Since it has been rather slow on this forum lately I thought I might introduce an interesting topic for discussion. I remember reading in one of Mr. Ingraham's articles ( http://www.betterviewdesired.com/NewLandB.html ) of a curious way in which he evaluated each binocular he tested based on optical quality and what he called "Field-Worthiness". I believe the latter was a reflection of not only the instrument's durability in the field but the overall handling as well.
My recent experiences with the Nikon EII 8x30 brought this article to mind. I must say that I have become quite pleased with the optical performance that this little gem provides yet I still feel a bit of apprehension in keeping it due to the reports of the rubber peeling off and the instruments lack of true waterproofing. In which case, if I had to rate it using the BVD method then it would probably be something like 95% BITHV (nearly perfect but for the distortion around the outermost edges of the FOV) with a 75% field-worthiness rating due to the waterproofing and rubber issues.
On the flip side, I am just about to sell a Zeiss Conquest 8x30 that I have been quite fond of. Ergonomics are great. It is lightweight. The focus is very precise and it is completely waterproof, nitrogen purged, etc... Based on that I would have to give it a 99% field worthiness score (no binocular is perfect). The optical performance is quite good as well. The image is extremely crisp, probably due to Zeiss's exceptional coatings. However, the image lacks some contrast and there is noticeable distortion around the outer 1/3rd of the field. Chromatic aberration is also noticeable but not excessive on high contrast objects. The field of view is also relatively narrow at 360 feet when compared to other roofs of this configuration. Because of this I would probably give it an 85% BITHV rating.
Just for discussions sake and based on the system on the BVD link I posted, how would you rate your binoculars? In addition, why would you put more emphasis on one quality over the other?
Oops, I thought I was in the main bin forum when I posted this. Must have been reading that Swaro thread and forgot. I will ask one of the mods to move it.
Thanks for the response Tero.
The E2 and E II are the same bin. Just different ways of typing it.