Minox HG Question

I am interested in the Minox HG binocs and am trying to decide between the 8.5X43 and the 8.5X52 versions. Is there any discernible difference in optical quality between the two? What is the benefit of the larger objective? I did notice that the 8.5X52's have a much narrower field of view compared to other 8X binocs I've researched. Is that a valid reason to shy away from them? Thanks for your help.

Hi

Under conditions of nearly total darkness, the 52 will give better image brightness, but we are talking only a small difference and you pay a very significant penalty in terms of weight and cost. Any good 42mm bino and this is certainly one, will take care of you for low light work well past the time you need to tun on car lights to see. I do not personally think the trade off is worth going with the larger bino.

It is very typical of 50mm and larger versions in a series to have a narrower FOV since a 50mm + version uses the same eyepieces as the 42mm version, but the eyepieces are optimized for the 42mm version, not the larger 50+

Jne_K wrote:Hi

Under conditions of nearly total darkness, the 52 will give better image brightness, but we are talking only a small difference and you pay a very significant penalty in terms of weight and cost. Any good 42mm bino and this is certainly one, will take care of you for low light work well past the time you need to tun on car lights to see. I do not personally think the trade off is worth going with the larger bino.

It is very typical of 50mm and larger versions in a series to have a narrower FOV since a 50mm + version uses the same eyepieces as the 42mm version, but the eyepieces are optimized for the 42mm version, not the larger 50+

Thank you for the response. The field of view for the 8.5X52 Minox HG is listed as 289' at 1000 yards. Is this acceptable in your opinion for binocular to be used for wildlife viewing? Ordinarily I would not be considering this binocular except for the fact that I would be using it quite a bit in near darkness.

Hi

Yes, I consider that adequate, though a bit less than average for an 8x. Really a matter of your ability and experience - have used many binos with less and no problem, but I have been using binos for over forty years.