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About 2 weeks ago I bought these binoculars for the wide field of view (@ 8.2 degrees).

However, the edge to edge sharpness is awful. Stars almost look like nebulas for the last approx. 20% of the FOV.

Is this just something I have to live with? Is this normal on binoculars with a wide FOV?

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The Nikon 8x30 EII has the best edge performance I've seen in a truly WF 8x bin (8.8*). Plus, the fall off at the edges is gradual so for daytime use, you won't even notice it unless you direct your eyes to the very edge.

The EII sold for about $300(now discontinued but they occasionally appear on Amart and eBay).

If you are willing to compromise a bit on FOV (though less so than the Pentax) and are willing to pay about $400-$450, you could pick up a used Nikon 8x32 SE (7.5*). They sell new for $499.

It has the best edge performance of any center focusing 8x bin I've tried. I use it for birding and stargazing. See Edz's report for details.

Qapla' (Good Luck!)

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B'rock, son of Grilka
Member of the House of Kozak
Klingon Poet-Warrior
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"The character of a Klingon poet-warrior is measured not only by the metal of his blade--but also by the mettle of his words."

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