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Joe Rawles Bird Watching Binoculars FAQ Mistle Thrush in flight Frequently Asked Questions about binoculars

Looking to buy a pair of binoculars?
Our helpful FAQ is here to help you understand all the terminology used to describe binoculars.
We've also included a handy field of view conversion chart to change figures from degrees to m@1000m and ft@1000yrds.


Vortex Bantam HD 6.5x32 Vortex Bantam HD

24/10/2023 - A budget offering from Vortex, but is this little 6.5x32 binocular the 'real deal'? We take a look.

86% Rating


Zeiss SFL 40mm Zeiss SFL

07/04/2023 - A new 'alpha' binocular from Zeiss, but how does the SFL compare with the Zeiss Victory SF or Swarovski models? Take a read to find out.

90% Rating


Vortex Diamondback HD Vortex Diamondback HD (2019 model)

08/10/2020 - The latest makeover of the Vortex Diamondback binoculars with HD glass. See how they compare to the previous generation and other competitors.

84% Rating


Swarovski NL Pure 12x42 Review Swarovski NL Pure 12x42

04/07/2020 - A first look at the brand new Swarovski NL Pure 12x42 binoculars, available from September 2020.


Viking Peregrine ED 8x42 Viking Peregrine ED

10/11/2018 - Viking's top of the range Peregrine ED binoculars are put to the test, with comparisons drawn to the Viking Kestrel ED and Merlin ED binoculars.

84% Rating


Opticron Explorer WA ED Oasis-C+ 8x42 Opticron Explorer WA ED Oasis-C+

09/08/2018 - Following on from our 2012 review of the original Explorer WA binoculars, find out how the latest 2018 models fare with their ED glass and Oasis-C+ prism coatings.

84% Rating


Hawke Frontier ED X 8x42 Hawke Frontier ED X

27/04/2018 - The latest evolution of the Frontier ED family, we take a good look at the new ED X in both the 8x42 and 10x42 models.

88% Rating


Viking Kestrel ED 42 Viking Kestrel ED

23/03/2018 - One of Viking's new 2018 models, the Kestrel ED 8x32, 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars get put through their paces in our birder's review.

84% Rating


Zeiss Victory SF 8x42 Zeiss Victory SF 8x42 (2016 Model)

13/09/2017 - Hands on with the latest Zeiss Victory SF model. Find out how these alpha binoculars fare in our birdwatcher's review!

92% Rating


Opticron Traveller BGA ED Opticron Traveller BGA ED

29/03/2017 - We test the newly arrived (long anticipated) Traveller BGA ED 8x32 and 10x32 binoculars, looking at optical and build quality, comfort, accessories and value for money.

88% Rating


Vortex Diamondback Vortex Diamondback (2016 Model)

19/11/2016 - After their upgrade at the start of the year, we finally put the new Vortex Diamondback 32mm and 42mm binoculars through their paces.

86% Rating


Vortex Viper HD Vortex Viper HD

30/07/2016 - A review of the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 and 10x42, covering optical quality, build quality & comfort, level of accessories and overall value for money.

90% Rating


Swarovski CL Pocket Swarovski CL Pocket

11/05/2016 - A full and complete review of the Swarovski CL Pocket 8x25 and 10x25 binoculars, tested in field conditions and scored for optical & build quality, comfort, accessories and value for money.

94% Rating


Vanguard Endeavour ED Vanguard Endeavour ED

02/07/2015 - A birdwatcher's review for birdwatchers; we take a good look at Vanguard's Endeavour ED binoculars.

90% Rating


Viking ED-FF Viking ED-FF

23/01/2015 - We get hands on with the new ED-FF 8x42 and 10x42 binoculars from Viking in this review.

82% Rating


Opticron Countryman BGA HD Opticron Countryman BGA HD

20/09/2014 - An in-depth, field test review of Opticron's popular Countryman BGA HD 8x32, 8x42 and 10x42 models.

90% Rating


Hawke Frontier ED 8x32 Top Hinge Hawke Frontier ED Top Hinge

09/08/2014 - A couple of months after their introduction, we have a thorough look at the new 32mm Hawke Frontier EDs.

86% Rating


Hawke Sapphire ED Hawke Sapphire ED

28/02/2014 - See how the Hawke Sapphires got on in our review after they grabbed the 'Best Birding Binocular 2013' award.

94% Rating


Viking Vistron Pro Viking Vistron Pro

28/11/2013 - Our comprehensive review covers all you need to know about Viking's Vistron Pro binoculars.

84% Rating


Viking Navilux 8x42 Viking Navilux

06/09/2013 - A complete review of Viking's Navilux models, looking at optics, build quality, comfort, accessories and value.

78% Rating


Hawke Endurance 8x42 Hawke Endurance PC

31/05/2013 - Read our full review on Hawke's Endurance phase corrected birdwatching binoculars.

84% Rating


Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 Hawke Frontier ED

28/05/2013 - Read our full review on the latest version of Hawke's Frontier ED Open Hinge birdwatching binoculars.

94% Rating


Opticron ED-X vs Countryman vs Hawke Frontier ED Opticron ED-X vs Opticron Countryman BGA HD vs Hawke Frontier ED

09/03/2013 - Three models all retailing for under £400 go head to head in our in depth review.

 


Opticron Imia 10x25 Opticron Imia WP Compact

01/08/2012 - Read the full review on the latest version of Opticrons Imia compact binoculars.

82% Rating


Opticron Aspheric 8x25 Opticron Aspheric LE WP Compact

25/04/2012 - Read the full review on Opticrons first (2003 - 2011) Aspheric compact binoculars.

74% Rating


Opticron Discovery vs Viking Vistron Opticron Discovery vs Viking Vistron

07/04/2012 - Two of the the best 'budget' binoculars go head to head in this comparison.

 


Opticron ED-X 8x42 Opticron ED-X

06/04/2012 - We put Opticrons new budget ED binoculars to the test in this review.

82% Rating


Opticron Trailfinder T3 Compact Opticron T3 Trailfinder WP Compact

31/03/2012 - Read the full review on the latest version of Opticrons Trailfinder compact binoculars.

80% Rating


Opticron Oregon LE WP Opticron Oregon LE WP

08/02/2012 - We review Opticrons entry level Binoculars, the Oregons, to see how they fare in the budget binocular market.

84% Rating


Opticron Discovery WP PC Opticron Discovery WP PC

06/02/2012 - Our review of the Discovery series, of which the 8x42 model won best in test in the BBC's Countryfile magazine.

80% Rating


Opticron Explorer WA Opticron Explorer WA

01/02/2012 - Released in November 2011 and boasting an impressive specification. we review the Opticron Explorers.

86% Rating


Mute Swan in Flight Opticron Verano BGA PC Oasis Opticron Verano BGA PC Oasis

31/01/2012 - Check out our review of Opticrons Verano BGA PC Oasis models.

90% Rating

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