Best Nikon EDG (4 Viewers)

[[email protected]]

"My everyday bin is a 10x32 EL FP, which fits me perfectly and (as I don't suffer from rolling ball) is an absolute joy. The downside (and shhh, don't tell Dennis ) is that in bright, reflective, difficult light, the view can become a little compromised, and for some reason, it is more apparent to me now without glasses, than it was when I was wearing glasses. Thus, my interest in the 10x32 EDG."

The fact the Swarovski's have a lot of glare is a fact, and you definitely don't have to tell me. I have dumped all my Swarovski's because of veiling glare.

 

[Scott98]

Sourcing a really good example could be tricky though.

The 32's went extinct some time ago unfortunately while the 42's are still alive & well in Japan.

Allbinos has some nice reviews of the 8x32 EDG and 8x42, 10x42. For me, the 7x42 are my favorite of the three 42's. I've avoided seeking out a pair of 32's because the weight difference is not that much, I think only 3 ounces lighter than the 42's?? Nowadays you could get an 40mm SFL or Nikon MHG 42 for the same weight.

 

[dries1]

The 32's went extinct some time ago unfortunately while the 42's are still alive & well in Japan.

Allbinos has some nice reviews of the 8x32 EDG and 8x42, 10x42. For me, the 7x42 are my favorite of the three 42's. I've avoided seeking out a pair of 32's because the weight difference is not that much, I think only 3 ounces lighter than the 42's?? Nowadays you could get an 40mm SFL or Nikon MHG 42 for the same weight.

But you have a 7X preference anyway, right?

 

[Bentley03]

The 32's went extinct some time ago unfortunately while the 42's are still alive & well in Japan.

Allbinos has some nice reviews of the 8x32 EDG and 8x42, 10x42. For me, the 7x42 are my favorite of the three 42's. I've avoided seeking out a pair of 32's because the weight difference is not that much, I think only 3 ounces lighter than the 42's?? Nowadays you could get an 40mm SFL or Nikon MHG 42 for the same weight.

Yes, I missed the boat on the x32's. I could have purchased new 10x32's not so long ago from the supplier I purchased my x42's from, but at the time the 10x42 felt like the correct way to go. No regrets, I adore the 10x42, which has been my companion on every coastal trip I've made over the past few years. It is an extraordinarily relaxing 10x in use. I actually thought I'd found a new old stock 10x32, but the already attached neck strap and loose hinge suggested it was far from new, so I passed.

The 7x, I know you're a huge fan and recently bought one. I've tried the 7x on several occasions and just couldn't get comfortable with them. I never really understood why. I have 7x Ultravids and Retrovids and a 7x30 SLC currently being given some TLC in Absam. Love them all, but the 7x EDG I inexplicably didn't. Strange.

Yes, there are lighter alternatives to the 10x32 EDG, alternatives with larger objectives at a similar weight, but optically, there is only one EDG.

 

[[email protected]]

Yes, I missed the boat on the x32's. I could have purchased new 10x32's not so long ago from the supplier I purchased my x42's from, but at the time the 10x42 felt like the correct way to go. No regrets, I adore the 10x42, which has been my companion on every coastal trip I've made over the past few years. It is an extraordinarily relaxing 10x in use. I actually thought I'd found a new old stock 10x32, but the already attached neck strap and loose hinge suggested it was far from new, so I passed.

The 7x, I know you're a huge fan and recently bought one. I've tried the 7x on several occasions and just couldn't get comfortable with them. I never really understood why. I have 7x Ultravids and Retrovids and a 7x30 SLC currently being given some TLC in Absam. Love them all, but the 7x EDG I inexplicably didn't. Strange.

Yes, there are lighter alternatives to the 10x32 EDG, alternatives with larger objectives at a similar weight, but optically, there is only one EDG.

The EDG 7x42 never did it for me because of the 8 degree FOV. At 7x that is only a 56 degree AFOV and anything under a 60 degree FOV, especially at 7x, just doesn't cut it for me. I don't know why most 7x binoculars have a relatively small AFOV compared to most 8x. AFOV is primarily what gives the wow factor when you look through a pair of binoculars, and almost all 7x have a puny AFOV compared to most 8x, except for the Zeiss FL 7x42 and the Nikon WX 7x50.

 

[Scott98]

But you have a 7X preference anyway, right?

Yup, but I do like the others too, I have 8x42 and 10x56 that I like. I have said the 10x42 EDG is my favorite 10x42 binocular. The ease of eye placement is excellent for that size, I think that's one of the things Bentley likes about them. My 8x42 SF did beat out my 8x42 EDG, I do appreciate the extra FOV more at 8x. The 10x42 EDG has an AFOV nearly as large as the 10x42 SF though.

The 7x Leica and Nikons both have 8 degree field, I'm used to a 7.3 degree field in my 7x35E porros so it feels wide. It's easy to get 8+ degree field in 8x binos these days so it spoils you, I get it. I'd love to try those 7x42FL someday if I get a chance, that would be huge AFOV and 7x and light weight.

Yes, there are lighter alternatives to the 10x32 EDG, alternatives with larger objectives at a similar weight, but optically, there is only one EDG.

I just checked, so the 8x32 EDG are 655 grams, the 8x42 are 785 grams. So it's 23 ounces versus 27.5. I guess it's worth it. You would lose some of the edge sharpness and gain some lateral color with the 8x40 SFL. I"m sure some 32mm EDG can be found...I've seen them in the BF classfieds and I think there are some listed on ebay right now, although they want a king's ransom for them.

 

[Scott98]

PS...it sounds crazy, but somehow I prefer the balance of the 7x42 EDG to the 8x and 10x. Something is different, the 7x are weighted more to the back or something. Just one of those weird factors that appeals to me, it can't be measured. I tried to balance them on the edge of a table to meaure it and couldn't see a difference but they feel slightly different.

 

[Scott98]

OK, so you have the 10X32 NL, what about 8X?

btw you're probalby the only person will all the EDG - how would you answer the question? Is there a favorite

 

[dries1]

Only the 8X32/42 and 10X42, they are all good.

 

[laurencejackson]

I have just snagged a supposedly 'excellent condition' 7x42 EDG on gumtree here in Australia, one elderly owner, low miles etc, serial no. 000183....we shall see! I'm hoping to get it in a couple of days, but not a bad price I think at the equivalent of $850 US.

I haven't owned an EDG before and the only 7x42 I had was an FL nearly 20 years ago, which I liked but sold to a friend soon after. I am probably more of an 10x42 person now. As I get older, I find my eyes gravitating to higher mags and 8x leaves me feeling a bit underwhelmed. So why did I go for these 7x ??? Well, a good deal, an easy view with glasses and a simple change of view I guess

I would be interested in a 10x42 EDG (or 10x32 which is a spec I really like), if anyone feels like unloading them!

 

[dries1]

I have just snagged a supposedly 'excellent condition' 7x42 EDG on gumtree here in Australia, one elderly owner, low miles etc, serial no. 000183....we shall see! I'm hoping to get it in a couple of days, but not a bad price I think at the equivalent of $850 US.

I haven't owned an EDG before and the only 7x42 I had was an FL nearly 20 years ago, which I liked but sold to a friend soon after. I am probably more of an 10x42 person now. As I get older, I find my eyes gravitating to higher mags and 8x leaves me feeling a bit underwhelmed. So why did I go for these 7x ??? Well, a good deal, an easy view with glasses and a simple change of view I guess

I would be interested in a 10x42 EDG (or 10x32 which is a spec I really like), if anyone feels like unloading them!

There is a 10X42 EDG for sale on Cloudy Nights, however he is in the US. See how the 7X42 fits you first, then decide on the 10X42.

 

[laurencejackson]

There is a 10X42 EDG for sale on Cloudy Nights, however he is in the US. See how the 7X42 fits you first, then decide on the 10X42.

Will do. Thanks for the heads up

 

[mwhogue]

Yes, I missed the boat on the x32's. I could have purchased new 10x32's not so long ago from the supplier I purchased my x42's from, but at the time the 10x42 felt like the correct way to go. No regrets, I adore the 10x42, which has been my companion on every coastal trip I've made over the past few years. It is an extraordinarily relaxing 10x in use. I actually thought I'd found a new old stock 10x32, but the already attached neck strap and loose hinge suggested it was far from new, so I passed.

The 7x, I know you're a huge fan and recently bought one. I've tried the 7x on several occasions and just couldn't get comfortable with them. I never really understood why. I have 7x Ultravids and Retrovids and a 7x30 SLC currently being given some TLC in Absam. Love them all, but the 7x EDG I inexplicably didn't. Strange.

Yes, there are lighter alternatives to the 10x32 EDG, alternatives with larger objectives at a similar weight, but optically, there is only one EDG.

Bentley,

There is "something" about the EDG 7x42 which for me requires very precise IPD and eyecup adjustments depending on conditions, whether wearing glasses, and eye shields. Maybe it's the 22mm ER. But once dialed in they deliver a very relaxing view.

Mike

 

[NDhunter]

In my experience, the best EDG is the one that you have with you.
Jerry

 

[Scott98]

Here's the current Nikon Sport optics brochure, 2023-2024, with more information on the EDG if anyone's interested....

https://imaging.nikon.com/sport-optics/lineup/dl/catalogue/SportOpticsCatalog_2023-2024.pdf

 

[SivaL]

In my experience, the best EDG is the one that you have with you.
Jerry

I was going to write the same. Purchased EDG 8x42 from BF and have quickly become my favorite. The 19.3 mm eye relief is just rght for use with glasses. The light weight and compact size allowing one hand operation are a plus. Planning to write a review comparing them to SV 8x32 as they are similar in a few areas. The EDG also offers better glare suppression.

 

[Bentley03]

Bentley,

There is "something" about the EDG 7x42 which for me requires very precise IPD and eyecup adjustments depending on conditions, whether wearing glasses, and eye shields. Maybe it's the 22mm ER. But once dialed in they deliver a very relaxing view.

Mike

I'm sure you're right, Mike, but I just couldn't find that sweet spot, despite experimenting with set up over the course of several hours on several walks. Setting up a recently acquired 8x32 EDG, on the other hand, was simplicity itself, everything just fell into place, it is a perfect fit, and I do prefer how it handles over the EDG x42's.

 

[NDhunter]

I found something about how Swarovski describes when the question is asked about which
model is best.

"The choice isn't which is best, but which is best for you".

This applies to all brands and models. Common sense.
Jerry