Unboxing the Habicht 8x30 (1 Viewer)

[Rathaus]

I always thought that the rear coverings of the modern Habicht are made of metal, the covers that say Habicht and 8x30W. But I read in a review just recently that they're actually plastic, is this true? I've been looking to buy a Habicht to have a waterproof Porro to accompany my 8x30 EII. Not that it would be a real deal breaker if it is plastic, but it feels kind of cheap by Swarovski.

I was fully aware (and not entirely comfortable) with the same issue before my initial purchases, and I'm glad to say I've never even thought of it since getting them. It's a non issue imo. The rest of the product renders it completely irrelevant. For reference I've got more than a few original style Habicht binos with the original style 'cursive' inscripted metal covers....and all that the barely discernible 'newer' plastic covers mean is that your view will be that much better! It's a good thing! It's (generally) your guarantee that you are getting one of the greatest newly coated optical products available at any price.

I cannot be certain that this is consistently the case, but it is certainly my experience owning many habichts.

 

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Mine never did, but I agree with all prior comments as to optical excellence.

My focuser never got looser either. That is the deal killer for me on the Habicht's 8x30. They would be a great birding binocular but the focus it too TIGHT. I tried two different pair also. Optics are fantastic. I returned mine.

 

[Rathaus]

My focuser never got looser either. That is the deal killer for me on the Habicht's 8x30. They would be a great birding binocular but the focus it too TIGHT. I tried two different pair also. Optics are fantastic. I returned mine.

Well, my kids use the new habichts regularly and have never even mentioned the focus. Yes, The focus is firmer, but it's fantastic, precise and secure, and nowhere near enough of an issue for a small child to even mention it over the new swarovisions.

Indeed, the older habichts are very very easy on the focus, but I personally prefer the nice secure focus of the new models.

Cheers

 

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Well, my kids use the new habichts regularly and have never even mentioned the focus. Yes, The focus is firmer, but it's fantastic, precise and secure, and nowhere near enough of an issue for a small child to even mention it over the new swarovisions.

Indeed, the older habichts are very very easy on the focus, but I personally prefer the nice secure focus of the new models.

Cheers

Firmer would not be my definition of the Habicht 8x30 focus. It would be more like put a vise grip on it to turn it. HaHa! The Habicht 8x30 has the tightest focus I have ever seen on ANY binocular.

 

[stephen b]

The tight focus issue on these Habichts is way over blown by many. I have an older ( 1965) 10x40 Habicht in which the focus is smooth as silk; but then again it is probably not H2O proof. I have had a recent 8x30 and I presently own a 7x42 ( 2015); and although the focus is slightly tight- it is not difficult to use at all. Really it is not any more difficult to use than my 6x30 Leupold Yosemite. Just the other day my wife was using my 7x42 Habicht- and she said nothing about the focus mechanism. The focus travel on mine ( and 8x30 was the same) for between 30 feet and infinity is less than 1/4 turn ( more like 1/5)- and that is not far to turn at all. So- "vise grip" to turn, and hard to use are not how I would describe the focus. Focus is very precise, accurate and easy to dial in a razor sharp view.

If there is an issue with these Habichts it is probably the eye relief for some ( not the case for me), and the FOV on the 7x42- which again is really a non issue for me.

If they work for you, they are simply a classic, suburb optical instrument.

Enjoy-B

 

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The tight focus issue on these Habichts is way over blown by many. I have an older ( 1965) 10x40 Habicht in which the focus is smooth as silk; but then again it is probably not H2O proof. I have had a recent 8x30 and I presently own a 7x42 ( 2015); and although the focus is slightly tight- it is not difficult to use at all. Really it is not any more difficult to use than my 6x30 Leupold Yosemite. Just the other day my wife was using my 7x42 Habicht- and she said nothing about the focus mechanism. The focus travel on mine ( and 8x30 was the same) for between 30 feet and infinity is less than 1/4 turn ( more like 1/5)- and that is not far to turn at all. So- "vise grip" to turn, and hard to use are not how I would describe the focus. Focus is very precise, accurate and easy to dial in a razor sharp view.

If there is an issue with these Habichts it is probably the eye relief for some ( not the case for me), and the FOV on the 7x42- which again is really a non issue for me.

If they work for you, they are simply a classic, suburb optical instrument.

Enjoy-B

I will say one thing about the Habicht 8x30's. They are the coolest looking and feeling and smelling binocular I have ever seen. A real classic. The optics are amazing. I remember looking through them the first time and saying Holy Crap these are good. It is amazing such a simple little binocular can be so good. Overall, I still prefer the EII for a porro though for birding. The EII is right with the Habicht's for optics but it is a more comfortable to use day to day and it has that enormous FOV.

 

[Rathaus]

Denco

Let's forget the focus or whatever for a moment....

why oh why didn't you simply keep those Habicht masterpieces to rejoice in their aesthetics...and to sniff, inhale and indulge in their rich, complex and heady aroma?

I have a strong feeling you will one day return to this little master :t:

 

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Denco

Let's forget the focus or whatever for a moment....

why oh why didn't you simply keep those Habicht masterpieces to rejoice in their aesthetics...and to sniff, inhale and indulge in their rich, complex and heady aroma?

I have a strong feeling you will one day return to this little master :t:

I would buy one today if the focus was just a tad looser. The Habicht's smell like an expensive high end shotgun like a Browning or Purdy. They smell like a high precision piece of machinery. Intoxicating. For now I will put up with my SV 8x32, EII 8x30 and Trinovid BA 8x32. The Trinovids smell good too. Something about a German binoculars smell.

 

[BruceH]

Dennis ... Sounds like it is time to start a "What is the Best Smelling Birding Binocular in the World" thread.

The Habicht covering is leather, correct? I assume that is the source of rich, complex and heady aroma. But I would also assume that would only last so long as the oils evaporate. Will Swaro replace the aroma under warranty?

I know there have been negative comments about the armor of some binoculars smelling like a chemical factory. That must be that Chinese binocular smell.

 

[Hermann]

I was fully aware (and not entirely comfortable) with the same issue before my initial purchases, and I'm glad to say I've never even thought of it since getting them. It's a non issue imo. The rest of the product renders it completely irrelevant.

Yes. And the switch from brass plates (the older Habichts have brass plates) to plastic may, at least to some extent, account for the low weight: Swarovski still quotes a weight of 680gr. for the 7x42, whereas it is slightly below 620gr. in reality.

And that's IMO a welcome change - the lightest high-quality 42mm binocular on the market.

Hermann

 

[Hermann]

The tight focus issue on these Habichts is way over blown by many. I have an older ( 1965) 10x40 Habicht in which the focus is smooth as silk; but then again it is probably not H2O proof. I have had a recent 8x30 and I presently own a 7x42 ( 2015); and although the focus is slightly tight- it is not difficult to use at all.

Interesting stuff. Since you're one of the few who've actually got a Habicht 7x42 - what are your thoughts, especially in comparison to the 8x30? As you know I've also got a 7x42, and I rate it even higher than the 8x30, especially with regard to the way these binoculars handle stray light. But I must admit I don't know the 8x30 as well as you do.

If there is an issue with these Habichts it is probably the eye relief for some ( not the case for me), and the FOV on the 7x42- which again is really a non issue for me.

Same here. Sure, the field of view is small compared to, say, the Zeiss Classic 7x42BGATP or the FL 7x42, but it's still as large as the field of view of a typical 10x40/42. And the field of view is almost completely usable. The eye relief is 2mm greater than that of the 8x30, I find that helps quite a lot to keep the eyepiece lenses clean.

Hermann

 

[[email protected]]

Dennis ... Sounds like it is time to start a "What is the Best Smelling Birding Binocular in the World" thread.

The Habicht covering is leather, correct? I assume that is the source of rich, complex and heady aroma. But I would also assume that would only last so long as the oils evaporate. Will Swaro replace the aroma under warranty?

I know there have been negative comments about the armor of some binoculars smelling like a chemical factory. That must be that Chinese binocular smell.

Exactly. I hate the Chinese binoculars smell. Maybe Swarovski could put that wonderful smell in a bottle and then you could spray it on your Chinese binoculars.

 

[[email protected]]

Interesting stuff. Since you're one of the few who've actually got a Habicht 7x42 - what are your thoughts, especially in comparison to the 8x30? As you know I've also got a 7x42, and I rate it even higher than the 8x30, especially with regard to the way these binoculars handle stray light. But I must admit I don't know the 8x30 as well as you do.



Same here. Sure, the field of view is small compared to, say, the Zeiss Classic 7x42BGATP or the FL 7x42, but it's still as large as the field of view of a typical 10x40/42. And the field of view is almost completely usable. The eye relief is 2mm greater than that of the 8x30, I find that helps quite a lot to keep the eyepiece lenses clean.

Hermann

HaHa. I forgot about the eyebrow issue with the 8x30 Habicht's hitting the eyepiece lens.

 

[Rathaus]

Interesting stuff. Since you're one of the few who've actually got a Habicht 7x42 - what are your thoughts, especially in comparison to the 8x30? As you know I've also got a 7x42, and I rate it even higher than the 8x30, especially with regard to the way these binoculars handle stray light. But I must admit I don't know the 8x30 as well as you do.



Same here. Sure, the field of view is small compared to, say, the Zeiss Classic 7x42BGATP or the FL 7x42, but it's still as large as the field of view of a typical 10x40/42. And the field of view is almost completely usable. The eye relief is 2mm greater than that of the 8x30, I find that helps quite a lot to keep the eyepiece lenses clean.

Hermann

I also have an old 6x30 and 7x42 and they are exquisite. Their focuser is far far lighter than my newish 8x30...obviously worn in nicely over 40years or more.

I used to have a fear of small apfov binos but couldn't resist getting the 7x42. What is interesting I how my brain has adapted and now feels completely relaxed and at ease with their narrow apfov. I'll be getting a new pair of these as well.

Also, the stunning aroma of the old 7x42 is far far more potent than my other habichts. I can smell it from metres away. I think the smell matures especially if kept in one of the proper Swarovski leather cases. For anyone with a highly developed olfactory lobe, it can act something like a time machine. :smoke:

I'm new to relatively small apfov, and one of the benefits I find is that not only is the entire fov useable, but my eyes obviously don't need to swivel as much to search the stationary fov. It's relaxing. Tonight I went from the Habicht 7x42 directly to the 8.5 SV and the apfov was relatively so huge that to explore it stationary my eyes were almost swivelling into the back of my head. I see the benefits of both. You can't have everything I guess.

 

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I also have an old 6x30 and 7x42 and they are exquisite. Their focuser is far far lighter than my newish 8x30...obviously worn in nicely over 40years or more.

I used to have a fear of small apfov binos but couldn't resist getting the 7x42. What is interesting I how my brain has adapted and now feels completely relaxed and at ease with their narrow apfov. I'll be getting a new pair of these as well.

Also, the stunning aroma of the old 7x42 is far far more potent than my other habichts. I can smell it from metres away. I think the smell matures especially if kept in one of the proper Swarovski leather cases. For anyone with a highly developed olfactory lobe, it can act something like a time machine. :smoke:

I'm new to relatively small apfov, and one of the benefits I find is that not only is the entire fov useable, but my eyes obviously don't need to swivel as much to search the stationary fov. It's relaxing. Tonight I went from the Habicht 7x42 directly to the 8.5 SV and the apfov was relatively so huge that to explore it stationary my eyes were almost swivelling into the back of my head. I see the benefits of both. You can't have everything I guess.

I tried the 7x42 Habicht and did not get along with it at all.

 

[stephen b]

Interesting stuff. Since you're one of the few who've actually got a Habicht 7x42 - what are your thoughts, especially in comparison to the 8x30? As you know I've also got a 7x42, and I rate it even higher than the 8x30, especially with regard to the way these binoculars handle stray light. But I must admit I don't know the 8x30 as well as you do.

Same here. Sure, the field of view is small compared to, say, the Zeiss Classic 7x42BGATP or the FL 7x42, but it's still as large as the field of view of a typical 10x40/42. And the field of view is almost completely usable. The eye relief is 2mm greater than that of the 8x30, I find that helps quite a lot to keep the eyepiece lenses clean.

Hermann

Hermann,

Since I do not have the 8x30 to do a side by side- I will go by memory regarding comparrison. I loved the 8x30 Habicht, and only sold it because I have a few 8x30/32's including a Swaro 8x30 SLC NEU and there was some duplication there. I probably really decided to get the 7x42 Habicht because I had recently bought a older 10x40 Habicht, and also to a great extent to your excellent review of your newer 7x42.

First of all the view through any of these Habichts ( especially the modern ones with latest coatings) is simply superb. The 8x30 is an amazingly sharp binocular- one of the most sharp that I have ever looked through- and that includes the 8x32 Swaro SV. So optically it is great. The 7x42 is an equally fine optic. I did notice the more narrow FOV with it compared to the 8x30- but it does not bother me at all. I am more interested in a sharp crisp view, than simply size of view- and the 7x42 does deliver that. Regarding the glare control on the 7x42- I did notice that it does handle glare better. I noticed yesterday while watching some Ospreys that were up in a fir tree just off where the sun was, and the 7x42 handled the situation real well. But I have to say that the 8x30 never really bothered me much, and I am not one that gets too worked up about glare- unless it is real noticeable. But I will say the 7x42 is one of the best binoculars that I have used with regards to glare. It is certainly better than the 8x32 SV.

One thing I do love with the 7x42 is the huge 6mm exit pupil- it is fantastic in low light, and such a relaxing view. Also the 7x is real nice for a relaxed steady view. I had a 7x30 Swaro SLC for many years, and I like that power. I wish there were more quality 7x30/32, or even 7x35 binoculars being made these days.

Funny you mention the eyepiece staying cleaner for you with the 7x42 Habicht; as I did find my eyelashes coming in contact with the EP lens more often with the 8x30. I found myself pushing into the 8x30's a bit more. With the 7x42, if anything I find myself needing to back off the rubber on the EP to get best view. If I press in to much like I could with the 8x30, I get a little bit of blackout. So I find myself tending to hold the 7x42 Habicht in the same way I used to hold my 7x30 SLC- I hold it so the rubber sits just under and resting under my eyebrow. Funny thing is I do not have to hold my 8x30 SLC NEU that way- I can just hold it in normal fashion. Not a big thing with any of these things though, as I find all binoculars have there own variances with regards to our eyes and anatomy; and I just naturally adjust to them and work with what the situation is.

I will say the 7x42 Habicht is a fantastic example of optical quality.

Enjoy!

 

[Rathaus]

I tried the 7x42 Habicht and did not get along with it at all.

Would you consider relationship counselling...?:smoke:

 

[brocknroller]

Dennis ... Sounds like it is time to start a "What is the Best Smelling Birding Binocular in the World" thread.

The Habicht covering is leather, correct? I assume that is the source of rich, complex and heady aroma. But I would also assume that would only last so long as the oils evaporate. Will Swaro replace the aroma under warranty?

I know there have been negative comments about the armor of some binoculars smelling like a chemical factory. That must be that Chinese binocular smell.

A few years ago, a reviewer mentioned that Minox MAJ HGs had a bad smell, and some site said the odor from the Minox armoring was toxic. So are some of the volatiles from that "new car smell." Some Fuji owners reported a bad odor coming from their FMTRs.

Kenny Jones had a thread on binocular smells on Cloudy Nights, but I can't find it in the archives.

What the alphas need is a "smell team" to make sure their bins' fragrance is pleasing to the owners and non-toxic.

Jaguar has a "smell team." Toyota reports that it has an ongoing effort to improve the "interior atmosphere" of all its cars. Audi AG in Ingolstadt, Germany, has a "nose team" that smells the interiors of cars and materials samples.

Manuela Frank, a member of the team, says that at Audi they are striving for a "low-smell environment." Every morning at 11 o'clock, Frank and her team smell heated-up dashboards or fabric swatches. "This afternoon," said Frank in lilting English, "we are smelling the interior of a finished car."

The nose team takes care of its noses by always avoiding strong perfumes and seasonings, and they limit their smell sessions to six specimens over 15 minutes. "After that, you are not discerning," she said. "Like wine tasters, we have rules."

That New Car Smell

Being that alphas now cost almost as much as used car, should they not also have a smell team? I know Kenny J would agree.

<B>

 

[Rathaus]

A few years ago, a reviewer mentioned that Minox MAJ HGs had a bad smell, and some site said the odor from the Minox armoring was toxic. So are some of the volatiles from that "new car smell." Some Fuji owners reported a bad odor coming from their FMTRs.

Kenny Jones had a thread on binocular smells on Cloudy Nights, but I can't find it in the archives.

What the alphas need is a "smell team" to make sure their bins' fragrance is pleasing to the owners and non-toxic.

Jaguar has a "smell team." Toyota reports that it has an ongoing effort to improve the "interior atmosphere" of all its cars. Audi AG in Ingolstadt, Germany, has a "nose team" that smells the interiors of cars and materials samples.

Manuela Frank, a member of the team, says that at Audi they are striving for a "low-smell environment." Every morning at 11 o'clock, Frank and her team smell heated-up dashboards or fabric swatches. "This afternoon," said Frank in lilting English, "we are smelling the interior of a finished car."

The nose team takes care of its noses by always avoiding strong perfumes and seasonings, and they limit their smell sessions to six specimens over 15 minutes. "After that, you are not discerning," she said. "Like wine tasters, we have rules."

That New Car Smell

Being that alphas now cost almost as much as used car, should they not also have a smell team? I know Kenny J would agree.

<B>

I tend to agree with this.
Some may be aquatinted with Isofrane - a high end diving watch strap made from a silicone/rubbery substance. it has a divine soft and slightly sweet vanilla bean scent permanently engineered into it.

 

[oetzi]

A great binocular:
http://www.outdoor-professionell.de/2015/07/test-fernglas-swarovski-habicht-8x30-w/