Nikon Sportstar EX 8x25 (1 Viewer)

[richardpang]

After checking through the web on the above I noticed that there are a lot of complains with regards to the focusing and eye pieces not working well.
Today i went down to have a look and find that there is no problem with the focusing wheel or the eye pieces. Right now, i have a Travelite V 9x25 which I find is very sharp but a bit dim when viewing in shadowed foliage.
Anyone here have any experience with this Sportstar and if it is better than my Travelite.....Honestly I like the weight and the view through the sportstar and appreciate if anyone who owns this can offer some light as to whether it is ok to get this model. Appreciate any users feedback...Thanks

 

[Howard220]

I have the same Travelite 9x25 and find it very sharp and contrasty (except when pointed toward any light body like the sky....), and I also have a Sportstar 8x25. Nikon USA does not offer an EX 8x25, so I don't know what model that is. They offer a Sportstar 10x25, no EX or anything. Anyway, the focusing on my 8x25 is not good. I always hit a "bump" before I can continue focusing through. The image is soft, too. I swear, they just don't make them the way I want them! The 8x25 is the right magnification and the right size field of view, but the image is soft. The 9x25 Travelite is sharp and clear, but the [apparent] field of view is too narrow.

 

[richardpang]

Thanks Howard if I may call you. Indeed you have clear my mind not to buy the sportstar. Over here its known as the Sportstar EX waterproof and fog proof and as for USA I believe they are known as Trailblazer 8x25. I suppose they are the same but sold in other names The travelite that you have is sold as Ecobins in the USA.
Incidently I also have the Monarch 2010 version 10x42 with dielectric coating which I find not as sharp as my Travelite although its much brighter because of the 42 objective.
You are right the Travlite when view in sunny conditions when pointed to a light source are very fussy ..... Right now I am looking for a good compact set that is better than my Travelite but doesnt cost too much.. hopefully someone here can advise. Thanks again for your quick response, Howard and have a good day........

 

[Howard220]

Richard?, I looked up the 8x25 Trailblazer on the Nikon USA site, and the body of those look quite different from my old Sportstars. The optics may be the same or similar, but still, I wouldn't take my comments seriously enough to deter you from looking at these "Trailblazers."

The Travelites I have are not the USA-version Ecobins. They are the Travelites. The Travelites I own are 9x25 with a 293' field.

Howard