Hawke Frontier ED

[ChrisR]

Getting very close to buying a pair on the Hawke Frontier ED 10x43 binoculars for general birding and wildlife watching. But just wondered if anyone has any opinions on them? They get good write-ups though people usually quote the 8x43 but I feel that I can hold 10x steady enough and I'd probably benefit from the extra magnification, with my dodgy birding skills Is there any reason why 10x43 might not be the best to go for?

[Ferret]

I am not familiar with this make but there are a couple of things you should think about when choosing 10x over 8x binoculars:-

1. There is a greater loss of light at 10x’s which is probably not a problem in bright sunshine but on duller days or at dawn or dusk or in shadow you will probably find you can see a lot more detail threw the lower magnification bins as they will be much brighter.

2. The 10x’s bins will have a narrower field of view that may make it harder to lock onto flying birds and harder to keep them in view if they have an undulating flight pattern, as many small birds do.

3. The 10x’s will have a narrower depth of field then the 8x’s making it harder to keep birds flying towards or away from you in focus.

4. the 10x’s will not focus as close as the 8x’s which if only watching birds will rarely be an issue, but if you enjoy watching insects as well this may be important,

5. No lenses are perfect no matter how much you pay for them I would normally expect to find less distortion on a lower magnification lens.

None of these points should put you of the 10x’s lenses as they may indeed be just what suit you but I think you should consider them before parting with your cash, try and have a look threw both models preferably in low light conditions. Also were do you do most of your birding coastal marshes or open moorland may well suit the higher magnification as there will be more light and the birds may be distant while in woodland there will be less light but the birds are usually closer.

Have a look at this WAB thread testing binoculars ???? I have given a rather long reply on how I test bins, you may find it of some help.

Ferret

[Boddie]

See these threads

Canon 10x30 IS Binoculars

Advice on Buying (cheap) Binoculars

10x42 Binoculars, but which ones???

[ChrisR]

Thanks guys:

* Boddie: Some very positive comments in those threads - similar to what I was finding in other websites

* Ferret: Thanks for those tips - I hadn't considered some of the things you mentioned. As for close-focus (something I would find useful as I am an entomologist) both the 8x and 10x Hawkes are rated at 2m min focus, which sounds plenty good enough for me. At the moment I have an old (25-30yrs) pair of Omiya 8x30s which are pretty naff so I think anything will be a huge improvement. My idea about the 10x was that my father (a very keen birder) has 10x Swaros and I have used them and they are superb. I also have pretty good 20:20 eyesight and I always seem to notice things that are moving a long way away and the 8x have never seemed to resolve enough detail. Granted, a lot of that is due to the lack of light but I am a very fair-weather naturalist so the chances of me going out at dusk or dawn is very unlikely

[Boddie]

Glad it helped. I knew I'd read some good stuff about this brand and model

[ChrisR]

Well, I have invested in a pair of Hawke Frontier ED 10x43 (for £297) and have an agreement with the shop that I can swap them back for the 8x43 if I find them too strong. So, I'll let you now what I think when I get my hands on them!

[ChrisR]

Well, I received my Hawke Frontier ED 10x43s yesterday (so I haven't had a chance to test them in the field, just the garden) but I have to say that I am mightily impressed! They feel solid but are pretty light and easy to hold, close focus is great (2m) ... but the resolution and brightness is really amazing. I swear that the world gets brighter when I look through these bins, compared to just using eyes - I can't wait to take them to the coast

[natureshooter]

lol,yes i have just bought some of these today!8x43 ed,the world does get brighter,im amazed,compared with zeiss at £1300 and there is very little difference.
I was looking at a robin this evening in the garden,i could not see any detail or indeed and real colour with naked eye,but through these it came alive,bright,colourful,and high contrast.

Absolutely a bargain and a great investment.

I know this thread is old,but mine are new.and im happy

Cheers all Gaz

[wizzo]

After trying a pair of Hawke Fronteir ED's out, on a dull day, I immediately decided to sell my Leica 8x32's. If the leica's are better (I don't actually think they're as good!) then, there is no way that I can justify the extra £700. Everyone that I go birding with, own either leica or Swarvo' bins and they are all very impressed. One guy that has just forked out £1500 on the latest HD Swarvo's, wouldn't even look through my Hawke's. He said he didn't want to know, having just spent all of that money! I'm getting curious now, as to how good the Hawke Ed scopes are. If they are as good as their bins, my Leica 77 spotting scope will be going next! Wizzo

P.s....the Hawkes actually focus closer than the leica's!

[natureshooter]

I find that quite funny that he wouldnt look through them,it just goes to show,you dont have to spend big money to get "alpha" binoculars.

Although i guess the die hard swarovski and leica users with big pockets dont like to admit it.Although you cant take it away from them,that they are stunning.

I feel i have got an absolute stunning pair of binoculars for a great price.

Where as if i had bought those zeiss i was comparing with i dont think i could of slept at night.

Hard to believe but the difference was minimal.didnt get any wow factor after trying the hawkes out.

Thanks Gary