Hawke Compact Binos

As many hunters will agree a pair of good-quality compact binos are very handy to have in your kit bag. Not surprisingly Hawke Sports Optics has a good selection of options to choose from. Obviously the company’s comprehensive range of ‘scanners’ includes a few basic budget-priced models, but if you require optics that offer far more by way of optical quality and ruggedness of manufacture then expect to pay more for the higher specification and performance. In that respect two very fitting examples are the Hawke Endurance PC and Sapphire ED 8 X 25 here featured.

Both share certain commonalities of build, including the lightweight robust magnesium alloy twin-hinge design body casings, which are nitrogen purged to ensure they’re waterproof fog-proof and fully protected from the elements. Their highperformance optical systems consists of phase corrected Bak 4 prisms and fully multicoated lenses that ensures a clear crisp, and bright high resolution image, and they also give a 119 metre FOV @ 1000 metres. However, while both have the usual features of twist-up eye-cups, dioptre adjuster and main focus dial it’s mainly the layout/placement of the latter two operating mechanisms that’s most apparent.

Enduring Optics

First up are the Endurance PC 8 X 25 Compacts. Measuring 102mm in length and 62mm wide in the closed position, increasing to 104mm when fully opened out – the precision focus wheel and dioptre adjuster on this model are in the more traditional positions for a pair of binos. That being, the main focus dial is set in the middle at the very rear of the body casing while the dioptre adjuster is at the base of the right eye-cup. Both dials are generously sized with wide ridging making them very easy to operate. The exceptional viewing performance is also capable of producing sharp ‘close focus’ images from as close as 1.8 metres. Available in Black or Green/Black they come supplied with a high-quality Nylon carry case with detachable adjustable shoulder strap and a padded neck strap for attaching to the lanyard points on the binos themselves. Incidentally, both models come with both straps detailed plus friction fit rubber lens covers and lens cloth.

On Your ED

Alternatively the equally compact Sapphire ED 8 X 25 measures 100mm in length and is 65mm wide in the closed position, which increases to 103mm when fully opened.

The high-performance optical system on this particular model is also boosted by Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass in the objective lens. This reputedly helps eliminate chromatic aberration and gives an even more impressively sharp sight picture right down to 1.6 metres. In my opinion the optical clarity and edge-toedge resolution of the Sapphire was the better of the two and the best I’ve ever experienced in a pair of compact binoculars in this price bracket.

As mentioned earlier, the layout of the operating dials differs, as the Sapphire’s feature a small serrated edge dioptre adjuster positioned discreetly at the rear, which will not be accidentally adjusted during normal use. The main focus dial is much larger but equally low in profile, positioned in front but slightly set-back from the front of the body casing.

Available in a stylish Satin Black finish, these superb compacts come supplied with a high-end quality black leather carry case, as well as all straps, lens covers and lens cloth.

NAME: Endurance PC 8 X 25 & Sapphire, ED 8 X 25 Binoculars
PRICE: SRP£109.95 and £194.95 respectively, including Hawke Worldwide Warranty
CONTACT: Deben Group Industries Ltd 01394 387 762 www.deben.com, www.hawkeoptics.com