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Hawke Frontier ED |
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CJarvis
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/19/2011 Location: OK Status: Offline Points: 128 |
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Posted: December/07/2016 at 13:28 |
Gents,
I'm looking at getting either a Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 or 10x43 based on Ilya's review/recommendation on his site. If I read it correctly, he prefers the 8x over the 10x in this price range (approx. $300) I think I'd actually prefer the 10x based on my experience with my old Burris Landmark II in 10x42. Is there a reason to go with the 8x instead? I'll be using the binos for scouting and hunting game mostly, but occasionally at sporting events. Should I be looking at another optic in this price range? Budget is pretty much inflexible as it would be my Christmas present. |
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WJC
Optics Journeyman Joined: May/28/2014 Location: Twin Falls, ID Status: Offline Points: 328 |
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8 power will be easier to hold steady, will have a wider field for easier target acquisition, and will offer a slighter brighter image in low light situations. Does this outweigh the benefits of image recognition? Only you can decide. |
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CJarvis
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/19/2011 Location: OK Status: Offline Points: 128 |
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I never felt handicapped by the 10x Landmark II's and the FOV of the Hawkes is 346' vs the Burris' 305', so the 10x42 it is.
I expect that the Hawke binos will be significantly better than the Burris that they replace. |
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Klamath
Optics Master Joined: May/20/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1308 |
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I tend to agree that the Hawke will be a significant improvement over the Landmark.
Magnification preference is a personal deal, and nobody but you can answer the question of which is best for you. The only way to do that is to use both for long enough to make the call yourself. The thing is, both 8x and 10x work. I frankly don't think 8x suffers at all in ability to discern detail at distance when compared to 10x. In addition to being able to hold steady, which Bill pointed out, keep in mind that as you increase the magnification you make your eyes and brain work harder to ferret out the image information. The Hawke is the same basic binocular as the Zen Ray ED series binoculars, as well as the Vortex Talon, and those are very good glass, so I'd bet you will like the Hawke. |
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Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron |
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CJarvis
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/19/2011 Location: OK Status: Offline Points: 128 |
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Ok fellas,
Our gracious hosts: 1) Do not have either the green or black 10x42 Binocular in stock. 2) Have no clue when it will be back in stock. What are my options to get the same quality at the same, or nearly so, price without having to go elsewhere? |
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gunut
Optics Apprentice Joined: March/17/2016 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 59 |
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get the 8.....
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gunut
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Klamath
Optics Master Joined: May/20/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1308 |
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If you want to buy from SWFA, the best bet is to call them. When I have done that I have always found a competent and helpful individual on the other end of the line. Explain your needs, uses, and budget and let them give you an assist. Something might show up on the sample list as well.
What stands out to me from the current SWFA selection include the Zeiss Terra, Nikon Monarch 7, and the new Sig Sauer Zulu 5. They list the ZEN ED 3, which is basically the same thing as the Hawke, but might be out of stock as the ZEN ED 4 has supposedly been coming out for several months now. Those are a bit above where you want to spend, but the extra $ will likely be worth it. I don't see the Vortex Talon listed anymore, which is another binocular basically identical to the Hawke. Zen Ray happened to be one of the very first out with that particular design.. Outside of SWFA, Google Tract, Alpen, and Endeavor. I was going to include Kruger Caldera. SWFA used to carry those, but I don't see them there anymore. Those are lines out host does not carry, so no links from other than an online search. EDIT: Don't know where my head was, but the Hawke Sapphire would be a nearly identical optical alternate, just a different frame housing. Edited by Klamath - December/10/2016 at 10:47 |
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Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron |
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CJarvis
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/19/2011 Location: OK Status: Offline Points: 128 |
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I was able to get the Hawke. It appears, from my little window on the world, that the Hawkes may be more commonly drop-shipped than stocked.
The Hawke is a significant improvement over my old Burris Landmark II's. much better resolution and low-light performance. I'm glad I can't get my hands on an "alpha" binocular though. I'd be skinned alive by the CFO (read wife) for spending that much! |
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