EDG 7/8/10 x42 still in production? (5 Viewers)

[brocknroller]

I posted some info in another discussion concerning this topic about the EDG’s. I’ve been in conversation with Nikon UK via email for the lsat two weeks, Nikon doesn’t seem to be able to answer multiple questions in one email so it takes a while to get all my questions answered.

Heres where it stands, all EDG’s except the 8 x 32 which have been discontinued are in production and can be ordered from multiple dealers in the UK and some other countries. I have the list somewhere. These are not new old stock. These can be bought in the United States but have to be bought from one of those overseas dealers. Nikon UK does service them and continues their warranty, but they will have to be mailed back overseas for service and repair.

Paul

To keep making the 10x32 EDG II, probably the least popular model (Nikon discontinued the 10x32 in the LX/HGs before they stopped making the other models), while discontinuing the 8x32 EDG II, likely the most popular model, would be bizarre, if true. But it might explain while I was unable to find an 8x32 EDG II in 2020. There was only one on eBay for a year, and it was priced at nearly $3K! I envy those who bought the bugaboo 8x32 EDG 1 and got a free twice the price 8x32 EDG II as a replacement because the focusers on the first version wouldn't stay on. A major malfunction that I'm sure cost Nikon a pretty penny, though not as bad as their losses in digital cameras after camera phones killed the DSLR (there's a parody for "Weird Al"). I bought an 8x42 EDG instead, and I wasn't disappointed with the view. In fact, several people have told me that the view through the 8x42 is better than the 8x32 (wider apparent FOV, though you couldn't tell that from the numbers since the TFOVs are almost identical). Also, looking at the light curves for each model, the 8x42 is flatter than the 8x32 EDG's, which reminds me of the 8x32 SE in that regard. Nikon has the a a terrible marketing dept compared to the "Teutonic Three." In 2017, Nikon made a giant leap foward in AR coatings, and I think also improved their optical glass,, but they didn't promote those innovatons or give them properitery names like the Teutonics.. Nikon has excellent products but their marketing dept couldn't sell a glass of water in the desert.

 

[Scott98]

Does Nikon Japan still sell the spotting and hunting scopes?

I think your comparing apples to oranges to peaches with those three 😜.

The catalog's got an 85mm EDG spotting scope, an 82mm Fieldscope spotting scope, an ED50 FIeldscope, and a Prostaff spotting scope.

re: apples & oranges, I know, you can't really compare different magnifications and objective sizes. Other than color tone. I have to guess what the 8x42 EDG would be like. I won't buy them as that would mean selling the 8x42 SF's which I can't do. The 10x56 SLC and 7x42 EDG do seem like brothers from another mother, optically they could be different models from the same line. Similar exit pupil and performance, if you cropped the SLC AFOV to 56 degrees the view would be almost identical. Good edge sharpness with no rectilinear distortion visible and very comfortable eye positioning.

The EDG focuser is so nice though - it can't be over-stated. When you start glassing around, trees and birds seem to float into view and then sharpen, the action on the knob is so smooth the bino melds into your hand, you forget that you're actually focusing. Man and bino become one!

 

[mwhogue]

(EDIT)

The EDG focuser is so nice though - it can't be over-stated. When you start glassing around, trees and birds seem to float into view and then sharpen, the action on the knob is so smooth the bino melds into your hand, you forget that you're actually focusing. Man and bino become one!

Well said. The EDG 7x42 makes focusing addictive.

Mike

 

[Paultricounty]

The catalog's got an 85mm EDG spotting scope, an 82mm Fieldscope spotting scope, an ED50 FIeldscope, and a Prostaff spotting scope.

re: apples & oranges, I know, you can't really compare different magnifications and objective sizes. Other than color tone. I have to guess what the 8x42 EDG would be like. I won't buy them as that would mean selling the 8x42 SF's which I can't do. The 10x56 SLC and 7x42 EDG do seem like brothers from another mother, optically they could be different models from the same line. Similar exit pupil and performance, if you cropped the SLC AFOV to 56 degrees the view would be almost identical. Good edge sharpness with no rectilinear distortion visible and very comfortable eye positioning.

The EDG focuser is so nice though - it can't be over-stated. When you start glassing around, trees and birds seem to float into view and then sharpen, the action on the knob is so smooth the bino melds into your hand, you forget that you're actually focusing. Man and bino become one!

No doubt , I’m with you on the EDG. The focuser is just so beautiful to use, probably the best in the business on par with the SF , maybe even better. It has that slight resistance and buttery smooth throughout the focus travel. On a sunny day I you can observe the whole day without eye fatigue. I’ve said it before , EDG’s do everything well.

Paul

 

[Patudo]

.. Nikon has excellent products but their marketing dept couldn't sell a glass of water in the desert.

Worth noting that Nikon's ranges from MHGs down all sell well despite their supposedly poor marketing, while EDGs apparently do not (I'll gladly be corrected by anyone who can provide better info). I leave you to draw your own conclusions why that might be so.

 

[Scott98]

No doubt , I’m with you on the EDG. The focuser is just so beautiful to use, probably the best in the business on par with the SF , maybe even better. It has that slight resistance and buttery smooth throughout the focus travel. On a sunny day I you can observe the whole day without eye fatigue. I’ve said it before , EDG’s do everything well.

After using 8x42 Premier LXL for years the Zeiss SF was the first of the "big 3" binos I tried that matched the LXL focuser. They could be the same focuser, smoothness and resistance are the same. The new EDG are almost the same, the same smoothness but a wee bit more resistance than SF.

I briefly tried the NL Pure and the focuser seemed much improved over the EL's and SLC's, but I only tried it for about 30 seconds in the store. The SF and NL Pure are superb binoculars, no doubt. The EDG are a nice alternative for those who aren't necessarily seeking a wider-field bino. If you don't want wider field the EDG are at least as good as today's top-dollar models.

Sales figures are important, but certainly not directly proportional to quality. I remember when 90% of personal computer sales were MS-DOS when the Apple Mac operating system was vastly superior - late 80's-early 90s. In time, Microsoft basically copied what Apple was doing. I see a similar phenomenon with EDG. The NL Pure has the same basic EDG body design - single high bridge with the focuser knob in the right place. The flat-field optics and focuser quality of the LXL/HG and EDG is something the other "big 3" have all migrated to in recent years.

PS - also, I can't help but notice that NL Pure feature the smooth, narrow-waisted barrel of the NIkon HG/LXL, instead of thumb undercuts. Like great composers these guys are all borrowing from each others' innovation.

 

[Bill Atwood]

...PS - also, I can't help but notice that NL Pure feature the smooth, narrow-waisted barrel of the NIkon HG/LXL, instead of thumb undercuts. Like great composers these guys are all borrowing from each others' innovation.

Thought I was the only one that noticed this.

 

[Bentley03]

Question...

Is the Nikon EDG range considered to be well corrected in terms of blackouts, the 10x42 in particular?

 

[Thotmosis]

Thought I was the only one that noticed this.

My Swift Audubon has a small waist as well. Most Porro’s have, except my Zeiss 15x60 but she is pregnant.

 

[Scott98]

Question...

Is the Nikon EDG range considered to be well corrected in terms of blackouts, the 10x42 in particular?

I would hesitate to make any definitive statement, because I haven't compare the 10x42 EDG with other 10x42's. But overall, the EDG do better with eye placement and blackouts than the Zeiss SF's for sure, at least for me. That's why I bought the Nikons for my 10x42 bino. I don't like exit pupils below 5mm but the 10x42 EDG do a good job with it.

 

[Bentley03]

I would hesitate to make any definitive statement, because I haven't compare the 10x42 EDG with other 10x42's. But overall, the EDG do better with eye placement and blackouts than the Zeiss SF's for sure, at least for me. That's why I bought the Nikons for my 10x42 bino. I don't like exit pupils below 5mm but the 10x42 EDG do a good job with it.

Crikey, are you a mind reader? 😲

Thank you, that evaluation and comparison is likely far more relevant to me than you anticipated when you wrote it.

I am currently using (or battling with 😉) a pair of 10x42 Victory SF's. I adore the ergonomics, and although I find them to be the closest of the four formats to fitting me, I think the time has come to admit defeat and accept that they simply don't fit me. I've spent the last two days fiddling about with o rings and experimenting with different eye relief and IPD settings, but I'm unable to stop the blackouts and vignetting. I can't enjoy them. The other three SF models are (for me) even worse, and ranged between frustrating and unusable when I tested them (each over a 4 day period). I should never have purchased these and tried to force them to fit me.

I've never owned an EDG, but have spent time with both the 7x42 and 8x42 and found them to be extremely pleasing and comfortable, so with a new batch of EDG's now on the market here in the UK, I think I'm going to take the plunge and buy some to replace my SF's.

Thanks again for your help! 🍻

 

[Paultricounty]

Crikey, are you a mind reader? 😲

Thank you, that evaluation and comparison is likely far more relevant to me than you anticipated when you wrote it.

I am currently using (or battling with 😉) a pair of 10x42 Victory SF's. I adore the ergonomics, and although I find them to be the closest of the four formats to fitting me, I think the time has come to admit defeat and accept that they simply don't fit me. I've spent the last two days fiddling about with o rings and experimenting with different eye relief and IPD settings, but I'm unable to stop the blackouts and vignetting. I can't enjoy them. The other three SF models are (for me) even worse, and ranged between frustrating and unusable when I tested them (each over a 4 day period). I should never have purchased these and tried to force them to fit me.

I've never owned an EDG, but have spent time with both the 7x42 and 8x42 and found them to be extremely pleasing and comfortable, so with a new batch of EDG's now on the market here in the UK, I think I'm going to take the plunge and buy some to replace my SF's.

Thanks again for your help! 🍻

The Swarovski EL’s are equally good with eye placement and comfort. The EL and EDG are about as good as it gets when it comes to eye box comfort imo.

Paul

 

[Scott98]

I am currently using (or battling with 😉) a pair of 10x42 Victory SF's.

I had to extend the eyecups in the 8x42 SF and then unscrew them 1 - 1.25 turns to alleviate the blackout problems - to a degree. I do love the grip/hold on the SF - so comfortable in the hands.

I just went outside to check the SF's against the 10x42 EDG (my robin friends are back! haven't seen them in a couple months). No question, the eye placement is easier with the 10x EDG. With the SF, you have to discipline yourself to keep your eye looking in the middle of the FOV or you get some blackout/blue flash. You have to re-position your eye a bit to look at the edge and keep it clean. I think you would find the Nikons more comfortable than the SF's. The eyecups are in the right place for me when extended. The AFOV in the 10x EDG is nearly as big as SF's too.

I just tried to make myself sell the 10x42 EDG and had to abort after a few days They work too well, they're excellent for viewing seabirds which we do in the winter here. My expert birder friends use either 10x42 or scopes at the coast, you need 10 to tell the murres from the grebes and red-throated loons, etc. 3 pair of 42mm seemed excessive but I enjoy using them all, will be using the 7x42 for warbler & forest birding in the spring.

 

[tenex]

In pushing the limits of flat wide fields, I fear that Zeiss/Swaro have seriously underestimated the importance of eyebox comfort. What are people who can't get on with SF or NL supposed to buy instead now? SFL or the remaining EL 42, I suppose. (Or Leica, or even EDG while they last. Can Nikon Japan still service them?)

 

[Paultricounty]

In pushing the limits of flat wide fields, I fear that Zeiss/Swaro have seriously underestimated the importance of eyebox comfort. What are people who can't get on with SF or NL supposed to buy instead now? SFL or the remaining EL 42, I suppose. (Or Leica, or even EDG while they last. Can Nikon Japan still service them?)

Yes, yes, yes and yes😂✌🏼

 

[Bentley03]

The Swarovski EL’s are equally good with eye placement and comfort. The EL and EDG are about as good as it gets when it comes to eye box comfort imo.

Paul

Ah, Paul, I was rather hoping you might chime in on this!

I wear glasses, you don't, so our set up of a pair of binoculars is going to be quite different, but you have a very broad spread of experience with the best modern premium binoculars and will undoubtedly have a 'balanced' view on the differences between them, so I find your input in this case to be very helpful, despite the fact that your EDG is the 8x42 and not the 10x42.

I value your opinion, so it's much appreciated, thank you for your input!

As an aside to this, reading other threads regarding the EDG, I was fairly convinced that you were going to purchase a 10x42, not an 8x42. What was it that made you settle on the 8x42 in the end?

 

[Bentley03]

I had to extend the eyecups in the 8x42 SF and then unscrew them 1 - 1.25 turns to alleviate the blackout problems - to a degree. I do love the grip/hold on the SF - so comfortable in the hands.

I just went outside to check the SF's against the 10x42 EDG (my robin friends are back! haven't seen them in a couple months). No question, the eye placement is easier with the 10x EDG. With the SF, you have to discipline yourself to keep your eye looking in the middle of the FOV or you get some blackout/blue flash. You have to re-position your eye a bit to look at the edge and keep it clean. I think you would find the Nikons more comfortable than the SF's. The eyecups are in the right place for me when extended. The AFOV in the 10x EDG is nearly as big as SF's too.

I just tried to make myself sell the 10x42 EDG and had to abort after a few days They work too well, they're excellent for viewing seabirds which we do in the winter here. My expert birder friends use either 10x42 or scopes at the coast, you need 10 to tell the murres from the grebes and red-throated loons, etc. 3 pair of 42mm seemed excessive but I enjoy using them all, will be using the 7x42 for warbler & forest birding in the spring.

Wow, that's an absolutely terrific appraisal of the differences between the two models. Thank you, you're an absolute star!

It's also reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who has difficulties getting comfortable with the 10x42 SF. I tried everything that you tried and more, but simply couldn't dial out those issues. At times, knowing how much others on here praise and enjoy the Victory SF range, I have felt like a complete incompetent (although maybe I am), but your experience, which you've described in great detail, together with comments I've read from others over the past few years, have convinced me that the Victory SF's are simply not for everyone.

That said, I also noted with interest that it was your EDG that you were considering selling, not your Victory SF...!

Again, thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to compare and post your thoughts in such detail! 🙂

 

[Bentley03]

In pushing the limits of flat wide fields, I fear that Zeiss/Swaro have seriously underestimated the importance of eyebox comfort. What are people who can't get on with SF or NL supposed to buy instead now? SFL or the remaining EL 42, I suppose. (Or Leica, or even EDG while they last. Can Nikon Japan still service them?)

I think I've (far too slowly) come to the conclusion that 'the view' afforded by a binocular is only of value to me if I find it to be completely comfortably accessible. It really doesn't matter how wide or flat it is if it isn't easy to achieve quickly and reliably, and calm.

It's no coincidence then, that the binoculars I'm enjoying most are my 8x32 UVHD+, my 8.5x44 Kowa Genesis and my 7x42 UVHD+. I've also recently purchased (surprisingly cheaply) a used 8x40 'Retrovid' which fits me like a glove and which I'm itching to use out in the field during the summer months. I'm so excited about that binocular! Meanwhile, the binoculars I've most fallen out of love with are my Victory SF's and my NL's.

You make a good point very well!

 

[Paultricounty]

Ah, Paul, I was rather hoping you might chime in on this!

I wear glasses, you don't, so our set up of a pair of binoculars is going to be quite different, but you have a very broad spread of experience with the best modern premium binoculars and will undoubtedly have a 'balanced' view on the differences between them, so I find your input in this case to be very helpful, despite the fact that your EDG is the 8x42 and not the 10x42.

I value your opinion, so it's much appreciated, thank you for your input!

As an aside to this, reading other threads regarding the EDG, I was fairly convinced that you were going to purchase a 10x42, not an 8x42. What was it that made you settle on the 8x42 in the end?

That was a tough decision at the time I decided I wanted an EDG. I didn’t really want to go for the 32’s, although I bought a 10x32 on eBay for a few hours, until some very helpful members here informed me what I was buying was not what was being described by the seller, but that’s another story. Im more of a lower power user. For me I like the steadyness , the larger image circle and overall less fatiguing than a 10x. So most of the time I’m using an 8x or 7x. When I go to a 10x I have the NL’s , SE, and a few other upper mid level bins. So for me I would wind up using and enjoying the EDG more often if it was an 8x. And what a great pair of binoculars !

I wouldn’t hesitate a minute getting an EDG 10x if that was the magnification I gravitate to more often. With that being said I’d still like to get the 10x42 sometime in the not to distant future. Right now I’ve been into buying and enjoying some of the old vintage high quality wide field 7x35’s. Not to mention I spent way to much the last year on gear, so I’m taking a breather. Plus I want to stock up on some more ammunition now that prices have come down 🤣.

Paul

 

[Scott98]

That said, I also noted with interest that it was your EDG that you were considering selling, not your Victory SF...!

It's complicated - I targeted the 10x42 for sale because I was hoping to use my 10x56 Swaro SLC for 10x and cull the herd a bit. I'm 50/50 birding and astronomy and the 10x56 is a magnificent optic for astro, it's not going anywhere. The views are better than any 10x42 during the day too. However, after a few hours of those amazing views, I had to admit it's too big and heavy for regular birding use. Astronomy is done while reclining in a lounge chair with your elbows braced.

The 8x42 SF is also excellent for astronomy, I prefer it a little bit to EDG at night. The eye placement is not a issue doing astronomy, and I've got 7x42 EDG, so it's a good combination.

With the smaller exit pupil I can see how the 10x42 SF would be a struggle. The 8x42 SF is the biggest exit pupil of the line. I think I'm naturally fidgety or something, eye placement is a big priority with me.

btw I've got an extra 2022 Nikon Japan sport optic catalog here, if anybody wants it let me know, I'll mail it to you.