Pros: Fantastic edge-to-edge image quality, sublime ergonomics, great low-light performance and a field of view to rival many 8x binoculars, coupled with outstanding build quality -- the NL Pure 10x32 is an exceptional binocular up there with the very best.Cons: While they are svelte, the barrels on the NL Pure are long for a 32mm binocular, so they are perhaps … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×32 Binocular Review
Wildlife Optics Reviews
The latest in wildlife viewing optics independently reviewed by the Ireland's Wildlife team.
Vortex Razor UHD 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Superb image quality that lives up the name. Exceptionally bright, pin-sharp image across the wide field of view. Smooth, accurate focus and outstanding build quality rounds off what is a very accomplished binocular that holds its own with the best on the market.Cons: A little on the large side for a 42mm binocular -- particularly the length. Focus gearing, … [Read more...] about Vortex Razor UHD 10×42 Binocular Review
Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: High quality optics that deliver premium features and a high-performance viewing experience at a reasonable price point. Sharp, contrasty image impresses in a range of challenging viewing conditions. Bright, vivid colours that make the image "pop".Cons: Twist up eyecups are plastic, rather than metal, Vanguard Warranty dropped from 25 years to only 10 since I reviewed … [Read more...] about Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review
Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular
Hawke's Frontier APO is the new flagship binocular model from a brand with a reputation for offering the best value for money in the business. With a host of premium features, at a price-point that undercuts market leaders by a significant margin, we find out how Hawke's new top-of-the-range birding and wildlife binocular stacks up.Pros: Great ergonomics in a surprisingly … [Read more...] about Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular
German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Premium quality build and high-end features combined with outstanding optics at a lower price point than most top binocular brands. Image is pin sharp and contrasty across the wide field of view, and colours pop, yet still appear natural and neutral, with no obvious colour cast.Cons: Feels a little on the large/long side for a x42 binocular. When set for my eyes, the … [Read more...] about German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review
Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view... and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level.Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the barrels. No locking mechanism on the dioptre adjustment. … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Excellent entry level ED binocular that ticks a lot of the right boxes for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Lightweight, with reasonable field of view for a 10x binocular, the VEO ED delivers sharp high-contrast images. Great blend of high-end features at a very reasonable price point.Cons: Focus is a little too aggressive for my taste, and meant I regularly overshot … [Read more...] about Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review
Kite SP65 17-50x Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Detailed, bright image for a smaller scope, which stays sharp right to the edge of the field of view. Dual focus knobs make for quick and accurate focusing at any magnification. Robust aluminium body is lightweight yet feels as if it's made to last. Compact contemporary design. Unusual 17-50x wide-angle zoom range works very well in most situations.Cons: Slight image … [Read more...] about Kite SP65 17-50x Spotting Scope Review
Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review
Pros: Outstanding build quality, excellent optics and superb ergonomics in a very affordable package. Image is crisp, bright and clear in the centre of the field, with plenty of detail and good contrast.Cons: Softening around the field edges is noticeable when panning with a moving subject or scanning a large area and can be a little distracting. While the HD handles … [Read more...] about Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review
Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Superb image quality and premium build quality deliver excellent all-around performance. Contemporary design looks great, is ergonomic, lightweight and a delight to carry and use for extended periods in the field. Top notch accessories complete the package.Cons: Minor observations rather than real "cons" -- lack of thumb indents feels a little strange if you're used … [Read more...] about Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review
Hawke Endurance ED 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Crisp, high-resolution image, impressively bright and sharp across the field of view. Fast, accurate focussing thanks to dual focusing knobs. Tough magnesium-alloy body. Included stay on case functional and effective. Excellent optical quality at a very compelling price point.Cons: Not many, at the price -- as with most zoom eyepieces you get a slight "tunnel vision" … [Read more...] about Hawke Endurance ED 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review
Hawke Sapphire ED 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Excellent image quality rivalling many much more expensive options. Superb wide field of view. Ergonomic, well-balanced magnesium alloy body gives a quality feel while remaining light. Great all-around performer offering superb value.Cons: Biggest gripe is the rain guard... which has no bearing on the quality of the binocular, but has a big impact on its usability. This … [Read more...] about Hawke Sapphire ED 8×42 Binocular Review
ZEISS Victory SF 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Exquisite image across an expansive and immersive field of view. Bright, clear and razor sharp... the Victory SF is optically up there with the best binoculars I've ever used. Superb balance, comparatively light weight and excellent overall build quality make for a compelling all-round package.Cons: Even for an "alpha" class binocular the c. €2,500 price tag is … [Read more...] about ZEISS Victory SF 10×42 Binocular Review
Kite Caiman 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Solid entry-level binocular that's comfortable and easy to use. Light, yet robust, this is an easy to handle binocular with good all-round ergonomics. Optically it delivers an impressively bright, sharp image across most of the wide field of view. Neutral colour balance, great contrast and minimal chromatic aberration.Cons: Slight "halo" effect on the periphery of the … [Read more...] about Kite Caiman 8×42 Binocular Review
Vanguard Endeavor EDIV 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Great ergonomics, excellent build quality and superb optics combine to make this the best Vanguard binocular yet. Sharp detailed views across an expansive field of view. Vivid contrast and natural colours with no colour fringing. New SK15 prisms give noticeably brighter view than predecessor. Protective hydrophobic coatings shield lenses and make cleaning a … [Read more...] about Vanguard Endeavor EDIV 10×42 Binocular Review
Hawke Endurance 50 12-36x Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Tiny but robust travel scope with great ergonomics that delivers plenty of optical bang for the buck. Super-portable the Endurance delivers a bright, clear, razor sharp image across a wide field of view at 12x, and remains sharp and detailed (though a little darker, as you'd expect with a 50mm objective) right up to a the max zoom of a very useful 36x.Cons: While … [Read more...] about Hawke Endurance 50 12-36x Spotting Scope Review
Binocular Review: Eschenbach Trophy D 8×42 ED
Pros: Bright, high contrast image with excellent detail and vivid colours. Wide field of view. High quality materials throughout give a robust, premium feel.Cons: Design makes for curious ergonomics. While It could be argued that the angular shaping of the rubber armour helps grip, it feels odd, and smacks more of an attempt to be different rather than offering any … [Read more...] about Binocular Review: Eschenbach Trophy D 8×42 ED
Hawke Endurance ED 8×32 Binocular Review
Pros: Bright, high contrast views with natural looking colours and excellent fine detail even at lower light levels. Impressively lightweight, yet still feel extremely robust. Packed with high-end features at a price that represents exceptional value.Cons: None worth noting.Price: Listed in the Birdwatch Ireland Shop for €230, RRP on the Hawke UK website is GB£169.99 … [Read more...] about Hawke Endurance ED 8×32 Binocular Review
Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A Spotting Scope Review
Pros: As with its 82mm sibling we reviewed here, this is a smart, modern-looking scope. Very solid and extremely compact. Image is very bright and sharp from 15x to around 30x. Wide central sweet spot, with some softening towards the field edges. Dual focus controls make fine-focus quick and easy.Cons: This scope uses the same eyepiece as the 82A model, and suffers … [Read more...] about Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A Spotting Scope Review
Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Crisp, detailed views at a price that's hard to believe. Packed with premium features you normally only see on much more expensive binoculars. Lightweight and robust thanks to its magnesium alloy chassis.Cons: Not many... a little softening evident around the field edge, but not noticeable in normal use. Focus wheel has a bit more resistance than I was expecting, but … [Read more...] about Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 Binocular Review
Olivon T650 Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Crisp, high resolution views with good colour and contrast throughout most of the 16-48x zoom range. Excellent wide angle eyepiece delivers expansive viewing experience without "tunnel vision" common with budget scopes. Standard 1.25" astronomy eyepiece mount means compatible with a vast range of third party eyepieces.Cons: Non-ED version reviewed does suffers … [Read more...] about Olivon T650 Spotting Scope Review
Vanguard Endeavor EDII 8×42 binocular review
Pros: Superb build quality, excellent balance and high quality materials give a premium feel. excellent optics deliver a pin sharp, high contrast image right to the edge of the field. View appears almost flat... with very little field curvature. Good close focus performance. Practically no colour fringing (chromatic aberration).Cons: Focus mechanism a little aggressive … [Read more...] about Vanguard Endeavor EDII 8×42 binocular review
Endeavor EDII: Vanguard launches new flagship binocular
Vanguard is bolstering its range of high-performance sports optics with a new flagship binocular model. The Vanguard Endeavor EDII is an upgrade to the Chinese manufacturer's already impressive Endeavor ED. On the face of things the EDII looks very similar to its sibling, but utilises premium optical components that promise to deliver even better performance.The main … [Read more...] about Endeavor EDII: Vanguard launches new flagship binocular
Minox BL 8×44 HD Binocular Review
Pros: a good looking pair of binoculars with excellent build quality and superb optical performance. Very bright, crystal-clear view with plenty of fine detail, wide field of view with large central sweet spot and minimal edge softening. Good colour and contrast. Very good low-light performance.Cons: accessories could be a bit better. Strap and case perhaps don't … [Read more...] about Minox BL 8×44 HD Binocular Review
Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Spotting Scope Review
Pros: Sleek, modern-looking scope that feels solid and well made. Quite compact for an 82mm scope. Very bright, sharp image at 20x magnification that is very good up to about 40x, showing plenty of detail with good colour and contrast. Wide central sweet spot with marginal softening out towards the edge. Dual focus controls make fine-focus easy.Cons: Image degrades … [Read more...] about Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A Spotting Scope Review
