Hawke Sport Optics Binoculars - Sapphire ED Top Hinge 8x42, Green

I bought these as a gift for my father. He is a birdwatcher and has never owned high quality binocular. I knew that he would probably never spend even half this much, so I proposed the idea to go in with my brother and my sister together and get him a really nice one. We agreed that we would arrange for him to open the "Christmas" present on Thanksgiving, as he participates in an annual bird count in early December. I knew that the important specs to him were 8 x 42 and close focus. Our budget allowed for up to 500.00.When it arrived, I eagerly opened it up to check it out. The first thing that stood out to me was the stunningly beautiful leather case. My next thought was if they put that much craftsmanship into making the case, they must be very proud of their product. I first became familiar with the Hawke brand from reading reviews on air rifle scopes. They are very highly acclaimed by airgun enthusiasts for putting out some of the best optics in their class. When I opened the case, and held them, I had a hunch that I had made a good decision on which one to purchase. It was dark that day, however, so I really didn't get a chance to check out the optics thoroughly, and I wrapped it up and put it away.On Thanksgiving, my family was gathered at the table, and as we were finishing our turkey dinner, I excused myself to grab the gift. The three of us were eager to try them out, after he had a look through them. Well, I can honestly say, we were all very impressed. The clarity was amazing, even around the edge of the field of view, and the close focus... FREAKY CLOSE. We were able to focus clearly on the face across the table, which almost seemed to me as if I was looking into my sister's soul. Like I said... FREAKY.I really can't fairly compare these to top tier binoculars that cost 1500.00 and up (as I do not have a pair to test them against), but what I can say is that for under $500.00... WOW. I really don't think you could do any better. These are absolutely stellar. A little over a year ago, I bought a Celestron Trail Seeker 8 x 32 for myself. Those run just north of $200.00, and I am very happy with them, but they are not in the same class as these. I really like my Celestron, but man, I might just have to save up and get myself a Hawke Saphire. I absolutely recommend this if they are in your budget. I can't think of any reason to spend more. In short, Hawke is an outstanding company that puts out an outstanding product at an outstanding price.Update: 11/28/2017Just re-checked the Celestron Trail Seeker. I was surprised to see that the 8 x 32 Trail Seeker, which sold for $220.00 less than a year ago, are now selling for 160.00, and the 8x42 version is now selling for under 200.00. Unbelievable... Oh well, I found mine used for $100.00 in like new condition. If you are looking for a sub $200 binocular, that is hard to beat. However, if you crave a little more (not that the Trail Seeker is bad, they are very nice), I still recommend the Hawke, if you can afford the extra $. The Saphire ED is definitely the superior binocular between the 2.

These are a discontinued model but seem to have the same ed glasses the current top of the range. Brilliant binoculars. Clear view and ergonomically sound. Build quality is great with easy focussing and a fairly stiff diopter adjustment which is what you want. The focus ring has no backlash and the flip down lens covers are excellent. Well pleased with this purchase.

Excellent. They made all the difference on our safari holiday.

Brilliant Bins

Das Hawke Sapphire gehört zweifellos zu den Top-Produkten in der mittleren Preisklasse. Die Abbildungsleistung ist schlichtweg hervorragend, gestochen scharf und sehr farbneutral. Das große Sehfeld von 142m auf 1000m ist weit mehr als manche deutschen Hersteller anbieten. Im direkten Vergleich mit einem Steiner Ranger Xtr 8x32 (hat natürlich weniger Dämmerungsleistung, da 32er statt 42er Objektive) war das Bild deutlich heller; bei einer weit entfernten Amsel konnten mehr Gefiederdetails erkannt werden. Der Vergleich ist zwar wegen der unterschiedlichen Objektivdurchmesser nicht ganz gerecht, man kann aber dennoch die relevanten Produktmerkmale wie Farbneutralität, Kontrast und Auflösungsvermögen miteinander vergleichen. Hier befindet sich das Hawke Sapphire auf einem Spitzenplatz.

Magnífica óptica, construcción y ergonomia. Al nivel de prismáticos mucho más caros. Muy buena atención al cliente de hawke. No creo que haya mejor opción por ese precio.