I've been reviewing the Kite Lynx HD since late December, and have to say that they've done a superb job.
I've been very impressed with its all-round performance, not just for an 8x30 binocular, but for a mid-size binocular in general. It produces and excellent, detailed, high-contrast view, with a very large central sweetspot and a huge field of view. When you look through the Lynx HD you get that elusive feeling of immersion in the scene. Instead of just bringing the view closer, you feel as if you're there, in the middle of things. It's a quality few bins achieve.
It's exceptionally bright, given the comparatively small objective lens, and delivers excellent low light performance -- much better than I was expecting. Colours to me appear spot on, with no apparent colour cast, and there's no sign of chromatic aberration in normal use, and it's very difficult to induce even when you're trying.
The only real negative optically is that in some high contrast conditions with overcast skies, or low directional sunlight, there was some reflection on the upper edge of the field of view -- but it is only occasional, and moving the binoculars slightly all but eliminated it -- so it could be something to do with eye-relief and my eyes.
I also loved the ergonomics. The Lynx HD is an absolute joy to carry and use in the field.
The only other niggles are really minor ones. The twist-up eyecups are really comfortable, but it would be better if they "clicked" into position and offered multiple "stops". As it is they occasionally move when you're carrying the bins around, which can be awkward if you want to get on a bird quickly. A locking dioptre adjustment would also be a nice touch -- although I never had an issue with the setting changing at all.
All told this is an outstanding little binocular -- ideal for travel or anyone looking for something lightweight and convenient that doesn't compromise much, if anything, in terms of image quality and performance.
Bottom line: I sometimes grab the Lynx HD instead of my Swaro SLC HD when heading off for a tramp around patch -- they're that good.
You'll find a full review of the Lynx HD on the Ireland's Wildlife site -- I won't link to it here, as I've been warned by admins re. linking to my own site -- but it's easy to find if you want to read it.
