Hawke Frontier PC 8×25 binoculars

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Reviewer

 

The Frontier PC 8×25 compact binoculars offer high performance optics in an ultra compact twin hinge body. Constructed using a high quality magnesium alloy body, these binoculars are rugged enough to withstand whatever the weather can throw at you.

They are nitrogen gas filled to ensure that they are water and fog proof. Fully multi-coated optics give high light transmission and ultimate brightness. The phase corrected prisms give an image as bright as many 32mm binoculars that I have tested

The stylish body is coated in a soft feel rubber, to give great handling. The focuser at the front of the body takes a little getting used to, but you will soon get used to it.

Twist-up eyecups allow exact eye relief settings and the precise focus knob ensures the image is always sharp. On testing , I found the 8x version could easily be used with glasses on.

Supplied with carry pouch and neck strap. Available in black or green.

.High stability magnesium alloy body

•Phase corrected prisms

•Fully multi coated lenses

•Water and fog proof

•Wide field of view

•Close focus – 2.5m

•Twist-up eyecups

•Soft carry case and neck strap

•Hawke 10 years warranty

  • Magnification 8x
  • Object diameter 25mm
  • Close focus 2.5m
  • Eye Relief 15mm
  • Field of view 108m @ 1000m
  • Weight 300g
  • Price £129.95

For

Ultra compact with superb optics

Against

Focuser can take a little getting used to

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Visionary Freebird 8×42 binoculars

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Reviewer

The Visionary Freebird range of binoculars are a really tough binocular designed for the nature viewer.

Ergonomically, the Freebird is a tough cookie – the very durable but light, textured rubberised body gives you instant confidence and you know that these binoculars will be able to stand the elements no problem – no matter what weather is thrown at them. 

Optically, they performed as well as many others in this class in a wide range of lighting conditions from bright Sunshire to looking into dark woods

The Freebird 8x42s come with the superb optics comprising Naturephase coated prisms and fully multi-coated lenses giving excellent bright, crisp images.

  • Magnification 8x
  • Object diameter 42mm
  • Fully multicoated optics
  • BaK-4 phase corrected prisms
  • Nitrogen waterproof
  • 10 years warranty
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Olivon FZ 8×40 binoculars

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Reviewer

 

Olivon  FZ 8×40 waterproof Binoculars

The first thing that you notice whenyou take them out the boxis that they are amazingly tough.  Featuring a very tough shock resistant and fully waterproof body the FZ 8×40 feel 100% reliable. These are not light binoculars, but look neat, compact and they feel good to hold.

The high quality BAK4, fully multicoated optics deliver outstanding images

If you prefer a strong, sturdy and traditional style binocular that delivers the goods optically and won’t let you down out in the field, then consider the Olivon FZ 8x40s

  • Fully multicoated optics
  • Nitrogen waterproof
  • Bak-4 prisms
  • Tough build quality
  • 10 years warranty

 

Buy Olivon FZ 8×40 binoculars here


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Hawke Optics Endurance 8×32 Binoculars Review

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Reviewer

 

Low cost and lightweight binoculars for birdwatching

Optics

The Endurance range of binoculars don’t have phase corrected prisms. But don’t let this put you off. The fully multicoated optics give a clear bright view from just a 32mm lens. Colours are bright and vivid. There is a hint of internal reflection, but this shouldn’t distract you when using them. Considering they are not ED glass, chromatic aberration is very minimal in the centre of the field. This does fall off towards the edges, but this is to expected of most binoculars in this range. Close focus is an impressive 1.5m. The wide 142m @ 1000m field of view is wider than many other binoculars in this class.

Handling

Handling is very easy, with a chunky feel and textured thumb grip. The twist eyecups and dioptre adjustment can feel a little stiff, but the plus side of this is that they stay I place when set. At 14.7mm eye relief is just long enough for spectacle wearers. The focuser is a joy to use. At 535g there are lighter 32mm binoculars out there, but what you do get is a very solid piece of kit.

Features

 Upgraded from the old model with a hard case with moulded inner. Thick neck strap, lens covers and cleaning cloth included. Twist eyecups

10 years warranty

Conclusion

 Similar optics to many 32mm binoculars in this price range, but with better build quality. Ideal as a starter pair for bird watching and general use

 Specs

 Magnification 8x

 Object diameter 32mm

 Field 142m @ 1000m

 Eye relief 14.7mm

 Weight 535g

 Price £129.95

For

 Value for money, with excellent handling

Against

 Slight internal reflection

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Hawke Optics Frontier ED 8×43 Binoculars review (2011 model)

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Blogger

High performance open hinged binoculars for the discerning user. Flagship model from Hawke at a price to suit many budgets

 

Optics

 Fully multicoated optics, ED glass and high quality phase corrected prisms give outstanding colours, contrast and brightness. The ED glass gives virtually no false colour (chromatic aberration) for pin sharp images. A large depth of field and picture window 142m @ 1000m field of view makes finding and following moving target a breeze. Wide eyepieces with long eye relief aid comfortable viewing with or without spectacles. The high end optics allow for clear dusk and dawn views, as well as observing in bright conditions. These are well capable of picking out detail in the shadows of the reed beds for example.

Handing

 At 743g, they are not the lightest in class, but they balance well in the hands. The grippy rubber body gives you confidence when in use. The chunky focusing wheel is smooth to operate and can easily be used with gloves on. Twist eyecups feel solid and well built. No problem for spectacle wearers. These easily give a full screen view with glasses on.

 Features

 Comes complete with a solid case, thick neck strap, stay-on lens covers and a cleaning cloth. The hard case is moulded inside to help the binoculars moving around when in transit. The cleaning cloth does the job, but would be nice to see a micro fibre cloth included with a pair of binoculars in the £339 region. Available in black or green.

 10 years warranty

 Conclusion

A well put together pair of high end binoculars that will easily match many sets costing much more. Great all round performance that will suit a multitude of uses, and will keep you happy for many years to come

 Specs

 Magnification 8x

Objective diameter 43mm

Field 142m @ 1000m

 Close focus 2m

Eye relief 16.6mm

Weight 743g

RRP £339.95

 For

 Quality optics. Superb handling. Price

 Against

 A better cleaning cloth would be nice, but that’s really scraping the barrel to try and find something that could be improved. Other than that, can not find anything wrong with them

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