After reviewing the amazing Vanguard 10x45 ED glass optics last year, I have rekindled my youthful passion of birdwatching with some pace. The quality of optics available on the market to the enthusiast are becoming so good that when another company, Eden Web Shops got in touch with me requesting I take a look through their glasses, I jumped at the chance to try another focal length out in the field.
I have to say it straight away - Eden Quality 8X42’s are another example of engineering excellence on a budget. The first thing that grabs the user is build quality. Despite a cheaper price tag, there seems to be no lacking in the materials used, which leads to a contented smile. The binoculars are coated with soft compound rubber, which is grippy and tactile in the hand. The usual eye cups extend outwards with a half turn and as they are raised to the eye and the width adjusted, they feel solid and precise.
One feature I love about the ED’s is the right eye dioptre adjuster. The rather than the usual ring near the eyecup, the binoculars sport a fabulous adjuster alongside the focus wheel. The ease and accuracy which the disparity can be reduced, makes setup extremely straightforward. After initially adjusting for each eye, a final ‘both eye’ adjustment snaps them into clarity. It’s so good I wish all binoculars could have this feature.
Optically they are a sensation. The centre of the glass is crisp and full of contrast, with sharpness and clarity on par with the Vanguard’s. The outer edges don’t resolve quite as well as the centre, but the area of acceptable sharpness is generous, which makes observations engaging and the difference unnoticed. Although not as powerful as the 10x45s, the perspective is just as enjoyable. Watching a fox hunting a summer field in evening light was utter joy, with immense detail and density to the colours and tones. Chromatic aberration was minimal, with the only the extreme edges of the image circle showing little if any sign of colour fringing.
Size is perfect, not too big for the camera bag (in my case). They slot in perfectly against by camera bodies and lenses inside the Thinktank Streetwalker Pro. Around the neck, they are also very comfortable, a little tiring after a while, but then what medium sized glasses aren’t?
These binoculars are highly compelling, which is a great opener from this little known company. They excel in their quality, sharpness and colour rendition, satisfying on all counts. Simple to set up and a joy to use in the field, these binoculars are as remarkable in value as they are to use.
Highly recommended.
http://www.edenwebshops.co.uk/en/pt/-eden-quality-binoculars-ed-8x42.htm
0 Comments