Binoculars of Note
From Bird Watcher's Digest, November, 2007
Midpriced Binocular Round Up
by Michael and Diane Porter
These are among the binoculars of note from the 2007 Midpriced Binoculars Round Up.
Minox HG  Minox binoculars used to be made by Leica. They were Leica's second line, at lower prices than the top Leica products. But in 2001 Minox became an independent company and started producing top quality binoculars that now compete with Leica for a share of the top of the high-end market.
The new Minox HG series includes outstanding binoculars, a few of which fit (barely) into our mid-priced array. We looked at the Minox HG 8x33 and the 8.5x43, each of which can be found for under $800. Other sizes are available at somewhat higher prices.
 In our optical quality tests, the Minox HGs were excellent. They also have some of the nicest-feeling engineering and smoothest-turning focus knobs we've found in any binocular. The addition of a distance scale on the focus knob (made possible because the wheel turns less than one full rotation in going from closest to most distant) gives the HG binocular the unique function of acting as a range meter.
 The central focus wheel also serves as the easy-to-turn, locking diopter adjustment wheel. The eyecups, with gentle detents, twist out with unusual smoothness and precision. Eye relief for glasses wearers is excellent, as is the optical quality.
Several of our testers remarked that the HG gave a nice feeling in the hand. We judged it to be a great buy for someone looking at the upper end of the mid-priced field, for quality comparable to the high-end binoculars.
Other Binoculars of Note
INTRODUCTION
THE MAIN CHART
THE WARRANTIES CHART
 This article appears as part of the Midpriced Binoculars Round Up in the November, 2007, issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.
Text and photos copyright 2007 by Michael and Diane Porter.
|
