The original, non-ED Celestron Nature DX 8x42 binoculars have received very high ratings among inexpensive, "beginners'" models, usually at the top of the list in the under-$200 category, with performance rivaling that of much more expensive options, e.g. see:
Finding the Best Binoculars for Birding
They are, thus, attractive choices as gifts to young folks.
But I find that there are two versions listed on Celestron's website and on the sites of vendors (e.g., Amazon, B&H Photo) -- a green version, #71332, and a black version, #72322.
Both versions are described as "Nature DX" models, but they have different prices and quite different external appearances -- e.g., different coverings, different badging on the coverings and eyepieces, and absence of "grip depressions" on the bridges of the black version. The differences are great enough to suggest the possibility of different OEMs for the two versions. The green version seems to be the one originally described by experienced reviewers. Coverings, badging, and hinge design of the black version seem more similar to those on the newer, more expensive "ED" 8x42's (#72332).
Illustrations of the three versions, copied from Celestron's website, are attached, in order DX green, DX black, DX ED.
Are there any here that have experience with both of the non-ED versions and/or knowledge of whether the optics in them are really the same as implied by their name?
Larry
Finding the Best Binoculars for Birding
They are, thus, attractive choices as gifts to young folks.
But I find that there are two versions listed on Celestron's website and on the sites of vendors (e.g., Amazon, B&H Photo) -- a green version, #71332, and a black version, #72322.
Both versions are described as "Nature DX" models, but they have different prices and quite different external appearances -- e.g., different coverings, different badging on the coverings and eyepieces, and absence of "grip depressions" on the bridges of the black version. The differences are great enough to suggest the possibility of different OEMs for the two versions. The green version seems to be the one originally described by experienced reviewers. Coverings, badging, and hinge design of the black version seem more similar to those on the newer, more expensive "ED" 8x42's (#72332).
Illustrations of the three versions, copied from Celestron's website, are attached, in order DX green, DX black, DX ED.
Are there any here that have experience with both of the non-ED versions and/or knowledge of whether the optics in them are really the same as implied by their name?
Larry
