Hawke endurance pc and sapphire ED 8 X 25 compact binoculars

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 to choose from. Obviously the company’s comprehensive range of ‘scanners’ includes a few basic ‘budget priced’ models but if you require something that offers far more by way of ability and durability 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.

COMMON TRAITS

Both share certain commonalities of build including the lightweight robust magnesium alloy ‘twin-hinge’ bodies, which are nitrogen-purged to ensure they’re water and fog proof and fully protected from the elements. Their high performance optical systems consist of phase-corrected Bak 4 prisms and fully multi-coated lenses that ensure a clear crisp, and bright high resolution image. They also give a 119m FOV @ 1000m. 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.

First up are the Endurance PC 8 X 25 Compacts. Measuring 102mm long and 62-104mm (closed to open). The main focus wheel is set in the middle at the 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 near as 1.8m. 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. Also on both models are friction fit rubber lens covers and lens cloth.

EDL GLASS

Alternatively the equally compact Sapphire ED 8 X 25 measures 100mm long and 65 - 103mm wide.

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 1.6m. In my opinion the optical clarity and edge-to-edge 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 387762, www.hawkeoptics.com