Hawke Endurance ED 8 x 32 Binoculars

Binoculars are a key tool for many outdoor enthusiasts, and shooting applications are many and varied. Surveying the landscape and monitoring prospective quarry has to be high on the list. However, as any hunter will testify, just being out in our glorious countryside and enjoying nature up close, can on many occasions, be reward enough. Quality binoculars can bring this world alive, but certain design features can make a big difference to the overall experience.

Slick spec

On show here are the Hawke Endurance ED 8X32 binoculars, and the specification is a nice balance in terms of performance versus compactness. ED stands for Extra-low Dispersion glass, which is designed to reduce colour fringing. Fully multicoated lenses are also used, as is fairly standard these days. As for the internals, Hawke specifies the system as utilizing ‘High resolution, phase corrected BAK-4 roof prisms’, which if I’m honest, leaves me not entirely any the wiser! One thing is for sure though - real-world performance is the result.

So, what exactly do you get inside the smart protective packaging? Well, first there’s the binoculars themselves, supplied in smart green for the test, although you can specify black. Then, there’s a stiff case, complete with an adjustable carry handle, an adjustable padded strap for the binoculars, front and back lens covers, instruction booklet and lens cloth.

Set-up

The first job is to thread the carry strap through the clips on the binocular body. It’s worth taking time to do this fiddly job properly and securely, as then you won’t have to worry in the field. The rear lenses get a neat, dual flexible rubber cover, and whilst this easily pulls off, it is something to lose if you’re not careful. For this reason, I would thread them onto the strap, so they are linked in. The front lenses get their own flip-down covers, so no such worry there.

With the strap sorted, it is worth just checking that the binoculars are set to your eyes. This is easily done as per the instructions. With the dioptre set to the centre, first, cover up the front lens on the right-hand side, and using the central focus wheel, turn until the image in the left eyepiece is sharp. Now, cover the left lens and turn the rear dioptre adjuster until the image is sharp. I followed this routine as instructed, but the dioptre was only just off centre. Worth taking the time though nonetheless.

Hands-on

Handle these Endurance EDs, and the initial impression is of a slick, robust and nicely made product. The rubber textured feel to the magnesium alloy body offers real grip, and with subtle ergonomics, such as the small indents on the reverse for the thumbs and those side panels of moulded ‘chequering’, the body feels just right in use, plus can be confidently handled whatever the weather. As with any binoculars, the two barrels are gently pulled apart or pushed together to suit the individual’s eye position. In use, the movement offers just the right amount of resistance, so is firm and smooth. When it calls for ‘ultra compact’, simply dispense with the case and twist the tubes together, so that the binoculars are just 4” across and are easily dropped into an overcoat pocket.

Eye relief is listed as 0.7”, and whilst I often picked up these binoculars and viewed without thinking (or knowingly experiencing a problem), a quick twist of those ultra-slick ‘twist-up’eyecups at the rear keep your eyes at just the right distance for a full image. Indeed, use them to set the eye relief, then mark their setting, or even tape them, and comfortable viewing is assured.

Vibrant

Take these binoculars into the field and the image quality is quite superb. The depth of field has to impress but add in that effortless focussing and these Endurance EDs get a big thumbs up. The image is ultra-crisp as well as clear, and as it stands, at £229, I reckon these Hawke binoculars would stand up to much more expensive opposition. ‘High resolution, with no loss of detail’, is how Hawke’s marketing line goes for this model, and take one look through, and I defy anyone to not be bowled over.

We are talking easy, smooth operation, with stunning visuals. Where binos are concerned, what more could you ask for? As for the negatives, all I can come up with is the fact that there’s no tripod mounting point, which whilst handy, isn’t vital.

Quality guaranteed

It should come as no surprise that these field glasses are also waterproof and fog proof (nitrogen purged), plus Hawke’s warranty states that they guarantee the product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner (10 years within Europe), which all sounds pretty fair to me.

As mentioned, binoculars are an invaluable piece of hardware, called upon to do a serious job. These Hawke Endurance EDs are a great design, with a satisfyingly compact specification. They are well thought out, with an air of quality that makes them ideal for any serious country enthusiast.