Spoiled by the SE view...now what? (9 Viewers)

[Super Dave]

The 8x32 SE wows me just about everytime I look through it.

I've read quite a few times that you have to spend a lot more money in a roof to get a similar view to the SE. I'm curious, what roof models have you tried that equal or outperform the SE's?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[mikefreiberg]

Dave,

Hey there! Yeah, the SE is a great piece of glass for sure. It is still available, but it is a special order item from any Nikon Premier dealer. The EDG glass really does equal the quality, but includes far improved depth-of-focus. Edge to edge clarity is second to none, ED glass corrects chromatic aberration, and the colors are true. I would say that glass is the closest Nikon has come to matching the SE. Give it a shot when you get the chance. Let me know if you have questions.

Best,
Mike Freiberg
Nikon's Birding Market Specialist

 

[Pileatus]

The Swarovision 8.5X42

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

Yes agree with Mike. The EDG 8x42 I used last time has better view than my 8x32 SE !

So I'm hoping to try the EDG 8x32 soon :king:

 

[[email protected]]

The 8x32 SE wows me just about everytime I look through it.

I've read quite a few times that you have to spend a lot more money in a roof to get a similar view to the SE. I'm curious, what roof models have you tried that equal or outperform the SE's?

Thanks,
Dave

There's one porro model. The Nikon 8x30 EII. Also, the Zeiss 8x32 FL and the Swarovision 8.5X42 are at least equal to the Nikon 8x32 SE and in my comparisons they both had a better view than the EDG.

 

[Sancho]

There's one porro model. The Nikon 8x30 EII. Also, the Zeiss 8x32 FL and the Swarovision 8.5X42 are at least equal to the Nikon 8x32 SE and in my comparisons they both had a better view than the EDG.

Another vote for the Swarovision 8.5x42. You lose some 3D effect. You gain half a degree of mag for the same FOV, waterproofing, solid-build, comfortable open-hinge grip, Swaro Service, and very, very comfortable viewing/eye-placement with the huge oculars.

 

[spacepilot]

I haven't tried the Swarovision, yet. But what every one about the EDG is true. Compared to the SE, the 8x32 EDG has much better CA control, greater depth of field, more neutral color representation, and easier eye placement (for me). As for the strong points of the SE, such as the brightness, edge sharpness, "pop" in the view, I can't tell any difference in the EDG. The only problem of the EDG for me is the ergonomics in warmer weather. Without gloves, the SE fits my hand very well and I can hold it steadier than the EDG. With thick gloves, my small hands can't reach the focus wheel comfortably because of the extra padding on the palms, but now the EDG is perfect for my hands. Even with handwarmers tucked in my gloves, my fingers can work the EDG focuser very comfortably. The gloves even damp out the vibrations, making the EDG as steady as the SE. So the overall ergonomics is about equal for me. Of course this is just my personal assessment. I have the suspicion that I'm more sensitive to CA (or has less finesse in placing my eyes at the correct place to eliminate CA in the SE), and less sensitive to brightness differences than most other people. Overall, I find the EDG 8x32 to be equal to the SE in view, in a more user-friendly package.

As for the SV 8.5x42, I'm pretty sure what every says is true that it's sublime. But I'm not ready to put down $2k+ for a pair, and am not looking forward to carrying the mass in the field. Another thing that I just learned is that my pupils don't dilate much beyond 4mm anyway even in reasonably dark condition, so the larger aperture of the current SV don't benefit me except for easier eye placement. I'm holding out (and saving) for the 8x32 SV. When and if it comes out, I'll definitely take a look through it, and decide if it's worth the upgrade over the EDG.

 

[ceasar]

Another vote for the Swarovision 8.5x42. You lose some 3D effect. You gain half a degree of mag for the same FOV, waterproofing, solid-build, comfortable open-hinge grip, Swaro Service, and very, very comfortable viewing/eye-placement with the huge oculars.

You spend $1700.00 more.:smoke:
Bob

 

[Sancho]

You spend $1700.00 more.:smoke:
Bob

Ah, yes. Forgot to mention that one. Mind you, if you pay in euros, you´re probably doing the right thing. Best to offload them now for actual goods while they hold any value. As soon as the Spanish economy topples, we´ll be pushing wheelbarrows of euros down to the shops to buy bread, like in Weimar Germany. A pair of Swarovisions will cost you a thousand cigarettes, some Kalashnikov rounds and a case of whiskey.

 

[ceasar]

Ah, yes. Forgot to mention that one. Mind you, if you pay in euros, you´re probably doing the right thing. Best to offload them now for actual goods while they hold any value. As soon as the Spanish economy topples, we´ll be pushing wheelbarrows of euros down to the shops to buy bread, like in Weimar Germany. A pair of Swarovisions will cost you a thousand cigarettes, some Kalashnikov rounds and a case of whiskey.

If it gets that bad you will probably have to throw in a magazine with the rounds!:-C
Bob

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks a lot for the info. I'm looking for ideas of what to try on my next trip out of Hawaii. I can't find any places that stock the Euro Alpha binos in Honolulu.

I did get to try out a 10x42 EDG yesterday in a store and it felt real nice. I didn't have much of a view out of the store window. I also tried the 10x25 LX L and was very impressed with that for being so small.

Dave

 

[NDhunter]

Dave:

Good to hear about your liking the 8x32 SE. You may search long and far to find something that will beat that one. I will comment as the only one who has said they
own the 10x42 EDG on this website, and I have been a happy owner for over a year.
They compete very well with the Alphas, and you were able to try one. As you get into the very good optics, I have several thoughts for you. As I view your Avatar, I can see you do need to reach out more than 8x to see across the bay, etc. The Nikon SE's are
also available in the 10x42 and the 12x50, so you could think about getting one of those,
to extend your reach. You may have to search both new or used on the net.

I have been to Honolulu, and right now I have a nephew stationed there, and I just envy
you, after fighting the snow we have already had here this year. By tomorrow morning, I will have around 5" to move.

Another, thought, is to get a spotting scope and tripod, and stay with the Nikons, the
very nice lightweight Fieldscope ED50, or the Fieldscope 60, would give you a nice ability
to reach out and watch the world. Either one of these is very high quality and will cost much less than another high priced binocular.

Jerry

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks for the advice Jerry.

I'm thinking about the 15X Canon IS.

I have a Nikon Spotting scope that I picked up in 2001. It does the job pretty well and I think it's a 60mm. The 25 power eyepiece seems to be the sweet spot.

So a higher power bino and a pair of compacts are on my wish list.

Have a nice weekend,
Dave

 

[spyglass]

Well, SE's for me (have owned all 3), & FL's too....oh, and the 15x IS (got mine 8 yrs ago). For most occasions, it'll do what a scope would, is much handier and you use both eyes, which is more comfortable for any extended viewing. And for compacts, I heartily recommend the 7x26 Elite.....

In a way, you & I are in the same boat, i.e., now what? My bino (& scope) dance card is full, so more camera gear, I guess.....sigh

 

[John Dracon]

Dennis - the Nikon 8x30 EII does have that wonderful FOV, but its construction is not robust like the SE 8x32, plus its ER is inferior 13.8 mm to 17.4. Also it has exposed metal unlike the SE. Its durability is suspect. I speak from experience having had the collimation affected by short drops with the EII, both models. Not one SE has given me the slightest bit of trouble with similar abuse. The E11 does not not exceed the SE in any measurement except FOV. Only in the optical picture does it compare to the SE.
The SE is simply overall a better binocular. John

 

[Paskman]

Dennis - the Nikon 8x30 EII does have that wonderful FOV, but its construction is not robust like the SE 8x32, plus its ER is inferior 13.8 mm to 17.4. Also it has exposed metal unlike the SE. Its durability is suspect. I speak from experience having had the collimation affected by short drops with the EII, both models. Not one SE has given me the slightest bit of trouble with similar abuse. The E11 does not not exceed the SE in any measurement except FOV. Only in the optical picture does it compare to the SE.
The SE is simply overall a better binocular. John

Not necessarily true - the SE's eye relief is too long for me, where as the EII's are just right. As I have said before, there is no such thing as a better binocular - only a better one for each individual. Each to their own.

Paul

 

[etudiant]

Off topic, but would second the idea of a high power Canon IS glass, maybe the 18x50, as a complement to an SE.
It offers a big step up from the usual 7-10x binocular view, w/o the bother of a scope/tripod.

 

[[email protected]]

Dennis - the Nikon 8x30 EII does have that wonderful FOV, but its construction is not robust like the SE 8x32, plus its ER is inferior 13.8 mm to 17.4. Also it has exposed metal unlike the SE. Its durability is suspect. I speak from experience having had the collimation affected by short drops with the EII, both models. Not one SE has given me the slightest bit of trouble with similar abuse. The E11 does not not exceed the SE in any measurement except FOV. Only in the optical picture does it compare to the SE.
The SE is simply overall a better binocular. John

The EII's ER is PERFECT for me whereas the SE is a little long so in that respect it is perfect. I also prefer the classic retro-looking construction of the EII over the SE with all that synthetic rubber looking stuff all over which make the SE heavier and more difficult for me to hold. I also prefer the ergonomics of the EII because it simply fits my hands better. You know I also hate the little rubber rings on the objective end of the SE because I had a pair of Bushwacker Objective covers on them and when I took them off it pulled the whole ring off the SE. I have never dropped any of my binoculars but a binocular being able to be dropped does not matter in the slightest to me.
You say the only optical difference is the FOV and I say WHAT a difference. The EII's pull you into this huge panoramic view. It almost feels like you are IN the binocular whereas the SE is "Tunnel-Like" in comparison with it's rather mediocre 400' FOV. To me this reason alone is enough to prefer the EII over the SE. Also, the EII is a much "EASIER" view. It is not as prone to the notorius blackouts that the SE is and for some reason feels more relaxed than the SE view. I had the Nikon 10x42 SE and had terrible blackouts with them and the 8x32 SE is almost as prone to them. To me optics is almost everything and what can I say but I just love the view through the EII and it is my favorite porro-prism binocular. Just a little jewel!

 

[[email protected]]

Off topic, but would second the idea of a high power Canon IS glass, maybe the 18x50, as a complement to an SE.
It offers a big step up from the usual 7-10x binocular view, w/o the bother of a scope/tripod.

Yes, Canons are nice binoculars and I have had them all except for the 15X and 18X and I must admit they are interesting. Not quite the optics of an alpha glass but they are pretty cool. I had the 12X36 IS II and it was pretty nice. I wouldn't mind trying the 18X if could get a good price on one. Take the place of a spotter too! Hmm let's see what's on E-bay.

 

[Jonathan B.]

You say the only optical difference is the FOV and I say WHAT a difference. The EII's pull you into this huge panoramic view. It almost feels like you are IN the binocular whereas the SE is "Tunnel-Like" in comparison with it's rather mediocre 400' FOV. To me this reason alone is enough to prefer the EII over the SE. Also, the EII is a much "EASIER" view. It is not as prone to the notorius blackouts that the SE is and for some reason feels more relaxed than the SE view. I had the Nikon 10x42 SE and had terrible blackouts with them and the 8x32 SE is almost as prone to them. To me optics is almost everything and what can I say but I just love the view through the EII and it is my favorite porro-prism binocular. Just a little jewel!

First Dennis, let me thank you for taking the bold step of buying your EII from the eBay seller overseas. That gave me the courage to follow suit, which I did about a week after you bought yours. I don't think he is selling them anymore, but he sold a LOT of 8x30s.

I agree with just about everything you say about the EII. In my experience, nothing else that small produces such a big, bright, sharp, contrasty image. It really is a jewel. However I still favor the center field of my SE, which has a crystalline quality that is unmatched by anything else I have ever looked through. I like the ergonomics of both bins equally, so that is not an issue for me.