Choosing binoculars which offer Extra-low Dispersion (ED) will certainly offer you the highest possible quality. The use of ED glass helps the binoculars to create an image which is both clear and defined. The inclusion of ED glass helps the binoculars to remove any colour fringing. Therefore, if want to maximise the overall quality on your binoculars then this is the best option.
Incorporating ED glass in to binoculars is becoming more common, and so there are a wealth of opinions available. Both mid-level and high-end binoculars usually utilise this glass - though this varies depending on the model. However, deciding which option is best for you can be tricky. There are a number of factors which help separate each model and this will help dictate which is best. Thankfully, I have spent some time with each model to help you with your decision.
Read More: Is ED Glass Worth The Extra Cost?
1. Viking Peregrine ED 8x42 Binoculars (£319.95)
- Extra-low Dispersion glass for perfect-picture images.
- Powerful 8x magnification zoom.
- Dielectric and phase-coated BAK-4 prisms.
- Rubber-armour protection and waterproof.
The Viking Peregrine ED binoculars deliver the highest possible image quality and overall performance. The combination of both the ED glass and multi-coated lenses ensures the image always appears bright and clearly defined. The inclusion of the Extra-low Dispersion glass eliminates colour fidelity and helps to create a flawless image at all times. This is by far the most impressive option within the Viking range - though the price certainly reflects this.
The inclusion of phase-coated BAK-4 prisms further increases the overall performance of these binoculars. This helps to increase the overall light transmission passing through the lenses. This ultimately leads to a brighter image - even during use in low-light conditions. These impressive features help to establish the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars as the top performer within the range. Whether using these for birdwatching or general observation, you can expect unrivalled results.
The Viking Peregrine ED offers fantastic protection against the elements thanks to the rubber-armour build design. This rubber coating not only offers excellent protection for the binoculars, but also ensures that they are waterproof. This ensures that the binoculars are ready for anything the weather may throw at them. Furthermore, the use of nitrogen within the lenses prevents both fogging and the build up of dirt. This feature is vital for maintaining the pristine condition of the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars.
Finally, these binoculars offer a 10 year warranty for additional peace of mind. With everything available with this bundle, it is clear that these binoculars offer extreme value. If you are looking for the best possible results, then look no further than the Viking Peregrine ED binoculars.
2. Viking Kestrel ED 8x42 Binoculars (£199.00)
- Extra-low Dispersion glass for perfect-picture images.
- Dielectric and phase-coated BAK-4 prisms.
- Rubber-armour protection and waterproof.
- Nitrogen within the lenses to reduce fogging.
The Viking Kestrel ED binoculars provide a cost-effective approach at delivering similar quality levels as the Viking Peregrine ED. Features such as the use of ED glass and BAK-4 prisms are available with these binoculars. Both binoculars are very similar in their designs and functionality - though there are some differences which separate them.
These binoculars deliver a flawless image thanks to the combination of powerful optics and the BAK-4 prism design. This helps to remove any colour fringing and creates an image which is bright and clearly defined. The Viking Kestrel ED binoculars are suitable for use in all light conditions which make them fantastic all year round. Furthermore, these binoculars offer a FOV of 8.1° which is actually wider than the Viking Peregrine ED offers. This makes tracking objects such as birds much easier.
The Viking Kestrel ED binoculars share the same build design and functions as the Peregrine ED. Features such as the rubber-armour build and nitrogen within the lenses are still present. However, the Viking Kestrel ED binoculars (629g) are slightly heavier in comparison to the Peregrine ED (600g). Whilst there is not a big difference, it is certainly worth noting when comparing the two.
Finally, these binoculars offer fantastic quality at an affordable price. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate user, the Viking Kestrel ED binoculars are an excellent choice. The combination of powerful optics and the compact build design make them suitable for all occasions and users.
3. Viking Merlin ED 8x42 Binoculars (£239.95)
- Extra-low Dispersion glass for perfect-picture images.
- Dielectric and phase-coated BAK-4 prisms.
- Rubber-armour protection and waterproof.
- Includes carry case, rain guard, and carrying strap.
The final entry on to our list comes in the form of the Viking Merlin ED binoculars. These binoculars are a fairly recent development from Viking and maintain their tradition of delivering fantastic quality. These binoculars offer a much more compact and lightweight build design in comparison to the two previous models. However, this takes nothing away from the quality output that the Viking Merlin ED binoculars can offer.
The Viking Merlin ED binoculars makes use of the ED glass and BAK-4 prisms to deliver perfect images. The images viewable through these lenses are perfect and without any distortion. Combining these powerful optics with the compact design of these binoculars makes them the perfect travel companion. In addition to this, these binoculars offer a wide FOV (8.1°). This makes them perfect for activities such as birdwatching.
These binoculars are more than able to match the same level of quality as the Viking Kestrel ED binoculars. If you are looking for the most compact design, then the Viking Merlin ED is certainly the way to go. This allows for the binoculars to easily fit in to your pockets when not in use. This helps makes them the perfect choice for any long-term trips that you plan on going on.
However, this compact size takes nothing away from how durable these binoculars are. The rubber-armour build is still available on this model and this maintains the waterproof design. Design features such as the nitrogen in the lenses are also still available here and work extremely well. The overall operation of the binoculars feel excellent and incredibly user-friendly.