The introduction of the Viking Badger range offers a cost-effective approach to achieving fantastic quality with activities such as birdwatching. These binoculars have become firm fan-favourites thanks to both their compact design and high-performance optics. This range is available in a wide range of different model sizes and overall magnification power. However, Viking felt as though there was one member of the family missing.
The Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars are the latest release within the range and certainly offer the highest performance. These binoculars build upon the standards previously set by Viking and expand on them. Viking set the benchmark when it comes to affordable high-quality binoculars, and these are certainly no different. These binoculars are only available in one focal range, though these are suitable for all occasions and activities. The 10x magnification provides an incredibly in-depth zoom on any objects. In addition to this, the wide lenses available on the binoculars create an image which is both bright and defined.The Viking Badger 10x50 binoculars will provide high-quality images from dusk to dawn. The combination of powerful magnification with wide diameter lenses contribute to the incredibly high-performance available here. Whether using these for birdwatching or stargazing, you can guarantee fantastic results.
This review will take a closer look at the design and performance that the Viking Badger 10x50 binoculars offer. Factors such as the powerful magnification power creates new opportunities for these binoculars. Activities such as stargazing were previously not accessible with the other models within this range. However, the Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars are paving the way for a richer user-experience. With everything taken in to consideration; how well do these binoculars actually perform?
Design and Build
The Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars are bigger and heavier in comparison to other binoculars within the range. This is to compensate for the increase in the objective lenses and the overall quality available. However, these binoculars still maintain the core design features that we have come to expect from Viking. Features such as the rubber-armour coating still remains in place to offer protection to the binoculars. This also helps to ensure that the binoculars are resistant to water damage during use.
As previously mentioned, these binoculars are much bigger in comparison to the other Viking Badger binoculars. The measured dimensions (172x136mm) are an increase on models such as the Viking Badger 10x42 (140x125mm). In addition to this, these binoculars weigh in at 820g - though this is to compensate the increase in size. Despite these changes, the binoculars still feel comfortable to hold and will still be suitable for people of all ages.
The inclusion of the rubber-armour build design ensures that they are resistant to all conditions. This is particularly helpful for dealing with whatever the Great British weather throws at you. The rubber-armour coating also helps to improve the user's grip when using the binoculars. This helps to prevents them from slipping out of your hands during use. This ensures that the Viking Badger 10x50 binoculars are ready to go at all times.
The use of nitrogen within the lenses is another feature which Viking have brought over to these binoculars. This not only prevents fogging within the lenses, but also helps to reduce the build-up of dirt. This ensures that the binoculars are suitable for use in the Winter season without any problems. The prevention of the build-up of dirt will also ensure the binoculars stay clean for longer.
Staple features such as the twist-down eyecups are present again with the design of these binoculars. The inclusion of this feature allow for users to find the optimal position for their eyes when using the binoculars. Finding the perfect position for your eyes will not only improve the image quality, but increases the rate of eye-relief. Increasing the level of eye-relief will result in an improvement in the comfort for the user. This feature is particularly helpful for those that wear glasses.
Finally, it is important that the overall functionality of the binoculars are smooth and easy to use. Thankfully, these binoculars perform fantastically well and making adjustments is simple. Finding the optimal position that best suits your preferences is easy thanks to the focusing wheel.
There is a fantastic balance with the Viking Badger 10x50 between the build design and the performance that it offers. Despite the increase in size and weight, the binoculars still feel excellent to hold. This is especially important for long-term use of these binoculars. The overall operation and adjustments are simple and hassle-free. This makes finding the optimal position for your needs incredibly easy. If you are looking for binoculars which balance comfort with high-power optics, then this is certainly the one.
Quality of Optics
When reviewing the performance of binoculars, the most important part to consider is the quality of the optics. Viking have long established themselves as a high-quality brand which delivers fantastic results. The introduction of the Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars is certainly no exception to this rule. The combination of the multi-coated lenses with the BAK-4 prisms provides crystal-clear images. Furthermore, the wide lenses allow for an increase with the light transmission through the binoculars. This allows for the image to be as bright as possible and these will perform well even in low-light conditions.
The impressive quality that these binoculars offer makes them extremely versatile for a wide range of tasks. Activities such as birdwatching and watching sports work particularly well with these binoculars. The powerful magnification zoom makes it easy to view objects well in the distance. However, these binoculars also work for activities such as stargazing. This is unique to the Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars as others within the range are not powerful enough for this. This is due to the magnification zoom and the increase to the objective lenses. Therefore, if you are considering starting your starwatching journey, then these are the perfect option.
Despite the powerful magnification zoom, these binoculars do not compromise on any of the image quality. The inclusion of the BAK-4 prism design provides a viewable image which is bright and clearly defined. This is receives a further increase thanks to the multi-coated optics. Both of these features contribute to an increase in the light transmission through the binoculars. These binoculars establish a new benchmark for the Viking Badger range. Considering the price that these are available for, it would be hard to find better value for a long-range option.
As previously mentioned, the lenses of these binoculars contain nitrogen to help reduce any fogging. This contributes to how effective these binoculars are when used in the Winter seasons. The images remain crystal-clear even during use in cold conditions which helps makes these binoculars versatile. Furthermore, the ability for the binoculars to perform in low-light conditions further contributes to how dependable they can be. This helps make them a fantastic choice for any stargazing activities.
Another important factor to consider with the optics of these binoculars is the field-of-view (FOV) that they offer. The FOV essentially dictates how easy it is to track objects when viewing them through the lenses. The FOV of these binoculars sits at 5.2° which is fairly narrow in comparison to other binoculars. However, this is to balance the powerful magnification that these binoculars offer. This makes these binoculars far more suitable for focusing on far objects which do not require much tracking.
Finally, the last point worth focusing on is the eye-relief that these binoculars offer. The eye-relief is the distance from your eye to the eyepiece on the binoculars. A higher rate of eye-relief will ensure that the binoculars are comfortable to use. Thankfully, the Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars provides an eye-relief of 18.2mm. This provides a fantastic level of comfort for the user and will certainly prevent any potential strains.
Performance
The Viking Badger binoculars certainly offer a lot of value when you consider the quality that they provide. However, it is important to test how well these perform during use. Thankfully, these binoculars provide a fantastic experience and deliver crystal-clear images at all times. The Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars certainly deserves consideration as the next addition to your collection.
The level of quality available with these binoculars is clear from the get-go. The pairing of the BAK-4 prisms with the multi-coated optics provides an image which is both bright and clearly defined. The wide lenses play a crucial role in this and helps to highlight the quality these binoculars offer. The overall results were impressive. Whether using these for birdwatching or for stargazing, you will certainly experience fantastic results.
However, it is worth noting that these binocular do not contain Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass. This glass is typically only available in models at higher prices and this maximises the quality that you can expect. Due to this, you may experience some colour fringing when using these binoculars. This is very minimal and does not take away from the overall image - though it is worth noting. If you prioritise the image quality over the range, then I suggest looking at the ED Binoculars that we have available.
The key selling point that the Viking Badger binoculars offer is how versatile they can be. The Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars are excellent regardless of the activity that you are participating in. From birdwatching to stargazing, these binoculars deliver excellent results and provide stunning images. These are the only binoculars within the range that are suitable for use for looking at the stars. However, this does cause a reduction in the FOV as a result of the powerful magnification.
The overall build quality of these binoculars highlights the level of quality available. The inclusion of the rubber-armour coating not only protects the binoculars, but also ensures that they are waterproof. This provides the binoculars with fantastic durability and keeps them in a good condition for as long as possible. In addition to this, features such as the nitrogen in the lenses perform exceptionally well and reduce all fogging. This makes these binoculars perfect for the Winter season.
Everything about the Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars feels excellent to use. The adjustment of features such as the focusing wheel feels smooth and hassle-free. It not only delivers high-performance results, but it also provides a fantastic user experience. Viking maintain their long tradition of delivering high-quality binoculars at a cost-effective price. There certainly feels like there is a lot of value on offer with these binoculars.
Finally, these binoculars arrive with some additional accessories included. Items such as a carry case and rain guard are available with the binoculars for some extra protection. The material used for these accessories are certainly high-quality and provide some convenience for when traveling with the binoculars. Whilst not everyone will gain the benefits of this, they do still add some extra quality.
Verdict
The Viking Badger 10x50 binoculars are the final addition to the Viking Badger range and it certainly completes the set. These binoculars combine a powerful magnification zoom with images which are incredibly bright and detailed. This ultimately makes them suitable for a wide range of activities including birdwatching and stargazing.
The overall optical and build design lives up to the standards previously set by Viking. The inclusion of the rubber-armour coating ensures that these binoculars remain safe during use. Furthermore, this allows for the binoculars to be ready to face any conditions and remain fully operational. The handling and operation of the binoculars feels smooth and certainly user-friendly. Making adjustments is quick and easy, and really allows for you to be versatile with the binoculars.
If you are looking for a powerful pair of binoculars, then the Viking Badger 10x50 are certainly worth considering. These binoculars bring a new dimension to the Viking range and open up new opportunities. Whether you are an avid stargazer or just starting out, these binoculars are the perfect choice.
