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Ireland's Wildlife

Irish wildlife, nature and biodiversity

You are here: Home / Archives for Wildlife Reviews / Wildlife Gear / Wildlife Optics

Wildlife Optics Reviews

The latest in wildlife viewing optics independently reviewed by the Ireland's Wildlife team.

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review

October 29, 2020 by Calvin Jones Leave a Comment

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10x42 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

September 29, 2020 by Calvin Jones 1 Comment

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

Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review

December 16, 2019 by Calvin Jones 2 Comments

Hawke Frontier HDX 8x32 Highly Recommended by Ireland's Wildlife

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

April 27, 2019 by Calvin Jones 12 Comments

Hawke Frontier EDX 8x42 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

August 24, 2018 by Calvin Jones 1 Comment

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

May 21, 2018 by Calvin Jones 4 Comments

Hawke Saphire ED Binocular in action

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

September 29, 2017 by Calvin Jones 1 Comment

ZEISS Victory SF 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

July 20, 2017 by Calvin Jones 1 Comment

Kite Caiman 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

December 19, 2016 by Calvin Jones 6 Comments

Vanguard Endeavor EDIV

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

November 11, 2016 by Calvin Jones 2 Comments

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

October 24, 2016 by Calvin Jones 1 Comment

eschenbach-trophy-d-8x42-ed-review

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

April 20, 2016 by Calvin Jones 6 Comments

Hawke Endurance ED 8x32 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

February 2, 2016 by Calvin Jones 1 Comment

Putting the Vanguard Endeavor HD 65A Spotting Scope through its paces

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

September 7, 2015 by Calvin Jones 4 Comments

Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 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

May 3, 2015 by Calvin Jones 2 Comments

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

September 28, 2014 by Calvin Jones 6 Comments

Win a pair of top-quality Vanguard binoculars

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

August 15, 2014 by Calvin Jones 2 Comments

New Vanguard Endeavor EDII 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

July 5, 2014 by Calvin Jones 3 Comments

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

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