Nikon EDG 8x32 DCF binocular

That edifying moment when you discover something which simply slots into place, feels instinctively right and instantly ‘delivers’ is exactly what I experienced when using Nikon’s new 32 mm EDG binocular for the first time this autumn [2010]. I was let loose with the 8x32, which quickly established itself as being able hold its own against anything else the market can currently throw at it. It rapidly proved itself to be a 32 mm binocular with 42 mm performance.

The beauty of it was I didn’t have to fiddle about adjusting things. The eyecups were comfortable, the focusing smooth and, importantly, the dioptre was easy to use, with none of the all-too-fine adjustment which is sometimes necessary with some models, and ultimately results in aching eyes.

Superb build quality awaits the user. Lightweight magnesium alloy barrels are adequately covered with a nicely textured, non-slip rubber armour and, while there are no obvious thumb-rests, the barrels are contoured to facilitate comfortable holding, curving out to incorporate the strap lugs in such a way that they do not protrude uncomfortably into your hands. The bridge is shapely, distinctively modern and, along with the integrated focusing mechanism, beautifully engineered. The end result is a relatively low weight, well balanced, highly user-friendly binocular that pretty much fulfils all the ergonomic criteria against which most contemporary optics are now measured. The neoprene/cordura strap is also very comfortable and has quick-release length adjusters.

‘Stay-on’ objective lens caps, each with a loop cut into the attachment ring, are designed to fit over a small rubber node positioned to anchor them at the distal end of each barrel. While I would give full marks to Nikon for their innovative efforts to keep these in place, they still don’t stand up to the rigours of field use and they became detached several times, resulting in the early loss of one of them.

An articulated rainguard fits loosely over the opposite end, allowing quick and easy removal without altering the positions of the eyecups, which twist out and click-stop neatly in four positions. Shrouded in soft rubber they fit comfortably against the eye, also forming a mount to attach optional rubber wrap-around – or ‘winged’ – eyecups which aim to eliminate stray light from the sides. Supplied with the binocular, these simply stretch to be slipped on over the existing eyecups and the rubber-to-rubber cohesion keeps them in place. The rainguard does not work with them so the manufacturer has also supplied a pair of small plastic caps which fit inside the eyecups – albeit loosely.

Focusing is achieved via a broadly milled, rubber-covered wheel which is just a little wider than the average finger. The wheel turns exceptionally smoothly while not being too loose. Just over three quarters of a clockwise turn will get you from close focus to ‘distant horizon’ with a very good depth of field; close focus to infinity takes well under one and a quarter turns in total. I found the close-focus distance to lie between 2.0 m and 2.1 m, against the manufacturer’s conservative 2.5 m.

Dioptre adjustment is effected by pulling the wheel upward to disengage the general focusing mechanism and to reveal a calibrated secondary wheel, which has a high turning resistance relative to the general focusing. It is easy to operate, not overly sensitive and, once adjusted, retains its setting when the main wheel is pushed back in place.

Having made minimal, though necessary, adjustments, all that remains is to enjoy the image. The field of view, 136 m at 1,000 m, is about average for this specification of binocular; a couple of top-tier models beat it by about 3 per cent. The image remains virtually uniform across the whole field with edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal curvature of field at the very periphery, presumably as a result of the manufacturer’s ‘field flattener lens system’. I found that chromatic aberration has also been pegged back to a pleasingly low degree due in the main to the use of ED glass.

In all habitats the image remained extremely bright and sharp, with the colours clean, vivid and natural. The rich mahogany of a drake Ferruginous Duck observed on my first day of field testing was outstanding in this respect. To my eyes, this model has a neutral colour cast and I was unable to detect either coldness (blue) or warmth (yellow) normally associated with the colour rendition of most binoculars.

The model also performed extremely well in poor light, returning a high level of image detail, even though the objectives are small. To summarise, I thoroughly enjoyed using the EDG 8x32, which I found to be an excellent binocular in every respect. I would recommend factoring it into the selection process for anyone considering spending upwards of one and a half grand on the currently recognised top-tier brands from Europe.

Nikon makes no bones about its aspirations to ultimately produce the ‘world’s best binoculars’. With the launch of the EDG range it is clearly well on its way.