Review of 6X30 binocular with compass

8X30 BINOCULARS WITH COMPASS

(sold out, this article is for information only)

SPECIFICATIONS

Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 30mm
Designed for military application with internal compass and range finder
Military specification to standards GJB1240, GJB150 and MIL-STD-810*
Angle of view: 8°
Field of view: 141m/1000m
Field of view: 423ft/1000yards
Exit pupil: 4.3mm
Eye relief: 17mm
Minimum focus distance: 8m
Focus system: individual
Prism type: porro
Size: 165x75x115mm
Weight: 575g
Waterproof: Yes
Fogproof : Yes
Shockproof: Yes
The cavity in the inside body housing is filled with argon

* we do not have details of these standards, and we do not have any evidence that they comply, other than having been given these details by the manufacturer.

ORIGIN

QUICKTEST imports these from the manufacturers in China who say they are 'military' - they even have "Marine & Military" printed on them, and the manufacturers do quote an impressive array of military standards, supposedly rugged enough to survive a short drop onto concrete (but don't try it!) and supposedly waterproof (but best not to drop it into the sea…just in case). The only way to verify this, would be for me to employ a Compliance Officer who specialised in military optics, and send him to the factory to check. Also, I have never seen a military 8X30, small military binoculars (even today) are 6X30. IF these really are military specification (mil-spec) then I have grossly underpriced them.

REVIEW BY RAFFI KATZ

GENERAL FEATURES

The compass works reasonably smoothly and can be read to the nearest half degree. It also has an illuminator so that you see it in the dark. The sighting graticules are to measure the distance of object of known size, or the size of objects of known distance.

Rainguard to protect against rain /splashes; lens caps are tightly tethered so that they can't get lost; rubber armoured so it should be fairly rugged; exceptionally nice heavy-duty carrying case included.

OPTICAL QUALITY

For me, this is THE important factor, I am really not interested in 'features', I'm only interested in the optical quality. And my verdict? - really quite nice.

I have seen brighter images, it doesn't make me go 'Wow!!", it is not the quality of its larger brother, the 7X50 which, as you would expect, is better due its larger lenses.

But please do bear in mind that I tend to compare all new binoculars with the likes of Fujinon and Zeiss models that sell for over £500.00, and this one is £85.00. This is better than those you would see at a high street photographic shop; the image is impressively sharp and the sharpness extends to the very edge of the lens. That is all quite impressive for an £85.00 binocular.

RECOMMENDATION

Go for this one if you want a 'basic' binocular that is far from 'basic' quality; or if you already have an expensive binocular but want something to leave in the car or take on a backpack holiday (it's lightweight) - you won't be devastated if it gets lost or stolen.

The compass would also be good for map-reading, though I wouldn't like to rely on it for navigating a boat. It also has the 'advantage' of being a full-spec. military binocular complete with sighting graticules.

COMMENT FROM MONK OPTICS

The optical quality is very good, no complaints at all, but the compass doesn't work as smoothly as it should, it sometimes sticks for a second then frees itself, not the quality one would expect of a military binocular.