Impressed by RSPB HD 8x42 (1 Viewer)

[falcondude]

Ron, thanks a lot for the link. In another thread revewing ZEN ED, someone commented that the Hawke or Promaster(don't remember which one) has thicker rubber cover so you cannot wrap your finger into the open hinge area. It looks like this problem was fixed on ZEN since I have no issue with that at all. But I am not a brawny person. So it might be just me.

 

[Kevin Purcell]

I don't know if my IPD is unusually small but when I tried the Hawke Frontier ED on Saturday, the two barrels ended up very close together and there was no room to get my fingers round them. That sort of design seems wasted on me and I am much happier with the closed hinge design like the RSPB ED or, of course, my 8x32 Trinovids.

Ron

Or you have chunky fingers.

I've commented on this in the Hawke ED thread (I think ... one of the Chinese ED threads).

I think (IIRC) the Hawke actually has slightly slightly less space between the barrels than the Promaster or the Zen Ray ED due to slightly thicker rubber. With my 65mm IPD (the male average) I can wrap my hands around both though the Hawkes are a tight fit.

One should note though that the Chinese ED enclosure is rather well designed for a standard "hold" with the top surface below the focuser being rather nicely shaped to let the fingers lie over the top in standard "Leica grip": the bins supported by the hand rather than held with the fingers folded down across the top of the bin.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Or you have chunky fingers.

I've commented on this in the Hawke ED thread (I think ... one of the Chinese ED threads).

I think (IIRC) the Hawke actually has slightly slightly less space between the barrels than the Promaster or the Zen Ray ED due to slightly thicker rubber. With my 65mm IPD (the male average) I can wrap my hands around both though the Hawkes are a tight fit.

My hands are actually unusually small and my fingers are much more slender than the average. I could almost have a complex about them!

I have just set my Trinovids up to suit me and measured the distance between the left hand edge of each eyepiece, which I assume is my IPD (more or less.) It measures 61mm, so it seems I do have an unusually narrow IPD.

I am not painting a very enticing portrait of myself here: tiny hands and close set eyes. If you see someone fitting this description it could well be me so give me a wave (although I probably won't be able to see you.)

Ron

 

[NoSpringChicken]

There was an optics day at Minsmere when we were there yesterday, so I took the opportunity to try the RSPB HD again. They let me take the 8x42 and 10x42 versions outside to look at the birds on the feeders. I found them both to be bright and very sharp but preferred the FOV on the 8x42. I did a rough test on the close focus and would say it is much closer to the 2 metre quoted figure than the 3 metres mentioned in this thread. The focusing is very smooth and I didn't notice any backlash. It seemed to be well geared - not too fast and not too slow. The action of the twist up eyecups was beautifully smooth.

One point I did notice is that I needed to move the diopter dial (at the front end of the focusing knob) quite a way to bring my right eye into focus. I don't know if this is a feature of the binoculars or if there was a problem with that particular pair. On my Trinovids and Swift roofs I hardly need to move the diopter from the central position. The diopter has a click stop adjustment and looks as if it shouldn't move in use. One strange thing is that the cheaper HG models, without ED glass, come with a 30 year warranty whereas the HD has to make do with 10 years.

My partner tried them and was very impressed. She was all ready to reach for her credit card to treat herself to a pair until I advised to wait and try a few alternatives. Miserable old b*gger!

Ron

 

[matt green]

One point I did notice is that I needed to move the diopter dial (at the front end of the focusing knob) quite a way to bring my right eye into focus. I don't know if this is a feature of the binoculars or if there was a problem with that particular pair. On my Trinovids and Swift roofs I hardly need to more the diopter from the central position.
Ron

I found exactly the same thing on a pair at Titchwell last year, and like you I usually have no need to move the diopter setting from the centrel position.

Regarding the 8x42 HD, nodoubt it's a nice piece of kit but personally I'd rather save up an extra £300 for Swarovski 7x42 SLC!!

Matt

 

[Birdbrain]

You need to know someone who works for the RSPB (like myself) and can get these HD bins for half price ! on your discount card !!! £240
Only problem is you can only use your card on optics once a year ! and i got my wife a pair !

Very nice bins too

 

[NoSpringChicken]

You need to know someone who works for the RSPB (like myself) and can get these HD bins for half price ! on your discount card !!! £240
Only problem is you can only use your card on optics once a year ! and i got my wife a pair !

Very nice bins too

Lucky you! Have you noticed that your wife's pair require more diopter adjustment than usual, as this is the only thing putting me off the examples I have tried? They seem to tick all the boxes for me otherwise. My other half wants to get a pair when funds allow.

Ron

 

[Birdbrain]

Ello Ron

Yes ! a bit fiddly ! but she has it sussed now !
the FOV is fantastic ! better than my old Duovids ?

If you put them at min focus its easy to sort out !
you dont have to keep doing it though !

 

[Birdbrain]

I will have to meet up with you after October at Titchwell and i can get your wife them for half price........

 

[dipped]

These HD's (8 and 10x) are now reduced to £399 following the introduction of the upgraded model in case anyone is considering a new pair of bins.

Nev