Nighthawk 7x50 (unobjective vs Audubon HR5) (1 Viewer)

[Legendz]

Hi, I've owned the Nighthawk for quite some time, fully dismantled and cleaned them, but ever since I got these that I wanted the better cult model, the Audubon HR/5 8.5x44.

Well I finally got the chance to grab an optically mint pair manufactured in 1996, I have verified everything in regards to it's condition, and it's 100% collimated with no sign of dust, specs, fungus etc. All lenses are as in day 1.

The reason behind this topic is that my unit of Nighthawk's is way better than the Audubon. I first tried during night time for some moon/star gazing, etc, so I thought that it was the extra light coming in. But having made some tests during day time there's really no comparison.

The Audubon are excellent at all levels, sharpness, fov, astigmatism, but I just realized how premium my Nighthawk's are, there's just this constant 3D effect and super contrast everywhere in the field view that makes one wonder what was the sorcery used by Swift to achieve this. Viewing at trees in dark pitch night, the detail is as clear as in day light. It's performing easily like a 4 figure binocular, shame about how heavy these are!

Is this somehow normal, is there anyone out there who have compared the 7x50 Nighthawk to more premium models from other brands? Thanks.

 

[yarrellii]

Hi @Legendz and welcome to the Forum
I have used a couple of Swift porros, but never had the pleasure of having an Audubon or Nighthawk. However, what you describe seems to be (at least in part) a consequence of comparing a 7x to an 8,5x, and more specifically a 7x50. That increased 3D effect, the depth of the image, the increased perception of detail and sharpness are common when comparing a low power binocular (like a 7x or a 6x) to an 8x, even in the same exact model (so same quality of coatings and glass), so that could be part of what you have experienced.

Although nowadays 7x seems to get little love (in terms of number of models in the catalogues of binocular manufacturers) except for areas like nautical, the truth is that lower power binoculars have a loyal following, users aware of the many charms (part of which you just described), increased feeling of depth and detail, very stable image, extremely comfortable view, less need for focusing, very easy eye position, etc. Then, you need to add to all this the fact that when using a 7x50 during daytime you are actually stopping down the 50 mm quite a bit (and thus getting rid of some aberrations and improving the view, as explained here).

I'm sure some forum members with experience in those particular models will chime in and help clarify the matter

 

[Legendz]

Thanks @yarrellii for the welcome and your input, went through your comment with great interest.

All you said is true, granted, but I'm gobsmacked at the quality of these specific 7x50, on the other hand the Audubon's are increasingly growing (as expected) and have them attached to the tripod for some river side views. Will check the linked thread, thanks again!

 

[Charlie Yardbird]

when using a 7x50 during daytime you are actually stopping down the 50 mm quite a bit (and thus getting rid of some aberrations and improving the view, as explained here).

But is there any significant difference in your pupil stopping down 50 vs 44 ?
I have a Swift Vega Nighthawk model 788, which would make me guess its very early (1950's) right after they purchased the Vega company. OTOH it has what I guess is a 1960's style SN, 7-xxxxx (only 5 digits, so not the year being the first two, probably). But it has no JB/JE numbers. So confused as to how long they used the "swift vega" name. Did they make a Nighthawk Mark I or Mark II at some point?

 

[dozercsx]

I recently acquired a pristine pair of Swift Navigator Mk1 7x50 bins, and they are Glorious! I also have a perfect pair of Swift Audubon 8.5x44 HR/5s and have been able to conduct side by side comparisons, and I do relate to what you are describing. While the Audubons have unmatched center field resolution, the Navigators are close. And while usually the Audubons win with their exceptionally wide FOV, in this case the Navigators carry the day, with over a 10 degree FOV, incredible for a pair of 7x50s. Combine that with the added brightness and slight color edge from the Navigators (due to their much larger primaries and significantly lower power) I find there are some things that the Navigators actually do better:

• they are steadier to hold (heavier weight and perfect balance) although for not as long;
• they are easier to find bird detail in shadow
• they afford even larger star fields in astronomy viewing (although the Audubons truly excel as astronomy bins)

They ARE sisters, with strikingly similar build quality and features (terrific glass, jeweled focusers, head turning looks) but they do provide slightly different experience at the eye pieces. I feel incredibly lucky to have them both... it would be interesting to compare my Navigators with your Nighthawks - sounds like time for a road test!