My EII arrived (1 Viewer)

[elkcub]

I second that. I've got a 10x50 826 Kestrel and it's very impressive. To all intents and purposes it's a 10x version of the Audubon except that the edge sharpness is better. Astronomers seemed to appreciate it more than birders during its lifetime. There's an old review at
http://www.telescopes.uk.com/Reviews/Swift10x50.htm

Thanks for locating that old review for me. As you know the early 826 was called an Audubon, later to be called an Audubon Kestrel, and then just Kestrel. The latest HR/5 version with fully multi-coated optics is second to none in my opinion for hawk watching and shore birding — except if it's raining I guess.

Ed

 

[Pinewood]

Frank,

However, my "urge" to buy binoculars (keeping in mind that I don't really need any more so I respond to urges) is always determined by the totality of the experience, as opposed to some particular aspects that might make a huge difference to others. Very few products meet that personal criterion.

Ed

Ed,

The "totality," the gestalt, the optimization or the design compromise is what we experience at first glance. Then we should analyze why we enjoy the experience before we start looking for the deficiencies. Of course, it pays to be able to give an informed opinion.

At the moment, my biggest complaint against the 8x30 EII, is that its coatings do not suppress all reflections from the eyepiece. As I wear eyeglasses, the low winter sun can produce some annoying reflections. I have Zeiss and Leica binoculars which handle this problem, but on a clear, dry day, I will probably chose the EII. On an overcast day, I may chose the Swift Audubon. With these two binoculars, the expansive fields are worth the trouble of shading my eye.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

 

[Pileatus]

I look at the E models as mere temptation. The SE 8X32 is the creme de la creme of these two series because it has enough of everything (excellent FOV, lightweight, rugged, superb coatings, minimal CA, minimal distortions, etc.). Hopefully, Nikon will keep the model alive.

John

 

[FrankD]

I look at the E models as mere temptation. The SE 8X32 is the creme de la creme of these two series because it has enough of everything (excellent FOV, lightweight, rugged, superb coatings, minimal CA, minimal distortions, etc.). Hopefully, Nikon will keep the model alive.

John

John,

I am glad you replied. You have to be the biggest advocate for the SE that I know so I am curious to hear your comparison of the SE to the EII. Have you compared them? I seem to remember seeing a comment of yours somewhere about running into a woman who had an EII but was considering upgrading to an expensive roof. If I remember correctly you talked her out of it.

I am eager to compare them myself. I should have my SEs back by this weekend. Hopefully the rain holds off on Saturday or it won't be either the SE or EII that goes out with me to bird. (said a bit tongue in cheek)

 

[Curtis Croulet]

I have no plans to "upgrade" from the EII to the SE. My new EII achieves the goals stated in my post #5.

 

[Pinewood]

Ed,

If I may ask, why do you say that? From what I have read most folks believe the SE is "superior" (no pun intended) to the EII in terms of image quality. I cannot say I agree or disagree at this point because I haven't been able to compare the two directly. However, the EII has left me with more of an impression at this point.

FrankD,

The SE has its points, but the lack of kidney bean affect and the EII's great Field of view, 8.8º vs the SE's good 7.5º, has relegated my SE to the shelf. That may be only 68 feet at 1000 yards, but it is also 10.2º of additional apparent field.
Please see my comparison in post #25 in the following thread:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=34701

You will be able to make your own comparisons, which will certainly be as valid as mine or any other user's opinion.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood

 

[cbushme]

Frank,

Better get to it. There was only one pair of 8x30 E2 left after I bought mine five minutes ago (naturally). Nice price too.
Ed

Afraid it's true. The 8x30 EII is no longer even listed on the Eagle Optics website. Might want to grab a 10x35 EII while you still can. A great buy at $299.

 

[Chris C]

Hello all,

Thanks all for the feedback on the nikon e2 and se in response to my "not enlightened..." post.

I've been tempted by the 10x35 e2 for a while and even called eagle optics (they had only 4 left a couple of weeks ago), but just couldn't justify spending >$300 right now for what will definitely be a backup set of bins.

However, I wasn't able to pass up a pair of basically new in the box pair of 10x35 e (old) off astromart for a good deal. I should get them in the mail next week. Though the coatings will leave something to be desired, no doubt, I'm looking forward to having them around as "glovebox" bins. I'm also hoping they'll help me finally decide whether 8 or 10x is my preferred all around bin (intellectually, i lean toward 8, but seem to have a nagging desire for more power...).

I'll post impressions once i've had a chance to make some comparisons.

Cheers,
Chris C. a.k.a the Cheap Guy

 

[cbushme]

However, I wasn't able to pass up a pair of basically new in the box pair of 10x35 e (old) off astromart for $130.
Cheers,
Chris C. a.k.a the Cheap Guy

Congratulations on a super deal! I think Ingraham said when he reviewed the new EII's on BVD that the EII's were equal to or maybe slightly better than the old E"s. You'll have an oustanding pair of "back-up" bins for $130.

 

[Curtis Croulet]

The EII has disappeared from Eagle Optics' website. Someone here bought the last one.

 

[FrankD]

Will they get more or is that it for them?

 

[elkcub]

My EII arrived too ...

The EII has disappeared from Eagle Optics' website. Someone here bought the last one.

My 8x30 EII arrived today, a day early. Mine were supposedly the next to the last ones at EO. So, I now have 30 days to evaluate them. |:S|

Ed

 

[Pinewood]

My 8x30 EII arrived today, a day early. Mine were supposedly the next to the last ones at EO. So, I now have 30 days to evaluate them. |:S|

Ed

Ed,

Be careful with them, in case you want to return them. There may be others waiting for one to be returned.
Let us know the first overall impression as well as the details.
I doubt that you will give up either your Audubon or your Swarovskis, but you may find it interesting.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood

 

[elkcub]

Ed,

...
I doubt that you will give up either your Audubon or your Swarovskis, but you may find it interesting.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood

Arthur,

What a hoot — :'D That was EXACTLY my first impression!

Ed
PS. I will be careful with them, if not for me then for someone else. o

 

[Pinewood]

A different way to review binoculars

Arthur,

What a hoot — :'D That was EXACTLY my first impression!

Ed
PS. I will be careful with them, if not for me then for someone else. o

Ed,

Perhaps we need a review in the style of a wine columnist:

This is an example of a small, impertinent binocular, which is trying to be expansive. There are a few colourful overtones but there are some sharp contrasts, which stand out from the otherwise bland base. However it is reliable and would be a good accompaniment to an ordinary excursion but will not stand up to rigourous conditions.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood

 

[elkcub]

Ed,

Perhaps we need a review in the style of a wine columnist:

This is an example of a small, impetinent binocular, which is trying to be expansive. There are a few colourful overtones but there are some sharp contrasts, which stand out from the otherwise bland base. However it is reliable and would be a good accompaniment to an ordinary excursion but will not stand up to rigourous conditions.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood

Arthur, you're precious. :t:

Ed

 

[Tero]

Well, guys, it is all kind of hoyty toyty, like wine. I know I will see exactly the same number of birds for the next two months, whatever the bins, but will I enjoy the fine plumage as much?

The scope is a different matter. I know I could get more birds with a better scope. But then I would feel obligated to use it every week. For the money spent.

 

[Chris C]

My E arrived

My 10x35 e arrived that I bought off astromart, as new in the box including a 25 year warranty card. My initial impressions are favorable--nearly as bright as the trinovid 8x32 bns, not quite as contrasty, just barely enough e.r. for me. The completely unsexy packaging will suit my purposes perfectly (these will sit in my desk at work where the risk of my leicas walking has been a concern). Will post more details later, but to extend the wine analogy, these are definitely "drinkable" as we used to say...

One question for anyone familiar with the various incarnations of the e line. These have a C in a circle on both the box and printed on the bins (see picture, sorry its a bit dark)-- any clues about what the c signifies? The coatings reflect green, if that's any hint.

Thanks!

 

[Curtis Croulet]

There's no "C" on my 8x30 EII, either on the box or bin.

 

[iporali]

One question for anyone familiar with the various incarnations of the e line. These have a C in a circle on both the box and printed on the bins (see picture, sorry its a bit dark)-- any clues about what the c signifies?

I have no idea about the "C", but I noticed the angular FOV of your Nikons was labelled as 6.6°, whereas most sources mention 7.0° for the 10x35EII. It does look like there are different versions of this bin.

Ilkka