EDG 7/8/10 x42 still in production? (1 Viewer)

[brocknroller]

I have found these cases the best for the EDGs as well as others, and no longer use the objective covers on the EDGs. I find these cases have the right amount of protection for the storage/carry of binoculars.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1255274-REG/zeiss_1976_008_hd42_storage_bag_for.html

Or you could buy an Eyeskey 50mm nylon case for $14.99 without the Zeiss logo. I used it for the 8x42 EDG and now with the 8x32 EDG. The Zeiss-branded nylon case looks very similar to the Eyeskey but it costs $20 more; however, it has a thicker strap with a shoulder pad. I replaced the thin Eyeskey neck dislocater strap with a thick neoprene strap I already had.

Amazon.com

I didn't use the objective covers either on the 8x42 EDG since they always fell off, and that's because it was made after the original covers with the strap (hence the humps at the end of the barrels). Those humps prevented Nikon from making a deeper cover like a Bushwacker's or Butler Creek's that would stay on. On the 8x32 EDG, I have the original strap on covers, and they stay put.

 

[brocknroller]

Having deliberately delayed commenting in my earlier posts, and at the risk of raising a few eyebrows, I've concluded that I'm not a huge fan of the focus wheel movement on my EDG. It is absolutely as smooth as everyone says, really, but for me, it lacks a degree of tension and is too easily moved by a finger casually resting on it, particularly when panning or following a bird on the wing. This would probably be of less consequence to me in a 7 or 8x, but the shallower depth of focus in a 10x amplifies the issue somewhat.

I know, I'm being picky and I'm hard to please. 😉😇

Considering what you probably paid for the EDG, you have a right to be picky! I found the focusers on a Terra and Conquest to easily move by a finger resting on I, and I had the same issue with my first sample Nikon 8x32 LX, but never with the EDG.

The focusers on the 8x42 and 8x32 EDGs move buttery smooth, and they don't move with my finger resting on it. From what I've read, that's the norm. Is your Nikon under warranty? If so, you should send it in and get it serviced. The EDG focuser should move smooth with enough tension that it doesn't move from your finger resting on it.

 

[Bentley03]

Interesting - how do you find the focuser compared to the SF's? I find the EDG tension is slightly stiffer than my SF's. Is it the same with yours? If not I guess it could the adjustment of each one is a little different.

I'm working from memory, but I'd say tension is very similar, maybe a little stiffer on the EDG overall, but sets off from being stationery more easily. I know, that doesn't really make sense.

 

[Bentley03]

Considering what you probably paid for the EDG, you have a right to be picky! I found the focusers on a Terra and Conquest to easily move by a finger resting on I, and I had the same issue with my first sample Nikon 8x32 LX, but never with the EDG.

The focusers on the 8x42 and 8x32 EDGs move buttery smooth, and they don't move with my finger resting on it. From what I've read, that's the norm. Is your Nikon under warranty? If so, you should send it in and get it serviced. The EDG focuser should move smooth with enough tension that it doesn't move from your finger resting on it.

Brock, thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. I don't think it's necessarily that I have a bad copy. As I said in my reply to Scott98, it's the ease of the initial release of the focus wheel from the stationary that is throwing me, I think. The movement is certainly buttery smooth.

I suspect the issue is with me and I just need to avoid putting even a small amount of pressure on the wheel in anticipation of needing to move it imminently when following a bird on the wing. I've generally been using binoculars with focus wheels which need more pressure from the finger on the wheel and will only unstick from the stationary with a deliberate movement of the finger, although my NL's, I perceive, have a focus wheel which is even lighter than the EDG and equally smooth, but I think the amount of pressure required to begin the rotation of the wheel is just a little bit more...maybe.

Anyway, I just need to deal with it, I'm sure it's an operator induced issue (or non-issue). 🙂

 

[Scott98]

FWIW, the focuser tension on my recent-model 7 and 10x EDG are exactly the same, no variation there. I do like low-friction knobs over the stiffer ones, so these and the SF's are preferred over the EL's and UV's I've used. I'm probably keeping my finger off the knob at rest, I'm sure that's part of it.

I can see how stiffer wheels are better sometimes - in winter with heavy gloves on.

 

[Bentley03]

Two weeks on from taking delivery of my 10x42's, I can honestly say that I couldn't be happier with my decision to take the plunge and sell my SF's and replace them with the EDG's. They are performing exactly as I had hoped they would for me. I have the comfort I had failed to find in other 10x binoculars, and I'm blown away by their optical qualities. Quite how they deal with a low sun coming at them from all angles, reflections across water, and their ability to cut through damp grey gloom is simply astonishing. Optically, they have 'something' about them which calms the view in extreme/difficult situations. They are absolute masters of light control, I'm in awe! Oh, and maybe the best control of CA of any of the binoculars I've owned.

I have made my peace with the focus wheel, the issue was me, not it, and I'm now properly appreciating it's well documented qualities.

I no longer notice their weight, and I'm actually really enjoying how they handle. They don't feel like a brick in the hands anymore, which was my first impression.

The soft rubber eyecups are absolutely exquisite, interact perfectly with my glasses and must be an absolute joy to use for non-glasses wearers!

I know some on here have reservations about purchasing an EDG because getting them fixed under warranty is not as straightforward as it is with the European alpha brands, but buy new and use extensively during the permissable 'returns' period and there is a likelihood that any issues with the copy you have purchased will come to light.

Which leads me to my final thought...is there an 8x42 EDG in my future? 🤔

 

[ukorim]

Two weeks on from taking delivery of my 10x42's, I can honestly say that I couldn't be happier with my decision to take the plunge and sell my SF's and replace them with the EDG's. They are performing exactly as I had hoped they would for me. I have the comfort I had failed to find in other 10x binoculars, and I'm blown away by their optical qualities. Quite how they deal with a low sun coming at them from all angles, reflections across water, and their ability to cut through damp grey gloom is simply astonishing. Optically, they have 'something' about them which calms the view in extreme/difficult situations. They are absolute masters of light control, I'm in awe! Oh, and maybe the best control of CA of any of the binoculars I've owned.

I have made my peace with the focus wheel, the issue was me, not it, and I'm now properly appreciating it's well documented qualities.

I no longer notice their weight, and I'm actually really enjoying how they handle. They don't feel like a brick in the hands anymore, which was my first impression.

The soft rubber eyecups are absolutely exquisite, interact perfectly with my glasses and must be an absolute joy to use for non-glasses wearers!

I know some on here have reservations about purchasing an EDG because getting them fixed under warranty is not as straightforward as it is with the European alpha brands, but buy new and use extensively during the permissable 'returns' period and there is a likelihood that any issues with the copy you have purchased will come to light.

Which leads me to my final thought...is there an 8x42 EDG in my future? 🤔

I'm the op for this thread and after receiving the new 8x42 EDG from Nikon a couple of months ago I originally decided to sell them as I already have 8x42 HGL, 10x42 SE and 8x20 HG and didn't think I'd have any need for them.

But....I keep picking them up and drooling at the wonderful views they give as well as the quality build and finish. I would have preferred the 10x42 but given that Nikon bascially replaced these for free I think these are just too good to let go and I wholeheartedly agree with your findings above.

 

[mwhogue]

Two weeks on from taking delivery of my 10x42's, I can honestly say that I couldn't be happier with my decision to take the plunge and sell my SF's and replace them with the EDG's. They are performing exactly as I had hoped they would for me. I have the comfort I had failed to find in other 10x binoculars, and I'm blown away by their optical qualities. Quite how they deal with a low sun coming at them from all angles, reflections across water, and their ability to cut through damp grey gloom is simply astonishing. Optically, they have 'something' about them which calms the view in extreme/difficult situations. They are absolute masters of light control, I'm in awe! Oh, and maybe the best control of CA of any of the binoculars I've owned.

I have made my peace with the focus wheel, the issue was me, not it, and I'm now properly appreciating it's well documented qualities.

I no longer notice their weight, and I'm actually really enjoying how they handle. They don't feel like a brick in the hands anymore, which was my first impression.

The soft rubber eyecups are absolutely exquisite, interact perfectly with my glasses and must be an absolute joy to use for non-glasses wearers!

I know some on here have reservations about purchasing an EDG because getting them fixed under warranty is not as straightforward as it is with the European alpha brands, but buy new and use extensively during the permissable 'returns' period and there is a likelihood that any issues with the copy you have purchased will come to light.

Which leads me to my final thought...is there an 8x42 EDG in my future? 🤔

Bentley,

Good to hear you are now getting on with your EDG 10x42.

Regarding the possible addition of the 8x42, you may want to consider the 7x42 as an alternative. I prefer to pair a 10 with a 7x rather than an 8 to "cover more ground" so to speak. The 7 does have a somewhat narrow AFOV (a pet peeve of mine) but the 420' FOV, a whopping 22mm of ER if I recall the specs correctly and the other synergistic qualities of the EDG you mention above simply obliterate this one compromise.

Mike

 

[Scott98]

I was thinking the same thing - if you have the 10x and plan to keep it for the long-term, the 7x is probably a better complement to it than 8x. 8x is the compomise if you can only have one 42mm. Plus the 7x42 is a fairly unique offering, one that may go away in the future. There will always be a lot of choices available for 8x42 binoculars.

 

[Canip]

is there an 8x42 EDG in my future?

or add an 8x42 and a 7x42? Then you would have all three 🤔
(that‘s what I did, plus the 8x32 😄 - just love this line of binos, pity Nikon doesn‘t upgrade, the HGL is nice, but not at the same level)

 

[brocknroller]

Two weeks on from taking delivery of my 10x42's, I can honestly say that I couldn't be happier with my decision to take the plunge and sell my SF's and replace them with the EDG's. They are performing exactly as I had hoped they would for me. I have the comfort I had failed to find in other 10x binoculars, and I'm blown away by their optical qualities. Quite how they deal with a low sun coming at them from all angles, reflections across water, and their ability to cut through damp grey gloom is simply astonishing. Optically, they have 'something' about them which calms the view in extreme/difficult situations. They are absolute masters of light control, I'm in awe! Oh, and maybe the best control of CA of any of the binoculars I've owned.

I have made my peace with the focus wheel, the issue was me, not it, and I'm now properly appreciating it's well documented qualities.

I no longer notice their weight, and I'm actually really enjoying how they handle. They don't feel like a brick in the hands anymore, which was my first impression.

The soft rubber eyecups are absolutely exquisite, interact perfectly with my glasses and must be an absolute joy to use for non-glasses wearers!

I know some on here have reservations about purchasing an EDG because getting them fixed under warranty is not as straightforward as it is with the European alpha brands, but buy new and use extensively during the permissable 'returns' period and there is a likelihood that any issues with the copy you have purchased will come to light.

Which leads me to my final thought...is there an 8x42 EDG in my future?

Glad you're happy with the 10x42 EDG. Since I recommended them, I'd feel guilty if you didn't! The view can't be beat, it's the ergonomics that I didn't like on the 42 EDG II. I preferred the original open bridge model, which unfortunately had focuser issues and diopter drift. I still don't know if they were all defective or just some since I still see a few EDG 1s for sale. When I asked the online seller about the 10x42 EDG I he was selling, he admitted that the focuser wheel does occasionally pop off inadvertently.

The view through the 8x42 EDG II was the best I've seen, but it never ceased feeling like a brick in my hands, so there was too much shake in the image. While the 8x32 EDG doesn't quite sparkle like the 42s (different AR coatings), it is so much easier for me to use, and to my eyes, the image appears a bit sharper than the 8x42.

I agree with others that the 7x42 would be a better companion to the 10x42. I have two 7x binoculars (Nikon 7x35 WF and Vixen 7x50 Foresta), but I haven' t tried the 7x42 EDG. The one thing I did not like about the 8x42 EDG's view was the lack of 3-D effect. While that's true of every roof compared to porros, the EDG view was particularly "flat." Background objects looked a lot closer to foreground objects than in other roofs (Cabela 8x32 Guide and particularly the 8x32 EDG, which is as close as I can get in a roof to the 3-D view of the 8x32 SE).

The 7x42 should be better than the 8x42 in terms of the perception of depth, though from reading Tobias Meanie's review, not as good as the 7x42 Ultravid HD, which has a similar view to the EDG in terms of "sparkle" and color rendition but is supposed to show better 3-D perception due to having field curvature. Less FOV, though.

shootout premier 7x42s Leica Zeiss Nikon - greatestbinoculars.com

Brock

 

[Bentley03]

Mike, Scott, Christophe and Brock, thank you for your 7x42 suggestion. I 100% get your thinking, but I have my beloved 7x42 UVHD+ which fills that niche, I'm really not hankering after the EDG equivalent. So, there'll definitely be no 7x42 EDG in my future.

The 8x42 EDG, however, might just fit in my 'wardrobe' if I decide to let my 8x32 NL's go, something I'm seriously considering (I always seem to pick up my 8x32 UVHD+ and take them with me instead). But, Brock, your comments regarding the 8x42 EDG do make me a little nervous, although obviously I would need to see for myself.

There is in fact no 8x42 amongst the binoculars I own (my 8.5x44 Kowa Genesis being the closest to that format), but I have a fairly serious itch I think I need to scratch first, which the sale of my NL's would need to part fund, and for which one Mr William Lewis of this forum is mainly responsible, amongst others, and that's my intrigue about the 8x56 SLC, I really want to give them a try and see what it is that has given them an almost legendary status. Right now, scratching that 8x56 SLC itch feels like what I would like to do next.

Thanks chaps! 🙂

James

 

[Bentley03]

I'm the op for this thread and after receiving the new 8x42 EDG from Nikon a couple of months ago I originally decided to sell them as I already have 8x42 HGL, 10x42 SE and 8x20 HG and didn't think I'd have any need for them.

But....I keep picking them up and drooling at the wonderful views they give as well as the quality build and finish. I would have preferred the 10x42 but given that Nikon bascially replaced these for free I think these are just too good to let go and I wholeheartedly agree with your findings above.

I'm absolutely not surprised you're struggling to let them go, unless you can fund a trade for the 10x42 you'd have preferred. They really are an exquisite instrument with very special optical qualities. Enjoy them!!! 🙂

 

[William Lewis]

Mike, Scott, Christophe and Brock, thank you for your 7x42 suggestion. I 100% get your thinking, but I have my beloved 7x42 UVHD+ which fills that niche, I'm really not hankering after the EDG equivalent. So, there'll definitely be no 7x42 EDG in my future.

The 8x42 EDG, however, might just fit in my 'wardrobe' if I decide to let my 8x32 NL's go, something I'm seriously considering (I always seem to pick up my 8x32 UVHD+ and take them with me instead). But, Brock, your comments regarding the 8x42 EDG do make me a little nervous, although obviously I would need to see for myself.

There is in fact no 8x42 amongst the binoculars I own (my 8.5x44 Kowa Genesis being the closest to that format), but I have a fairly serious itch I think I need to scratch first, which the sale of my NL's would need to part fund, and for which one Mr William Lewis of this forum is mainly responsible, amongst others, and that's my intrigue about the 8x56 SLC, I really want to give them a try and see what it is that has given them an almost legendary status. Right now, scratching that 8x56 SLC itch feels like what I would like to do next.

Thanks chaps! 🙂

James

Sorry James.

For anyone considering the SLC please be aware I do a physical job all day at my gardening business and previous to that was a gravedigger for 6 years, just to put my lack of too many issues with the weight in context!

The other thing to consider is that you'll have a better detailed view with i.s and better low light ability and general detection of wildlife ability with a thermal monocular from pulsar etc - both could be had for less than the price of one SLC.... So if detecting and identifying birds is the goal there are more effective options. If you want the best unstabilized view of 133m of the world 8x closer though....

Will

 

[dries1]

"but it never ceased feeling like a brick in my hands, so there was too much shake in the image. While the 8x32 EDG doesn't quite sparkle like the 42s (different AR coatings), it is so much easier for me to use, and to my eyes, the image appears a bit sharper than the 8x42".

Perhaps it was the heavy weight of the 8X42 for you that caused the shake and why the lighter 8X32 appears sharper.

I have both and they are both sharp, additionally they have the same coatings.

 

[brocknroller]

Mike, Scott, Christophe and Brock, thank you for your 7x42 suggestion. I 100% get your thinking, but I have my beloved 7x42 UVHD+ which fills that niche, I'm really not hankering after the EDG equivalent. So, there'll definitely be no 7x42 EDG in my future.

The 8x42 EDG, however, might just fit in my 'wardrobe' if I decide to let my 8x32 NL's go, something I'm seriously considering (I always seem to pick up my 8x32 UVHD+ and take them with me instead). But, Brock, your comments regarding the 8x42 EDG do make me a little nervous, although obviously I would need to see for myself.

There is in fact no 8x42 amongst the binoculars I own (my 8.5x44 Kowa Genesis being the closest to that format), but I have a fairly serious itch I think I need to scratch first, which the sale of my NL's would need to part fund, and for which one Mr William Lewis of this forum is mainly responsible, amongst others, and that's my intrigue about the 8x56 SLC, I really want to give them a try and see what it is that has given them an almost legendary status. Right now, scratching that 8x56 SLC itch feels like what I would like to do next.

Thanks chaps! 🙂

James

Glad to hear you have the 7x42 UVHD+, certainly that fills that niche. I've been very interested in that bin myself but the price (saw one for $1,100 but that's rare) and lack of transferrable warranty have been hindrances. It also has a smallish FOV for a 7x42 (7.4*) vs. the 7x42 EDG's 8.0*.

Here's what Tobias Meenie (greatest binoculars.com) had to say about the 3-D perception in the 8x and 7x42 EDGs:

3D high fidelity
Please check this article on the issue of 3D high fidelity and the curse of flat field for a thorough discussion. Because, just as in the Swarovision, here comes one price to pay for the flat field. Despite superb contrast, images render space in a flat, compressed way, although not quite as flat as the Swarovision. The Ultravid 8x32 HD Plus - which has exactly the same stereo base as the EDG - blows the Nikon away in 3D rendering of space. Ouch, that really hurts in direct comparison.

It was even more painful to compare the 7x42 EDG to the Leica Ultravid HD Plus 7x42. The Leica drags you into a deep, naturally rendered space, while the Nikon flattens out everything. As my friend J. put it: With the Leica every branch is where it is supposed to be, whereas with the Nikon you are guessing what the branches postitions are...

Here's the rest of his review of the 8x42 EDG, which is what spurred me to buy it. I felt pretty much as he did in his review about the 8x42 EDG except the ergonomics, which he liked but didn't work for my hands:

greatestbinoculars: Nikon EDG 8x42 review

Brock

 

[OspreyZB]

Glad to hear you have the 7x42 UVHD+, certainly that fills that niche. I've been very interested in that bin myself but the price (saw one for $1,100 but that's rare) and lack of transferrable warranty have been hindrances. It also has a smallish FOV for a 7x42 (7.4*) vs. the 7x42 EDG's 8.0*.

The 7x42 Ultravid has the same 8.0 degree field as the 7x42 EDG, according to their spec sheets.

 

[brocknroller]

The 7x42 Ultravid has the same 8.0 degree field as the 7x42 EDG, according to their spec sheets.

Thank you for that correction. That puts the 7x42 Ultravid HD back on my Wish List.

On scopeviews.com, the 7x42 Ultravid's FOV is listed as 7.4* (scroll down to the section labeled "At A Glance."

Leica 7x42 Ultravid HD Review

scopeviews.co.uk

 

[Scott98]

Mike, Scott, Christophe and Brock, thank you for your 7x42 suggestion. I 100% get your thinking, but I have my beloved 7x42 UVHD+ which fills that niche, I'm really not hankering after the EDG equivalent. So, there'll definitely be no 7x42 EDG in my future.

I forgot about that! 7x42 is covered. I'd like to try to the 8x42 EDG also, currently the SF in filling that niche, I still like them too much to sell them, like your UV's.

The 8x56 SLC will definitely take care of 8x in a big way, I'd love to try one of those. Huge glass and exit pupil, would be like watching everything on a big-screen TV.

I've been getting into old porros and I compared my 7x35E's to the 7x42 EDG and I must say I barely saw a difference in the depth/stereoscopic thing. It's not a huge thing to me, they both have nice depth of field. I was expecting the 3D feel in the porros to be stronger, it was there but barely visible to my eyes. I just received a gorgeous pair of the 12x40E this morning and the 3D feel is stronger - maybe because of higher power? Or bigger objectives?

 

[Bentley03]

Sorry James.

For anyone considering the SLC please be aware I do a physical job all day at my gardening business and previous to that was a gravedigger for 6 years, just to put my lack of too many issues with the weight in context!

The other thing to consider is that you'll have a better detailed view with i.s and better low light ability and general detection of wildlife ability with a thermal monocular from pulsar etc - both could be had for less than the price of one SLC.... So if detecting and identifying birds is the goal there are more effective options. If you want the best unstabilized view of 133m of the world 8x closer though....

Will

Crikey Will, don't apologise! 😉

It's not for nothing that a man waxes so lyrically about a binocular, and in the case of the 8x56 SLC, you are definitely not alone in doing so. I briefly tested a copy last year, but didn't have enough time with it to draw any conclusions. In fact, I didn't even have enough time with them to get them properly set up, I found the huge eye relief and saucepan lid sized oculars to be quite a challenge to set up for using with my glasses. The weight I'm not bothered about, but if they do prove to be too heavy around my neck, I'll just have to buy and use a bino bra for them (something I've always said I'll never do).

Thanks for the words of caution! 🍻

James