Hawke Endurance ED 10×25 binoculars . Blog post May 2019

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Reviewer

A compact set of binoculars ideal for bird-watching. That was the requirements for a couple visiting the Optics weekend at the Waters` edge visitor centre, Northern Optics display. They tried out a number of sets, before realising that 25mm compacts were best for putting inside the coat pocket.

If they had not seen any other sets, they commented on how the Hawke Vantage would have been adequate. But the Hawke Nature-Trek and Endurance ED seemed much more of a draw, with the Endurance ED giving a noticeably brighter image in their opinion. After 1st going for the 8×25, they ended up going for the Hawke Endurance 10×25 binoculars. The extra magnification was a factor. But also the fact they still gave a wide field of view was a major plus point.

From our point of view, these feel very solid despite the lightweight body. Eye relief is good, chromatic aberration is low , plus contrast is very good. Perhaps the focus wheel is a little small for use with gloves on, but due to the design, this is something you get with all double hinge 25mm compacts.

Available to purchase from Northern Optics

Posted in Hawke Binocular Reviews, News and Blog | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Hawke Endurance ED 10×25 binoculars . Blog post May 2019

North Lincs astro meeting June 2019

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Reviewer

It was great to see a couple of returning members after going AWOL for a few months, giving us a healthy 20 in attendance for the June 2019 North Lincolnshire astronomy society meeting. After a discussion on future events, plus veering off piste with some err interesting topics, we were treated to an excellent talk on astro imaging by Charles Thody photography . This included some stunning deep space and aurora images , plus easy to understand  tips on camera settings , set up and other useful advice to get you started.

Thank you as always for the Lincolnshire wildlife trust, and Glenys and Malcolm for the teas and snacks.

For more information , you can visit the North Lincs astro society web site. Better still, come along to the next meeting and say hi

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged | Comments Off on North Lincs astro meeting June 2019

Helios Nitrosport 10×26 binoculars . Blog post May 2019

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Reviewer

It was a weekend of customers looking for compact sets of binoculars at the Optics weekend at the Waters` edge centre at Barton – Northern Optics display. In this case, the buyer needed a set for viewing nesting birds near their home.

After trying 4 sets, the helios nitrosport 10×26 binoculars ticked all the boxes, despite being the lowest cost. Great optics, easy to use, and most importantly being lightweight fulfilled their requirements. Having long eye relief was also a plus point.

The Helios nitrosport 8×26 and 10×26 come with a soft case, lens caps, padded neck strap, cleaning cloth and 5 years warranty (ask your dealer for full T&Cs). For the low price you get nitrogen waterproofing, multi-coated optics, BaK-4 prisms and twist eye cups

 

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Helios Nitrosport 10×26 binoculars . Blog post May 2019

Hawke Vantage 8×25 binoculars review #34201

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Reviewer

The Hawke Vantage range of binoculars replaced the discontinued premier range. These are designed to be affordable to most users, while retaining the Hawke build quality and back up service.

If I were to sum up the Hawke vantage 8×25 binoculars in 3 words, it would be better than expected. So lets have a look in more detail. The outer box is the same simple design white box that is very strong in construction. On opening, we find a very nice soft case with belt loop and Velcro fastening . The Hawke logo is showing. No shoulder strap for the case is included, or attachments to fit one. You get a simple un-padded  neck strap for the binoculars and a non micro-fibre cleaning cloth. But we always upgrade the cloth to a better one for those who buy at our optics weekends.

Removing the binoculars from the case, I found one thing that stood out straight away. For a budget set, these feel very solid and nicely put together. I actually prefer the grey finish, which is less loud  than the green. The twist eye cups move freely, and stay in place once fully out. These are a single stage movement, and not 3 stages as quoted.

Texture Grip

On the subject of the twist eye cups, the eye relief is quoted as only 10mm. Yet on testing with them twisted down, I could (just) get the full field of view with my glasses on. If eye relief was only 10mm, this would not be possible. So I estimate it to be nearer to 12-13mm. This is a massive plus point.

Handling is very easy, with a ribbed rubber covering aiding grip. The strap connectors are nicely tucked away on the inside and do not catch on your hands like some so. The focus wheel is very responsive, if a little small. On the other hand, the dioptre adjustment wheel is a little stiff. But this means it stays in place once set.

Optics are quoted as fully coated. An inspection does show the eye pieces as fully coated, but I believe the objectives are multi-coated. The difference in anti-reflection compared the the eyepieces is obvious. As with the eye relief, another plus point here. Prisms are BaK-4. These are aluminium coated, rather than silver coatings on the higher spec Hawke binoculars. End result is a pleasant end result with colours and contrast adequate for this price range. Not quite the cutting edge sharpness and the Nature Trek or Endurance ED models, but priced accordingly. Field of view is excellent at 119m @ 1000m . But regarding the optics, I am saving the best till last. For such a low priced on ED set, the low level of chromatic aberration is quite remarkable. For example, red colour fringing only starts to appear around 80 percent from centre, and at very low levels. I have seen more CA through some so called ED glass compact binoculars. Edge of field sharpness is also very good.

Other thing to take note. Close focus is 6m (I tested this). Fine for back garden observations, but not for extreme close up

Summing up.

Plus point. Solid build quality and low levels of chromatic aberration.

Minus point. Poor cleaning cloth and restricted close focus

Recommended, and available to purchase from Northern Optics

Posted in Hawke Binocular Reviews | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Hawke Vantage 8×25 binoculars review #34201

North Lincs astro meeting 13th May 2019

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Reviewer

16 of the regulars turned up for the May 2019 North Lincs astro society monthly meeting. We were instantly rewarded with some glorious evening Sunshine, which meant one thing – get the solar scope out. Together with the club solar scope + a pair of Helios 25×100 binoculars with a solar filter courtesy of Northern Optics we got some great views of a grouping of 3 sun spots. Plus a little gosling photo shoot alongside going on.

Once in the building, we discussed further ideas for future meetings.  By closing time the skies were still clear, so a few of us gathered outside with the club short tube ED skywatcher refractor, Charles with his excellent camera set up, and minus the solar filter the Helios 25×100 binoculars came out once more.

Thank you as always to Glenys and Malcolm for the teas and biscuits and the wild life trust for the use of the venue.

For more info on the society visit the North Lincs astro society website

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged | Comments Off on North Lincs astro meeting 13th May 2019

Hawke Nature trek 8×32 binoculars #35100 Blog post May 2019

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Reviewer

Sometimes you simply want a bright and clear image, and are not too concerned about small amounts of chromatic aberration. This is why a customer at the our Optics weekend at the Waters` edge visitor centre, Barton upon Humber went for the Hawke Nature Trek 8×32 binoculars.

I did explain that for a little over budget the optical performance of the Endurance range would give a better end result. But the customer was not put off by the small amounts of colour fringing (hardly noticeable in the centre of view), and opted for the nature treks. The clear and bright image is excellent for such a low priced set. Capped off with great handling and a quality strap.

The main object other than the optics, were that they could be used in a wide range of temperatures without internal fogging. The nitrogen gas filled Nature Trek range put the customers mind at rest, with the back up of a life time warranty.

Other than the warranty, the Hawke Nature Trek 8×32 binoculars come with a soft case, padded neck strap, small cleaning cloth, lens covers , and a booklet.

Hawke Binoculars can be purchased from Northern Optics

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Hawke Nature trek 8×32 binoculars #35100 Blog post May 2019

Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 monocular #36320 Blog post May 2019

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Reviewer

A customer visited the Northern Optics Optics weekend at Barton Upon Humber looking for a monocular for general use. Reason being, due to a large difference between his eyes, most binoculars do not have enough dioptre adjustment to handle his eye sight. After trying 3 options, he went for the Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 monocular.

As well as the crystal clear optics, the customer commented on how easy they were to use. Other factors were the integrated tripod thread and a much more grippy body compared to the non ED glass nature trek version.

A twist eye cup and long eye relief makes them suitable for spectacle wearers. Also included is a soft case, wrist strap, cleaning cloth, case and instructions.

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 monocular #36320 Blog post May 2019

Hawke Frontier HD X 8×32 binoculars. Blog post April 2019

Posted on April 29, 2019 by Reviewer

A customer visited the Northern Optics stand Optics weekend at the Waters` Edge visitor centre in North Lincolnshire with around £250 to spend on binoculars as a gift idea.  Optically the Hawke Sapphire 42mm models ticked all the boxes, but were slightly to large. Once they were introduced to the Hawke HD X 8×32 binoculars , the customer was instantly impressed with the optics.

Despite not being ED glass, the brightness and clarity the fully multi-coated optics and dielectric coated prisms gave was a game changer. The customer found them much better than standard quality options. Given the low weight, they commented on how solid they felt. The lifetime warranty gave the customer additional confidence in the product.

Other plus points from the customer, was the wide field of view and being very easy to handle.

 

 

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Hawke Frontier HD X 8×32 binoculars. Blog post April 2019

Helios Nitrosport 10×26 binoculars review

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Reviewer

Very good spec for the money. That would some up the Helios Nitrosport 10×26 binoculars in one short line. At the time of this review, the retail price was under £50, making them remarkable value considering them boasting multi-coated optics, BaK-4 prisms and nitrogen waterproofing.

Optics wise, it would be unfair to compare them with other models with fully multi-coated optics and phase coated prisms. But for compact sets in this price range they are up with the best. There is some colour fringing (chromatic aberration), even in the centre. But levels are low, and do not degrade to a large amount towards the edge. On the subject of the edge of field, excellent internal baffling helps gives good contrast and reduces internal reflection.

The twist eye cups are easy to adjust, yet stay in position once set. But be aware eye relief is only 14mm , so may not suit all spectacle wearers. Handling is very easy, with the IPD easy to set (distance between each eye piece) and the focus wheel is large and easy to turn. Which brings us on to one minor gripe. The close focus is 5 metres, which may not be close enough for all users who like to observe insects etc on plants.

The case is a basic nylon with Velcro fastener, but comes with an excellent padded strap that you would expect to find on higher grade binoculars. All the nitrosport range come with these padded straps.

Summing up, the Helios nitrosport 10×26 binoculars are about as good as you will get for under £50. Great value for money, easy to use with better than expected optics. Minor down side is the close focus (the 8x version focuses closer)

Click HERE to purchase from Northern Optics

 

Posted in Helios Binocular Reviews | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Helios Nitrosport 10×26 binoculars review

Is binocular collimation covered by warranty

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Reviewer

So what happens if my binoculars go out of collimation ?. What happens if I drop or bang my binoculars against a wall ?. Believe it or not, these questions often get asked when customers purchase from our Optics weekends at Barton Upon Humber.

Sorry to sound like a politician, but there is no simple yes or no, because different brands have different T&Cs.  So whenever you purchase a set, it is best advised to buy from a retailer face to face instead of on-line, so they can run through in detail the full terms and conditions from each brand, as we do.

With some high end brands, they do give warranty repairs when a set go out of collimation. But only if they have obviously not been misused or mistreated. Where some other brands simply do not cover collimation under warranty. An example from one brands T&Cs is as follows “Optical misalignment (image distortion or double-image caused by dislodging of prisms) is also not covered under the warranty as this will only happen if the product has been subject to a shock or has been dropped.”  So in other words, look after your binoculars and avoid dropping, they will stay in perfect collimation for many years. Just to repeat, ask the dealer about the full T&Cs at the point of sale. If they are a knowledgeable and reputable dealer, they should know the answer.

Which brings us onto the 2nd question. What happens if I drop them , or bang them against a wall. Why would you do this ?. I have had a set of Hilkin 8×40 for over 40 years (giving my age away), and never dropped them once. One key rule of thumb is to check the neck strap for any sign of wear and slippage before every use.

So I hope this helps. Summing up, look after the binoculars and they will look after you by giving many years of enjoyment.

Posted in News and Blog | Tagged , | Comments Off on Is binocular collimation covered by warranty