Selected 8x32 & 8x30
Binoculars Review

A Birdwatching Dot Com Exclusive
February, 2013

by Michael and Diane Porter

What and How We Tested

In this review, we have taken a small number of 8x32 and 8x30 binoculars of widely varying prices. Our goal is to ferret out the best buys and to determine whether the top-end stuff is worth the top-end prices.

It started when a customer asked us whether he would be able to see more through a Alpen Rainier 8x32 ($679) or through a Vortex Viper HD 8x32 ($559 ). We decided to make some tests and compare them.

Just to make it interesting, we included one of the most expensive mid-priced binoculars in the world (the Swarovski EL 8x32, $2099) and an entry-level binocular (the Kowa YF 8x30, $105). To fill in the gaps, we also compared the inexpensive Vortex Diamondback 8x32 ($189.99) and two mid-priced binoculars from Vortex, the Viper HD 8x32 ($559) and the Talon HD 8x32 ($439).

Testing resolution

With these seven binoculars in hand, we compared their resolving power at a distance and up close. One binocular stood out immediately. The Swarovski EL was the clear winner. Yes, you can really see the difference. Easily.

The other six required more careful tests, because all of them have at least pretty good resolution. We put the binoculars on tripods and compared them, using a resolution chart.

Other optical considerations

How much is in the picture when you look through binoculars? Some give a wide-angle view, a real eyeful that makes it easy to find the bird you raised your binocular to see. Others may give a sharp image, but the field of view is smaller, so that you feel more as if you're looking through a tube. That makes it harder to find your target. We noted in the chart how wide is the field of fiew at 1000 yards for each binocular.

How close can you focus? Sometimes people ask us how far you can see through a binocular. We tell them you can see the moon and stars just fine. Every halfway decent binocular will focus at a distance. The more difficult challenge for a binocular manufacturer is to get the binocular to focus up close. When a bird happens to land close to you (perhaps at a feeder), you don't want to have to back up to look at it. We noted the minimum focus distances in the chart. These numbers are approximate, by the way, because just as some people can focus closer than others without binoculars, there's a difference in how close two people can focus using the same binocular.

Eye relief

Eye relief is a major concern to you if you wear glasses when you're using binoculars. If you wear glasses, you need long eye relief, of at least 16mm. If you do not wear glasses, eye relief will make no difference to you at all.

Ergonomics

Some binoculars feel great in the hands, thanks to good ergonomic design. Some aspects of ergomics are subjective, which is why there is a difference of opinion on which binocular is nicest to handle. We try to give you some sense of the ergnomic characteristics of each binocular.

The Chart

Individual Reviews

Swarovski EL Swarovision 8x32
Resolution Score 5.0

A virtually perfect binocular, with faultless optical quality, the 32mm EL Swarovision is our hands-down favorite of the seven binoculars we compared. Yes, you really can see more detail with a Swarovision than with any of the others.

Bright and stunningly sharp. Swarovski’s “field-flattener lenses” achieve a field of view that is perfectly flat from edge to edge. Fluoride ions in the lenses contribute to the Swarovision’s great contrast, resolution, and freedom from chromatic aberration.

The open-bridge design invites your fingers to wrap around one of the barrels and hold and focus the binocular with one hand. To accommodate thumbs and enhance the grip, the Swarovision has shallow indentations on the bottom.

It weighs only 20 ounces, half a pound less than the 42mm versions. And it's only 5.3 inches long, a whole inch shorter than the 42mms.

The 10x32 Swarovision EL binocular has 20mm of eye relief. That means that no matter what kind of glasses you have, you'll still get to see the full field of view. (If you're not sure what eye relief is all about, and you wear glasses, learn about it here.)

An excellent diopter adjustment mechanism, under the focus knob, turns precisely, with detents. The numbered scale is easy to see, and you can still see enough of it even when the diopter is locked it to check your setting.

Warranty: For Swarovski optics purchased from an authorized North American dealer, Swarovski offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in the optical system. Other parts are warranted against manufacturing defects and workmanship for ten years after the date of purchase.

Is there any reason not to get the Swarovision 8x32? If you can afford it, this is the one to get. If you are not in the mood to drop over $2000 on a binocular, then there are some excellent alternatives. No, they aren't as sharp as the Swarovision, but they are still very good. Read on.

Leica Ultravid HD 8x42
Resolution Score 5.0
Overall Score: 4.86

The Leica Ultravid HD is as close to optical perfection as a binocular can get. It bestows a lucid and lovely view. Fluoride-containing lenses optimize color fidelity and resolution. The Ultravid tied for first place in our resolution tests.

Half an inch shorter than the Zeiss Victory and Swarovski EL, the Leica Utravid feels compact and solid. The twist-out eyecups work smoothly and have detents. Prominent ridges on the underside of the barrels are designed to offer secure thumb placement.

The doublewide focus knob can easily be operated by two fingers or with a glove. It turns precisely and with an ideal balance of ease and resistance. It’s relatively fast, 1.3 turns lock to lock, of which 20 feet to infinity is only about ¾ turn. The diopter adjustment mechanism got our top score. There is a large, clear scale that faces the user and lets you see your setting at all times.

The Ultravid HD employs Leica AquaDura™ hydrophobic lens coating, which repels water and dirt and makes cleaning easy.

Warranty: Leica has a limited lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. In addition, a three-year Passport Protection Plan is for accidental damage not covered by the other warranty. The Passport warranty requires the owner to register within 30 days of purchase and is not transferable.

Caveat: Several of our judges remarked that the ridges on the underside of the barrels interfered with the way they preferred to hold the binocular.

Leica Trinovid 8x42
Resolution Score 5.0
Overall Score: 4.86

Leica’s new Trinovid tied on every score with its flagship Ultravid. We compared the two Leicas carefully for brightness, color saturation, clarity, and resolution. To keep ourselves honest, we masked off all the external clues. We mounted the binoculars side by side and tried to tell their images apart.

We couldn’t. After many tries, even magnified with two doublers, increasing the power to 32x, we could we not see a difference in the optical quality of the two.

The Trinovid has the same outstanding diopter adjustment mechanism, the same eyecups, and virtually the same shape. Both models have magnesium housing and are watertight to 16.5 feet.

There are some differences, though. The Trinovid has a narrower field of view (376 feet vs. 389 feet). Its minimum focus distance is greater (11.5 feet vs. 9.8 feet). It weighs about half an ounce more (28.6 vs. 27.9). The Trinovid’s strap lugs are bare metal rather than the more elegant black molded lugs on the Ultravid. And oh, the Leica red-dot logo is in a different place.

All told, the Trinovid seems like a bargain, with optical quality invisibly close to the Ultravid’s, but at a lower price. Both have the same warranty.

A best buy among the top five scorers!

Caveat: Several of our judges remarked that the ridges on the underside of the barrels interfered with the way they preferred to hold the binocular.

The Leica Trinovid that we review here is the 8x42 model. For higher magnification (but narrower field of view, see the 10x42 model.)

Swarovski SLC HD 8x42
Resolution Score 5.0
Overall Score: 4.83

The Swarovski SLC HD has the standard bridge design and is slightly shorter than the open-bridge Swarovision. Redesigned in 2010, the SLC now has HD glass and a magnesium housing, and it weighs just half an ounce more than the Swarovision.

Tying for first-place in our resolution tests, the SLC HD provides a bright, sharp image with outstanding contrast and color, which, along with its wide field of view (408 feet) contributes to the viewer’s experience of being magically transported into the scene.

It has an excellent focus knob, though it’s only wide enough for one finger. The diopter adjustment mechanism, under the focus knob, differs from the EL Swarovision in that you can’t see the setting when it’s locked.

The twist-out eyecup design resembles the Swarovision’s, but it has three rather than four possible positions.

Caveat: Some judges reported that corners of the armored bridge housing near the bottom of the focus knob poked their fingers.

Alpen Rainier HD ED 8x42
Resolution Score 4.6
Overall Score: 4.65

Among our second tier, the Alpen Rainier won the highest overall score. This open-bridge binocular has ergonomic engineering and high-definition, extra-low-dispersion glass.

On the underside of the barrels, the hollows that provide extra security for a person’s thumbs are wide and shallow enough not to interfere with how a person holds the binocular.

The Rainier focuses close (6.5 feet) and has great eye relief (18mm). The faultless diopter adjustment mechanism, located under the focus knob, locks and has an easy-to-read scale and detents.

Eyecups are a little different from most binoculars. When you twist out the eyecup to its maximum extension, it locks to prevent accidental collapse. To unlock the eyecup, you pull out slightly and twist clockwise. Easy once you know how.

Warranty: Alpen displays a remarkable message on its home page: “If you have any problem with your Alpen product for any reason, send it back and we will repair or replace it FREE … period.”

Caveat: Some users not wearing glasses find the eyecups do not extend far enough to let them brace the binocular against the face.

Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42
Resolution Score 4.7
Overall Score: 4.59

The new Zeiss Conquest HD earned the top resolution score in our second-tier. The Conquest HD gives birders the opportunity to enjoy a full-sized, German-manufactured, Zeiss binocular for under $1000.

It is more compact and a bit lighter weight than the Zeiss Victory FL. With 18mm of eye relief, it’s good with glasses. It has the same Zeiss LotuTec water-repellent coatings as the Victory FL.

A difference between the Conquest and the Victory FL is the diopter adjustment, which is on an eyepiece and has neither scale nor lock. The focus knob is excellent but is only wide enough for one finger.

A best buy!

Warranty: On the Conquest HD, in addition to a limited lifetime transferable warranty, Zeiss offers a 5-year no-fault policy. Under the no-fault policy, new Conquest HD binoculars which have been damaged during normal use will be repaired or replaced without service charge to the owner. The no-fault policy is for original owners and is not transferable, and it requires the owner to register with Zeiss within 60 days of purchase.

Caveat: Some users not wearing glasses find the eyecups do not extend far enough to let them brace the binocular against the face.

NOTE:

This review was done for the 8x42 model, since 8x42s were the focus of the review. However, the Conquest HD 10x42 is equally good.

Pentax DCF ED 8x43
Resolution Score 3.5
Overall Score: 4.08

Pentax DCF ED has excellent optics, providing a bright, clear image. It’s lightweight and has excellent ergonomic qualities. The focus knob, one of the best, turns smoothly and precisely and is wide enough for two fingers or gloves.

The twist-up eyecups have detents and provide four steps of extension. Eye relief of 22mm is the longest in our survey and should work with any style of glasses. The diopter adjustment, on the right eyepiece, locks but has only a minimal scale.

Warranty: Pentax will repair or replace the binocular, even if damaged by fault, for $19.95, provided it was purchased in the US from an authorized Pentax dealer. Not transferable.

Caveats: Some of our judges without eyeglasses complained that the eyecups didn’t extend far enough. Some found that the strap lugs poked their hands.

Meopta MeoStar B1 8x42
Resolution Score 3.9
Overall Score: 4.03

Least expensive our top-binocular survey, the Meopta Meostar had the second widest field of view (411 feet). It’s compact, only 5.5 inches long, and has a solid feel.

The strap lugs recess into the barrels, so they never interfere with the hands, and the thumb indentations are shallow and elicited no complaints.

Warranty: Meopta Sports Optics products are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.

Caveat: The diopter adjustment does not lock, and it’s positioned on the focus knob where it can easily be moved unintentionally.

Opticron Aurora BGA 8x42
Resolution Score 3.4
Overall Score: 3.97

The Opticron Aurora had the widest field of view (413 feet) of any binocular in our study, and the second closest focus distance (5.9 feet), both characteristics that are good for close observation, such as watching birds at a feeding area.

It also was the lightest weight and tied for shortest length. One judge commented that she found it especially comfortable for her small hands.

Warranty: On manufacturer’s defects, labor and materials covered for 10 years; material costs only for the next 20 years.

Caveat: Some of our judges noted that the strap lugs poked their hands.

Vixen Artes 8x42
Resolution Score 3.2
Overall Score: 3.96

As the only binocular with 45mm objective lenses, it’s not surprising that the Vixen Artes was the heaviest in our study. It has the open-bridge design.

The focus knob is wide enough to use with two fingers or with gloves. The diopter adjustment, which is under the focus knob, has detents and a clear, readable scale.

Warranty: Product lifetime warranty. There is a $25 inspection, handling, and shipping charge.

Caveat: Several of our judges found it heavy and the barrels too large to hold with one hand.

Opticron DBA Oasis 8x42
Resolution Score 3.0
Overall Score: 3.78

The Opticron Oasis feels rugged, even though it’s the second lightest binocular in our survey. It has exceptionally grippy armoring, with prominent, lengthwise ridges. There are no thumb indentations to restrict how you hold the binocular.

The interpupillary distance of 57 to 77mm offered the widest setting in our survey, helpful for people with widely spaced eyes.

Warranty: On manufacturer’s defects, labor and materials covered for 10 years; material costs only for the next 20 years.

Caveat: Some of our judges noted that the strap lugs poked their hands.

Conclusion

Let’s be honest. These top binoculars probably resolve better than most people’s eyes can see. That doesn’t stop us from wanting them. Although the subject transcends logic, here are some arguments to use on your spouse, significant other, or yourself when contemplating a purchase.

High-end binoculars hold their value better and will last longer than lesser glass. If you ever need to resell them, you will find their brand recognition will make for an easy sale at a good price. Their bulletproof construction makes them less likely to go out of alignment or fog up on you in a Costa Rican rain forest, ruining a long-planned trip.

Finally, it’s a waste of money to buy something that you don’t want. Assuming your kids won’t go without shoes, it’s better to get the binocular you really want. But don’t wait too long. Money is replaceable. Time is not

Team Iowa reviewed the best of the best binoculars

Team Iowa

Diane Porter, Megan Whiting, Michael Porter, Therese Cummiskey, Glenn Watt, Kathleen Tachet, Dave Streid, Candace Havely, Alan Cobb

Birdwatching Dot Com

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