Which sub-£300 8x42 or 10 x 50? (1 Viewer)

[Torview]

I tried the Viking MD range the other day at an RSPB outlet, very good I thought, and although the 42mm models are over 700g, the 32mm models are only 600g, I recently sold my Vortex vipers and Nikon hg l, both 42mm models and moved to a mid sized Zeiss the 8x30 conquest, I don`t think I`ll go back to a larger bin now, the low weight is really liberating and now I`m over 50 I really don`t notice any drop off in brightness.

 

[michaelmorris]

Why not go to Sherwoods (Morton Bagot) and compare some glass? Not far from Worcester and they have a lot of new and display only deals.

That's the plan.

 

[typo]

The short list has so far has been narrowed down to:

Nikon Monarch SE 8 x 42
Opticron Countryman 'HD' BGA 8 x 42
Opticron Verano 'Open Hinge' BGA 8 x 42

I had a quick play with the new Opticron Countryman HD and the ED-X 8x42s this morning along with a few other models. The overcast conditions meant that that it was pretty good for testing CA, but the area was industrial and far from ideal in many respects.

I imagine the ED-X will be popular. The small size and wide view will definitely appeal to some. The sweet spot is fairly wide and the the colour balance fairly neutral. Despite the ED tag the CA was on the high side. I wasn't particularly keen on the contrasting bridge, and found it a bit too dainty to be comfortable with my hands.

The Countryman HD suited me much more. The colours were richer and the contrast better to my eyes. While the view was narrower than the ED-X it certainly didn't feel at all cramped. Again the sweet spot was quite broad. CA was marginally lower than the ED-X and didn't feel as distracting. The centre dioptre appeared to work well. I found it more comfortable in the hand and overall ergonomics better than not only the ED-X but also competitors like the Hawke Frontier ED for example. Over all a very likeable pair. I didn't try the Verano HD today, but suspect that it's still a step up from the Countryman as the price would suggest.

David

 

[trekrem]

Maybe look into Theron Wapiti APO-ED, I have read some VERY good reviews, I have an 8x42 ordered, will give an opinion after I get them. They weigh 780g though.

http://theronoptics.com/WAPITI_ED-APO_BINOCULARS_Z1.html

US$349

 

[NWBirder]

you may want to check out the 8x43 ZEN ED2 demo for $285. I have their 7x and 10x and I am very impressed. The 8x should perform equally well.

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/demo/zened2-8x43-demo.html

 

[James Thomas]

Have you thought about buying one good pair and another with whatever is left over?

Here you go, a bargain leaving enough for some Opticron DBA's

 

[michaelmorris]

Have you thought about buying one good pair and another with whatever is left over?

As we are looking a pair each for my wife and I, I think that could lead to quite a few arguments !!!

 

[trekrem]

Maybe look into Theron Wapiti APO-ED, I have read some VERY good reviews, I have an 8x42 ordered, will give an opinion after I get them. They weigh 780g though.

http://theronoptics.com/WAPITI_ED-APO_BINOCULARS_Z1.html

US$349

Eh, nevermind... Not so good... http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=221499

 

[michaelmorris]

We've just come back from Sherwoods and, after much deliberation, we've bought a pair of Opticron Countryman HDs 8x42 and pair of Viking ED 8x42.

Thanks everyone for your input, it was very helpful.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Well done Michael. I was very impressed by the Viking EDs when my partner was looking for new binoculars. They were over £500 at the time though, so she went for the RSPB HDs instead which were slightly cheaper. I imagine you bought the SP Edition, which looks excellent value at £299. Let us know how you get on with your purchases.

Ron

 

[jackibbotson]

Well done Michael. I was very impressed by the Viking EDs when my partner was looking for new binoculars. They were over £500 at the time though, so she went for the RSPB HDs instead which were slightly cheaper. I imagine you bought the SP Edition, which looks excellent value at £299. Let us know how you get on with your purchases.

Ron

Could you please tell me how the Viking 8x42 ED SP Edition differs from the 'Standard Edition' mentioned above? From what I can tell, its just an additional clamshell case and a reduced price? Are there any differences in the actual spec?

Thanks,

Jack