10 replies to this topic

[drt3d]

I just got a pair of Nikon 8x30 EII binoculars from Japan (via ebay).

 

My reaction: WOW!!

 

I searched and found this thread:
https://www.cloudyni...x30-eii-review/

 

This comment struck a chord. Someone said that he had a chance to try several binoculars at a “binocular buffet”. Everything was as expected “.....that was until I got around to a lone pair of lowly left-over 8x30 E2s. This was one of those rare times in looking at binoculars that I put a glass to my face and EVERYTHING literally seemed to "click" as far as view and optical quality, ergonomics that "felt right", general feel of quality in the build and mechanics, and just an overall "wow" effect in comparison to what I was expecting after looking through so many others.”

 

I felt exactly the same way. It’s only been a couple of hours looking around the house, and outside, in daylight, and I felt compelled to come here and say something.

 

Here is the kicker: I also have a Swarovski NL Pure 8x32 that I got a couple of days ago. I am switching between the two and I am not sure which one I like more. This speaks volumes for the Nikon, which costs 1/5 of the price of the Swarovski.

 

George

[MT4]

It must be the huge AFOV (70 degrees) and the stunning central sharpness.

 

Congratulations on your new 8x30 Ell.

Edited by MT4, 09 October 2023 - 05:15 PM.

[Milos1977]

Thats great quick report :-) 

I would love to read more of comparison between your  NL pure and EII . I always wandered what the nearly 6x more expensive NL pure has better in real world than EII. Sharpness near the edge of view for sure. Brightness! Even wider AFOV? 

Please do let us know. 

Edited by Milos1977, 09 October 2023 - 05:19 PM.

[drt3d]

Yes, those for sure. Also:

 

The way it fits on my face (I do not wear glasses, and rolled the eyepiece guards) and how nicely it stabilizes the view.
The way I can hold it and the weight seems just right

The extra depth perception from the increased distance of the objectives (compared to the Swarovski)

 

PS. Except for close-up viewing where the Swarovski performs better exactly because of the smaller distance of the objectives and closer focus.

 

 

It must be the huge AFOV (70 degrees) and the stunning central sharpness.

 

Congratulations on your new 8x30 Ell.

[drt3d]

Without looking/comparing numbers/specs, just switching from one pair to the other:

- Sharpness seems comparable

- Brightness seems comparable
- Field of view seems comparable

- Stability when handheld is comparable (with the optional headrest for the Swarovski)

 

I am sure the Swarovski is better constructed and has a lot going for it, but if I was given both pairs to test and buy one of the two, I would have bought the Nikon. I feel that it gives me a comparable viewing experience for a lot less money.

 

George

 

 

 

Thats great quick report :-) 

I would love to read more of comparison between your  NL pure and EII . I always wandered what the nearly 6x more expensive NL pure has better in real world than EII. Sharpness near the edge of view for sure. Brightness! Even wider AFOV? 

Please do let us know. 

[astroneil]

Without looking/comparing numbers/specs, just switching from one pair to the other:

- Sharpness seems comparable

- Brightness seems comparable
- Field of view seems comparable

- Stability when handheld is comparable (with the optional headrest for the Swarovski)

 

I am sure the Swarovski is better constructed and has a lot going for it, but if I was given both pairs to test and buy one of the two, I would have bought the Nikon. I feel that it gives me a comparable viewing experience for a lot less money.

 

George

Totally agreed.

Its bigger brother, the 10 x 35 EII is awesome too

Extremely enjoyable instruments!

 

Best wishes,

Neil

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[Milos1977]

Oh, I was mistaken being under false impression that NL Pure has wider FOV than E2. It is in fact 8.8° vs 8.5° in favor of Nikon actually. EII rules. ****!😎

[Scott99]

Not sure what direction you want to go, but if you like the NL 32's you could keep them and swap the E2's for 10x35 E2's.  They're excellent and "big aperture" for only a little more money than the 8x30 E2. 

 

It is nice to have a pair of weatherproof binos.  I am reluctant to take my porros out in any kind of wet or damp weather.

[drt3d]

I went ahead and ordered the Nikon 10x35 E2.

 

I always liked the porro binocular design, but after seeing and owning some of the best roof prism binoculars, I realized that they are overall better. These Nikons are changing my mind. I will be happy to add them to my collection of binoculars, in addition to the roof prims binoculars.

 

 

Not sure what direction you want to go, but if you like the NL 32's you could keep them and swap the E2's for 10x35 E2's.  They're excellent and "big aperture" for only a little more money than the 8x30 E2. 

 

It is nice to have a pair of weatherproof binos.  I am reluctant to take my porros out in any kind of wet or damp weather.

[Erik Bakker]

Congratulations George,

 

I am confident you will enjoy both the 8x30 EII and 10x35 EII, hopefully for a long time to come!

[Rich V.]

I have not regrets having both 8x and 10x EIIs.  It didn't take me long to get the 10x after the 8x.  That was 20 years ago when they were $300. each, though, which would be $500. today.  Since they share the same eyepieces, switching between the two is effortless.  Both have their strong points and they feel like a natural extension of my eyes with their easy view.

 

I do have WP binos in 8x and 10x if I need it but I live in a dry climate where my E and EII binos seem to thrive.