide)
3) no 'forced' eye relief .... no blackouts, with or without glasses, when the eye is off by a bit
... a combination of eye relief + exit pupil size + unforced design (graceful defocusing goes with a lack of blackouts)

I would go for Nikon 8x32 Monarch 5s if trying to stay very light, less costly, rugged... and the ProStaff 7s if under $200.
Give me $1000 and I'd nab the Swaro CL 8x30s, point blank.

(assuming not only glasses = Ok but center focus is good...which 99% are)

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

My most important properties:

1) contrast (this enhances color, effective resolution, the apparent brightness, night performance, 3D effect)
2) field edge sharpness (though it's hard to achieve affordably if the fov is wide)
3) no 'forced' eye relief .... no blackouts, with or without glasses, when the eye is off by a bit
... a combination of eye relief + exit pupil size + unforced design (graceful defocusing goes with a lack of blackouts)

Thanks. One optics specialist claimed the Zeiss Terra ED brought out objects in the shadows better than the Vanguard, I guess he was speaking to contrast

I would go for Nikon 8x32 Monarch 5s if trying to stay very light, less costly, rugged... and the ProStaff 7s if under $200.
Give me $1000 and I'd nab the Swaro CL 8x30s, point blank.

(assuming not only glasses = Ok but center focus is good...which 99% are)

The Nikon Monarch 5 is very nice with a record of good durability, unfortunately Nikon doesn't make the Monarch 5 in 8 x 32, only 8 x 42; The Monarch 5 weight really isn't bad at 20.81 oz / 590 g, but that's nearly 3 oz heavier than the Zeiss Terra ED and they aren't as compact.

 

[chill6x6]

As for 8X32….
I REALLY like my new Vortex Viper HD 8x32s. GREAT binoculars! Much better than I even imagined. About $550.00

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

Too good...comments like that are why I avoided looking at Vipers today...heh. ;-)

 

[PhilR.]

Zeiss Terra ED vs. Vanguard 8x32 Endeavor ED II? Has anyone used both? How do they compare?

The EDII has a noticeably smaller FOV than the Terra. However, in most other ways the EDII is IMO the better binocular. The EDII feels more solid in the hand, and has a rubber outer cover that has a nice amount of grippiness (probably not a real word). The Terra feels much more slick and plasticky (probably not a real word either). The EDII's view is slightly sharper and brighter. The EDII also handles the stray light of a low-angle sun much better than the Terra. Even though I prefer a wider FOV, I would still prefer the EDII over the Terra.

One area where the Terra falls flat is the focus wheel. It is not nearly as smooth in rotation as the EDII's, and has way too much backlash to be likeable. Like the body, the wheel feels cheap and plasticky. In fact, if compared to the 32mm SII Blue Sky, M7, EDII, Conquest and Mojave, the Terra has the worst focus wheel of them all.

The EDII does weigh more than the Terra, but IMO does most everything better than the Terra. Considering that they cost exactly the same price, the choice is easy to make.

BTW -- neither of them are as good as my 8x30 M7....... ||

 

[cnick6]

One area where the Terra falls flat is the focus wheel. It is not nearly as smooth in rotation as the EDII's, and has way too much backlash to be likeable. Like the body, the wheel feels cheap and plasticky. In fact, if compared to the 32mm SII Blue Sky, M7, EDII, Conquest and Mojave, the Terra has the worst focus wheel of them all.

Phil, are you referring to the Terra ED 8x32 model? My focus wheel is buttery smooth and very fast. Only my Razor HD model beats it out. I've never heard the focus wheel described this way on the Terra ED. Even the 10x42 model I owned last year wasn't this bad. Perhaps you had a bad sample???

My ED II focus was a tad stiff at first but has become loose with time. If you leave the ED II out in the cold then its focus wheel will become very stiff.

The "feel" of the focus wheel is different. The ED II has nice rubber bits that stick to your finger better. The Terra ED wheel is not as refined but it feels acceptable.

The EDII does weigh more than the Terra, but IMO does most everything better than the Terra. Considering that they cost exactly the same price, the choice is easy to make.

While I agree the ED II 8x32 has very good optics I don't know if it's that "easy" of a decision. The Terra ED 8x32 is smaller and more compact. It weighs less. The focus (on mine) is silky smooth and fast. The ED II focus is "long" by comparison. The Terra ED is about $50 less. IMHO, the Terra ED looks a bit better. The Terra ED has higher contrast and looks quite good to the untrained eye. Yes the optics on the ED II are of better quality but those differences are not noticeable to the average consumer.

BTW -- neither of them are as good as my 8x30 M7.......

I hope this was a joke. Nikon M7 seriously???

 

[cnick6]

Zeiss Terra ED vs. Vanguard 8x32 Endeavor ED II? Has anyone used both? How do they compare?

See my comments above to Phil.

They both have qualities that are appealing to different consumers. Consumers who are more advanced and ultimately care about optical quality will like the ED II. Consumers that are going to "use" the binoculars for camping or hunting will likely gravitate toward the Terra ED model.

The Terra ED is about $50 less so it's a tough decision.

If you're leaning toward the ED II 8x32 then I would honestly suggest looking at the 8x42 model as well. The larger objective can *really* make a difference if you're ultimate goal is image quality. The difference in size/weight isn't all that bad considering the improvement in IQ.

 

[FrankD]

cnick,

Joking or not I would likely agree with Phil's sentiment with regard to the M7. Assuming one gets a unit that doesn't have the internal coating issues I think the M7 offers the nicest "blend" of ergonomics and optics. Case in point....

Optically

- wide field of view
- good apparent sharpness
- good CA control
- large sweet spot

Ergonomically

- for my larger than average hands the size just feels right (footprint if you will)
- the shorter traditional hinge gives great hand placement
- focusing wheel placement, tension and speed seem very close to ideal for my tastes
- exceptionally lightweight for a 30-32 mm glass

 

[BruceH]

Phil's comments are based on the 8X30 Monarch 7 and not a 10X30 M7 as I think was reviewed by cnick. I have the 8X30 and have zero desire to give it up, yet I tried the 10X30 in the store and have no desire to own one. This is most likely due to the difference in size of the exit pupil. The 8X is about at the limit and the smaller exit pupil of the 10X goes beyond what works for me.

My suggestion is to not condemn the 8X30 Monarch 7 based on experiences with the 10X. My only issue with the 8X is eye placement is somewhat touchy (but workable), I think due to the small exit pupil and eye cups that are slightly short for the eye relief (using without glasses). The 8X30 Monarch 7 is a very good binocular, as described by Frank .... "and that ain't no joke".

 

[cnick6]

Sorry guys, I have to respectfully disagree. While I didn't test the 8x model I think the Nikon M7 is a joke of a binocular. Poor design, IMHO.

I'm not just thinking of the M7 but the regression of the Nikon Monarch series. Products are supposed to get better with age right? The Monarch ATB was an "excellent" binocular for its day. The M5 models I've tried were good but not quite as good as the original ATB. The M7 was depressingly worse.

PS. I should have clarified that I was admonishing Phil for his suggestion that the Nikon M7 is superior to the Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8x32.

 

[PhilR.]

I hope this was a joke. Nikon M7 seriously???

I do not think that when trying to present potentially helpful information to someone who is asking for it, that joking is appropriate.

If you have read the positive comments about the 8x30 M7 put up by Brockenroller, moreorless, and IIRC SteveC, then you will know how well the M7 performs. The example they used and reviewed belongs to me. I lent them mine when they expressed interest in trying one when they first came to market. I purchased mine new for $229 shipped, several months after they appeared.

My M7 does just about everything better than does our other low-priced 8x32's, which are the Zeiss Terra, Sightron Blue Sky, and Endeavor EDII. The M7 has the sharpest, widest, and overall best view. By a small amount over the Blue Sky and EDII, and by a large margin over the Terra. It snaps into view in a way that the others cannot match (although the Blue Sky comes extreeeemely close). The fact that it also has IMO the nicest handling, best focus wheel, best objective covers, make it the best choice for me.

I realize that others have had issues with the 30mm M7. I have not. But then again, I am aware that the M7 is rather picky about eye placement - moreso than the other three binos above. I am glad that your Terra turned out better than mine. Mine is not as good as my Blue Sky, and therefore I do not think they are remotely close to being worth their price.

If I get a chance, I will try to put up a comparison review between these four and the other three or four 30/32mm binos I own. I will say one thing, and that is the Blue Sky - although not the absolute best overall - continues to be the value leader....

 

[PhilR.]

PS. I should have clarified that I was admonishing Phil for his suggestion that the Nikon M7 is superior to the Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8x32.

Please keep in mind that my statements are based on actual use. Obviously you do not have them in hand, and therefore have no actual experience with them.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

I really appreciate all the suggestions here, especially since some of you have used multiple models we’re discussing.

There’s only 1 oz difference between the Zeiss Terra ED and Vanguard Ed II 8 x 32, which is negligible especially if that ounce brings you better usability and performance. I’ve not made a decision, just narrowing choices to 8 x 32 and using the Terra ED as a benchmark – meaning a glass has to be not much heavier and offer as good a performance and come in at a relatively close pricepoint (within $50-100). You can get the Terra ED for as little as $309 now without the Under Armour harness.

I thought the Terra ED has a rubberized armor coating like the Vanguard ED II?

How do you define optics, if not by image quality? To a trained eye, what are the Vanguard ED II superior optics going to offer? When I called and asked a binoc guy at B&H Photo (this doesn’t make him an expert, especially since who knows how much experience he has), he said he defined better optics as better contrast, and that the Terra ED had better contrast.

If the ED II focus is longer, does this also mean it’s more fine and accurate? I’ve tried a friend’s $200 binoculars from a decade ago that had a fast focus wheel but that also meant it was difficult to get just the right focus.

Unless the Vanguard is on sale somewhere I couldn’t find, it’s $399, while the Terra ED can be found for $309.

Wouldn’t consider the 8 x 42 model of the Terra ED because of the much higher weight and larger size.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

How much larger is the Vanguard ED II than the Terra ED 8 x 32?

How much larger is the Vanguard ED II / how much larger does it feel?

 

[stephen b]

All goes to show that when dealing with optics in this price range ( or any range really)- your own individual eyes need to decide. Quality control issues can arise from sample to sample also.

My eyes when picking up a back up pair of light 8x30/32 size this past winter really liked the Leupold 8x32 Mojave over the Nikon 8x30 M7 that I compared it to. I felt the Mojave was both sharper and brighter. And I liked the feel of the Mojave and ergos of the Mojave, it just fit my hands really well. And my wife likes it a lot. But, I did check out (2) Mojaves when buying mine, and one had a little bit of a stiffer focus than the other. Not bad, but did notice the difference.

The apparent resolution and contrast to me is very good on the Mojave; and I also really like the color bias. I checked out the Mojave as far as its resolution of detail compared to the newest version of the Nikon 8x32 SE, and the Mojave really held its own. Of course the SE has a sharper edge field, but the Mojave has a nice large FOV and our sample is sharp to about 70%; so not too bad.

BTW- real weight on my scale for the Mojave is 19 oz

Just my 2c, and maybe worth about that.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

How do the Kenko DH MS 8x32 (same as Sightron SII BS 8x32) compare with the Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8 x 32 and Zeiss Terra ED 8 x 32?

In what order would you rank the customer service/product support of Zeiss, Vanguard, Kenko, Sightron, Leupold, Nikon and any other brands being discussed here?

 

[SteveTS]

The Sightron equivalent of the Kenko DH MS 8x32 is the Sightron SIII Magnesium 8x32, highly likely they are the same binocular, both are made in Japan.

A glance at the warranties offered by the various brands would be a good place to start.

The Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 is a $300 Chin bin and the Zeiss name does nothing to change that ; there are many reports of return and replace for defective units of the Zeiss Terra ED, on this forum and elsewhere, and that is the return for sub-contracting production.

Of your list - "Zeiss, Vanguard, Kenko, Sightron, Leupold, Nikon" - only Vanguard and Kenko manufacture without any subcontracting, although it should be said that Sightron are wholly owned by Kenko and all that production is in house.

Vanguard are an owner manufacturer, Kenko are an OEM giant.

Best wishes,

 

[PhilR.]

How much larger is the Vanguard ED II / how much larger does it feel?

Below is a picture of 30 and 32mm binos that includes the Terra, Blue Sky, M7, and EDII. The others, put up for size comparison, are a Swarovski 8x30 Habicht W GA, Zeiss Conquest 10x30, and Meopta Meopro 6.5x32.

The EDII does not feel larger, and in fact feels smaller than the Terra as it's barrels are slightly smaller in diameter. However, the EDII is heavier, which gives it a substantial feeling that the Terra cannot match.

 

[cnick6]

Obviously you do not have them in hand, and therefore have no actual experience with them.

WRONG again Phil. I owned the 10x30 M7 for a short time before returning them. |=o|

 

[PhilR.]

WRONG again Phil. I owned the 10x30 M7 for a short time before returning them. |=o|

You really should go back and read this thread from the start. Most people can easily figure out that the OP asked about 8x versions, and my reply is about 8x versions, and that nothing I've put up is about the 10x version of any binocular.

Thanks for making it clear to everyone just how accurate my statement above turned out to be. It is abundantly clear that you don't actually have *any* experience whatsoever with an 8x30 M7.