Hello all.
I have been reading reviews and trying different types of binoculars. I am looking for a pair of 8x42s or near to that for birdwatching and was impressed with the Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 and the Steiner Skyhawk Pro 8x42. I also tried out the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 SwaroVision but looking up a street in Edinburgh probably is not enough of a trial to make a definite decision. I am swinging more towards holding off for a few more months to save the extra money for the Swarovskis, but does the price difference reflect the difference in quality, performance etc? I can only tell so much between the binoculars whilst standing outside a shop for a limited time, so a lot of the decision process has to be made by reading reviews and asking questions. After reading a review on the Hawkes on this forum, there doesnt seem to be much difference between them and the high end binoculars when you consider the difference in price.
All opinions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Andy.
If you are a series birder, who uses his binoculars all of the time and wants/needs the best image, and if you have loads of dosh then get the SVs. If you just need an extremely good pair of bins with an extremely good image then get the Hawkes. If you cannot tell the difference then get the Hawkes. If you want the "badge" and want people to see it then get the SVs!
There is such a difference in the quality and price that it is difficult to compare them. As you seem unsure I would suggest you get the Hawkes, having said that I bet you end up with the SVs!!
Good luck.
Paul
You'd probably be hard pressed to justify such a bug price difference but one thing I'd say for sure is that you wouldnt regret buying the Swarovskis.