93 replies to this topic

[Mike W]

My favorite all around binocular from Nikon.

 

 

[Mike W]

So no one out there has a pair? (of MHG I mean)

 

https://www.birdforu...l.410002/unread

Edited by Mike W, 03 May 2025 - 12:38 PM.

[Mike W]

https://www.birdforu...8x42-hg.444530/

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I'm not sure what you are looking for.

 

If they are favorite all around binocular from Nikon, at least you could explain why are they so, and why you prefer them over models in the same price range from competing brands.

[Mike W]

Light weight

Great ED glass

Phase corrected

8.3* FOV

You would have to pay $1000.00 more for a better edge

click stop adjustable eye guards

locking diopter

No plastic

Great case, strap covers 

I could go on

[ButterFly]

I would add the rather well flattened field for astro use.

 

They also come with flip-cup-less objective rings.  That's a great place to glue on some M43-M48 step rings, to allow for astro filter use.  These do wonderfully with two h-beta filters under dark skies.  The M48-M49 rings are there for daytime polarizer use (nearly always), and more rarely, yellow filters.

 

 

If you really need the flip-cups, for some reason, just use the objective covers with the flip cups as needed, then use the filtered objective covers as needed.

 

Cure all glue far, far away from optics.

[Spikey131]

I have the 10x42 and 8x42 versions.  I use one or the other several times per week.  I consider them a “best buy” given their very high quality and reasonable cost.  I’m not looking for anything else.

[Mike W]

These are the only binoculars that beat my Swift Audubon HR5 that I thought I would never sell.

[violpoet]

Literally totally new to this forum.  Have placed an order for these binoculars above all other contenders.  Been researching for at least six months, literally, what could possibly be the best binos for a newbie scoper.  Combo of optics and cost and field of view.  My telescope probably two or three years away but I will begin this way.  Glad to find your thread.  Will follow.  I have MUCH to learn, but given my research, I can't think of a better way to start.  Thanks.

[Mike W]

Literally totally new to this forum.  Have placed an order for these binoculars above all other contenders.  Been researching for at least six months, literally, what could possibly be the best binos for a newbie scoper.  Combo of optics and cost and field of view.  My telescope probably two or three years away but I will begin this way.  Glad to find your thread.  Will follow.  I have MUCH to learn, but given my research, I can't think of a better way to start.  Thanks.

Be sure to let us know how you like them. BTW I looked at your signature and you might want to consider the 24mm Delos that's coming soon. It should have a flatter field than the 27 pan.

Edited by Mike W, 04 May 2025 - 10:50 PM.

[Scott99]

You would have to pay $1000.00 more for a better edge

Not necessarily   EDG isn't that much more.  Or different types of binos like 7x50SP.  But there's no reason to make an upgrade, the MHG are nice.  For me the light weight and high transmission are the best parts
 

[Mike W]

For me 7X50 are crap for daytime, too heavy & wasted E/P. At night they do bring out the LP nicely! (that's why I sold my 7X50 SP) EDG no longer made. I get why some worship at the altar of the SP but not me and please keep it to the SP site. 

Edited by Mike W, 05 May 2025 - 10:09 AM.

[Scott99]

I'm glad you like the excellent MHG Mike!  The EDG are still made, I recently bought a new 7x42 from Kyoie for only about $200 more than MHG.  You said you'd have to pay $2,000 to get flatter field than 8x42 MGH and 7x50SP gives you flatter field for less money.   Or at least until the sale on them ends, then they will cost a few hundred more.  Just trying to throw some correct facts into the dialogue I guess?   You did mention a comp to Swift binos yourself.

 

I do like the Nikon MHG, especially the 8x30.  I wish they'd make a 50mm or 56mm version of MHG.  The light weight would certainly be welcome over heavier binos.

Edited by Scott99, 05 May 2025 - 10:27 AM.

[Mike W]

The SP gives a flatter 8.3* field? 

[Erik Bakker]

The EDG models that are still in production are the 42mm’s. The 32mm EDG models are no longer made.

[Erik Bakker]

The 7x50 SP has a 7.3 degree true field. Flat and sharp to the edge.

[Mike W]

That's my point, you are giving up a full degree even though it's sharp to the edge to me I like that extra degree, light weight, excellent daytime use etc. I also don't care for a 7X and 10 unstabilized are too shaky. 8X42 or 8.5X44 are perfect.

Edited by Mike W, 05 May 2025 - 10:44 AM.

[Scott99]

The SP gives a flatter 8.3* field? 

The MGH field is wider and also a smaller exit pupil is better for most astro work, I get it!  I do like them, I've tried the 8x42, the 10x42 and 8x30 MHG.   I think I like them better than SFL's or Conquest. 

Edited by Scott99, 05 May 2025 - 10:42 AM.

[Erik Bakker]

My 8x42 EDG has a 7.7 degree true field, as opposed to the 7.3 degree field of my 7x50 SP. They are very different instruments. I enjoy both for what they do best.

[Mike W]

I remember the first time I looked through a Swift Audubon while I was working at Milford Camera, the word wow came out! They weren't perfect to the edge by no means but there was something about them that just clicked with me. Fast forward to now and that same feeling I got with the MHG! Since I have sold my Audubon HR5. I've never looked thru a EDG and don't want to feel like I'm missing something in the MHG since I'm more than content with them. 

[Erik Bakker]

Your MHG is fine! A great and well balanced instrument 

[Scott99]

I remember the first time I looked through a Swift Audubon while I was working at Milford Camera, the word wow came out! They weren't perfect to the edge by no means but there was something about them that just clicked with me. Fast forward to now and that same feeling I got with the MHG! Since I have sold my Audubon HR5. I've never looked thru a EDG and don't want to feel like I'm missing something in the MHG since I'm more than content with them. 

You're not missing anything.  I'm not sure I would say the EDG are better optically than the MGH, just different.  They both have some advantages.  They have better edge sharpness but the MGH are wider.   The EDG focuser is a little nicer but comes with extra weight.  The MGH seemed sharp and contrasty to me, I don't think they're losing anything to EDG in that area either.  I think the MHG has the latest and best coatings & glass from Japan.

Edited by Scott99, 05 May 2025 - 11:25 AM.

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The EDG models that are still in production are the 42mm’s. The 32mm EDG models are no longer made.

What is the source of that?

 

I think Nikon Japan would say that it is a current model.

[Erik Bakker]

What is the source of that?

 

I think Nikon Japan would say that it is a current model.

No. Nikon Japan calls the 32 EDG models an “old product” i.e. no longer made.

 

[Erik Bakker]

Only the Nikon EDG 42mm models can still be ordered new: