It was recently brought to my attention that one of my favourite binoculars and Winner of the Best Safari & Travel Binocular for 2010, the excellent Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars was being offered at a hugely discounted price at a number of optics retailers. In fact many of the models within the Minox BL range are now on sale, making this a great time to get your hands on a quality pair of German optics at a very reasonable price.

For example the Minox BL 8X44 BR Comfort Bridge Binocular is currently for sale at Eagle Optics for only $401:
Sale Price: $409.99
List Price: $559.00
You Save: $149.01 (26%)

Check Prices and where to buy

You can check the sale prices at Eagle Optics or Amazon in both the US and UK below:

More about Minox BL Binoculars

One of the stand out features of Minox’s BL binoculars is their open bridge design, or as they like to call it, their “Comfort Bridge”. This design ensures that your grip on them, even with one hand is just that much more secure. This is really important when for example you are walking through dense vegetation the chances of them being knocked out of your hand is greatly reduced.

This body is also fully waterproof and because it has had all internal air replaced with dry nitrogen gas filling, you won’t get any fogging of the internal optical surfaces, even under severe temperature fluctuations and places with very high humidities.

Other Minox Comfort bridge highlights include fully multi-coated optics and phase-correction coatings on the roof prisms.

More Information & Further Reading

• Read my full review of the Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars
• More about Minox Binoculars
• View all Minox Binoculars reviewed on Best Binocular Reviews

New Edition of a Classic – The MINOX BL 8X42 and BL 10X42 “Made in Germany” Edition

MINOX have released two new models to their line up – The MINOX BL 8X42 and BL 10X42 “Made in Germany” Edition Binoculars, both of which they proudly advertise as being made in Germany and designed in their words “for the dedicated nature observer.”

Looking at their main specifications and some of their main features below, both the 8X42 and 10X42 versions have a fairly good field of view, plenty of eye-relief and not a bad close focusing distance.

L = light construction
Where they really do excel is their low weight. At only 21oz, they are very light for a full sized 42mm binocular and would be one of the lightest that I have ever used.

According to Minox this is mostly down to the very light polycarbonate housing that they use in the construction.

In their press release, Minox also mention that they use High-tech special glass but don’t really elaborate on this:

High-tech precision optics with high-tech glass
“Equipped with high-resolution high-tech specialized glass, these binoculars offer an outstanding optical performance for their class. Impressive light transmission and color fidelity offer pin sharp details and high contrast even at dusk. The lens system is treated with the Minotec M* multi-coating and the prism system with a complex phase correction coating, providing the user with an exceptional viewing experience.”

Volkswagen Design
These MINOX BL binoculars have been developed in close collaboration with Volkswagen Design, who consistently takes the user’s needs into account which are then implemented into superb external forms. I have not yet had the chance to try them but they say that “In terms of ergonomics, the binoculars in the BL 8×42 and BL 10×42 Made in Germany Edition, leave nothing more to be desired.” – pretty strong words, but I must admit that from the pictures, they do look great.

Main Features & Highlights

• Precision quality Made in Germany
• Optical brilliance at the highest level
• High-tech specialized glass
• M* multi-coating
• Solid and reliable fine mechanics
• Light and robust polycarbonate body
• Long Eyerelief – Ideal for eyeglass wearers
• Filled with Nitrogen for antifogging
• Watertight down to 16 feet
• Volkswagen Design

Main Specifications

Cost & Where to Buy

These new Minox “Made in Germany” BL binoculars are available mid March 2011:

New to the already impressive line up of Minox binoculars is their new Nautik (Nautic) Range – optics specifically designed for marine use and other water sports.

Within this Minox Marine range there are currently two models that have designed to meet the extreme conditions encountered at sea. Marine binoculars in particular have many specific requirements, but these, especially the Minox BN 7X50 DC model go past way the ordinary with many unique and innovate features. Just like their other ranges, Minox Nautik binoculars have been engineered to provide maximum precision and reliability, crisp clear viewing with the highest levels of brilliance, brightness, contrast and resolution down to the smallest detail, as well as natural color rendition.

• MINOX BN 7X50 DC – comes with a fully integrated digital compass
• MINOX BN 7X50 C – with analog compass

Press Release – 01/2011

MINOX BN 7X50 DC with integrated digital compass

Top-level optical performance and innovation:
With the new innovative BN 7×50 DC MINOX presents a new generation of binoculars for water sports that offers decisive advantages over other navigation binoculars that use conventional analog compass technology.

The new MINOX BN 7X50 DC features a digital compass that is fully integrated in the body. All key skipper information is presented to the user at the press of a button, such as the digital compass display with automatic tilt compensation, barometric pressure reading, a tilt function for setting the height of objects or the digital stopwatch. These are shown in the center of the display allowing the user to view essential information at all times – an advantage that puts the new BN 7×50 DC in a class of its own in terms of convenient ergonomic design and functionality.

A unique and revolutionary feature is the digital compass display in the center of the field of view. The user can keep track of the object in view together with the compass information. The compass display can either be selected using “Center Mark” or viewed with a digital reticle plate. The brilliant field of view otherwise remains undisturbed and free of any markings or readings.

Another highlight of the new MINOX BN 7X50 DC is the digital barometric reading function. This shows the current atmospheric pressure as well as its development over the past 8 hours. Changes in the weather can therefore be detected and forecast.
The BN 7×50 DC also features a digital stopwatch with intermediate time function. There is also a tilt function that determines the size of far off objects. This is made possible through the display of the angle of inclination.

The MINOX optics of the new BN 7×50 DC have been calculated and engineered to highest precision standards and offer crisp and clear viewing with the highest levels of brilliance, brightness, contrast and resolution down to the smallest detail as well as natural color rendition. To prevent fogging and to ensure watertightness the MINOX BN 7×50 DC is filled with nitrogen. Rubber armoring provides an extremely good grip and ruggedness making these binoculars excellently suited for rough conditions at sea.

Whether wearing glasses or sunglasses – the quick-to-adjust eyecups of the NAUTIK LINE are comfortable and convenient to use. The individual eyepiece adjustment ensures that the binoculars are always in focus from 20 meters to infinity.

MINOX provides a 10-year warrantee for the binoculars of the new NAUTIK LINE. The new MINOX BN 7×50 DC is available in both a white and a black design. The scope of delivery includes a practical float strap.

For more information read my guide to the Minox BN 7X50 DC Nautic Binoculars

MINOX BN 7X50 DC with analog compass

The classic Nautic binoculars
The basic model in the new MINOX NAUTIC LINE is the BN 7×50 C, offering top-of-the-range technology, high quality and functionality with an unbeatable price-performance ratio. Robust and reliable these new binoculars for water sports feature a precision analog compass and an analog reticle plate. The BN 7X50 C guarantees accurate navigational assistance when out on high seas and also in any port. Comfortable handling and solid quality are combined in a state-of-the-art robust body.

The optics of the new MINOX BN 7×50 C have been calculated and engineered to immaculate precision offering optical brilliance, high contrast and neutral color rendition. The body has an extremely good non-slip and robust rubber armoring that excellently protects the optics against salt water and sun radiation. With the individual eyepiece adjustment feature images are always razor sharp from 20 meters to infinity.

MINOX offers a 10-year warrantee for the binoculars of the new NAUTIK LINE. The scope of delivery of the new BN 7×50 C includes a practical float strap.

For more information read my guide to the Minox BN 7X50 C Nautic Binoculars

More Information

• Minox binoculars
• Minox Nautic binoculars
• Marine Binoculars
• Where to Buy Minox Binoculars

I think that it is important for me to stress that whilst I have fully reviewed the Minox 8X33 and so can comment on the view through them, I have not reviewed the Bushnell Excursion EX’s and so cannot comment on them in terms of what it is like to look through them. We can however look and compare the main specifications and features between them, which I hope will help you to make up your mind.

Below is a table comparing the main specifications and features of the two binoculars, I have also included the 8X36 Bushnell Excursion EX as well as another alternative:

	Minox BL 8×33	Bushnell 7×36 EX	Bushnell 8×36 EX
Price (approx at time of comparison):	US$470 (£370)	US$140 (£120)	US$142 (£167)
Weight:	650g	576g	610g
Eye Relief:	17.5mm	19mm	17.8mm
Close Focusing Distance:	2.5m (8.2ft)	2m (6.5ft)	1.7m (5.5ft)
Field of View at 1000m:	140m	142m	142m
Field of View at 1000yards:	421ft	426ft	426ft
Exit Pupil:	4.1	5.1	4.5
Twilight Factor:	16.2	15.9	17
Tripod Adaptable:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Prism Glass:	BaK-4	BaK-4	BaK-4
Phase Correction:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lens Coating:	Fully Multi Coated	Fully Multi Coated	Fully Multi Coated
Waterproof:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fogproof:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Eyecups:	Twist Up	Twist Up	Twist Up

Stats
So as you can see from the figures above, the biggest difference is in the price. The Bushnell’s also have a slight edge in many of the other numbers including the weight, which may seem surprising considering that that the Minox has smaller 33mm objective lenses. I however often find that top of the range binoculars often weigh more than cheaper versions. I am not exactly sure why, but assume that it is down to the fact that they probably use better quality components rather than cheaper plastic ones.

So if you were going on statistics and price alone, I would opt for one of the Bushnell’s. This however does not always tell the full story and is why it can become confusing. Without looking through the Bushnell’s I cannot comment on the view, but I can say that the view through the Minox 8X33 BL was excellent and they are one of the best mid-size binoculars I have ever used. Which is something I expressed in my review of them: ” Overall I was extremely impressed with the view through these Minox BL Binoculars, the image was very bright and sharp. What is more is I could not see any colour fringing or softening of the image on the edge of the image that you find in poorer quality binoculars. Very Impressive.”

It is at times like this that having the two binoculars to compare next to each other would be ideal, but my gut feeling based on my experience of comparing binoculars in these two different price brackets is that the Minox would be slightly better. The main difference would probably be is in the amount of softening of the image on the periphery of the view. The Minox’s was almost none and was as good as or better than any binocular in their class.

So let’s go back to money, would the view through the Minox 8X33 BL’s be 3x better (a reflection of the difference in price) than that of the Bushnell’s? I doubt it. Instruments would probably tell you of a lot of differences, but to the human eye I bet it would be minimal especially considering that the Busnell’s like the Minox’s have quality Bak-4 prisms as well as coatings including phase correction. The fact is, the closer you get to the top, the more you have to pay for even the smallest differences.

Build Quality
Again without having the Busnell’s with me I am reluctant to comment too much on their build quality and overall feel, I can however again say that the Minox’s was first class. You really do feel like you are holding something special when you have them in your hands and I am not just saying that! My past experiences of Bushnell binoculars is that the cheaper versions can seem a little plastic. Things like neck straps and carry cases also are often much better on high end optics and I can say that these items on the Minox binoculars were very good.

Conclusion
The stats of the Bushnell’s are very good and have definitely piped up my interest enough so as to actively seek them out to review in the future. If I had to choose between the 7X and the 8X36 Excursion EX’s I would go for the 8X version as even though they are a little heavier with less eye relief, you will get closer to the action without sacrificing any field of view. The close focusing distance of only 1.7m (5.5ft) is also very impressive.

As for choosing between the Minox or the Bushnell, I have to say that even though they seem loose out in many of the stats, I can’t forget the excellent quality of the image that they produced and just how well they were made. I compare many top of the range binoculars and the image they produce is often equal to the human eye, they usually have all the same features and similar stats and the choice often comes down to aesthetics and which ones you just like the feel of.

I loved the Minox BL’s when I had them to review and so for me they would be my personal choice. I have to confess though that it is a hard decision based mainly on my positive feelings for the Minox’s and because I have not played with the Bushnell Excursion EX binoculars before, it may not be right choice for everyone, just me!

I am not sure if I should recommend doing this, but you could order both and return one pair after comparing them yourself?

Costs and Where to Buy

• List of Internet retailers (UK & US) selling the Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars
• Bushnell EX Binoculars on Amazon.com (US)
• Bushnell EX Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk (UK)

Related Links

• Full Review of the Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars
• Minox Binoculars
• Bushnell Binoculars

I was recently sent in a question by someone wanting to know more about the Minox 8×44 & 10×44 BP Porro Binoculars and thought that my answer on old stock binoculars at great prices may also be interesting to other readers:

Question
I like porro binoculars but can’t afford the price of top of the line. Minox are closing out there 8×44 and 10×44 porro at a very good price. What do you know about the quality and preformance of these glasses? Thanks!

Answer
To be honest, I have never had the opportunity to review these specific Minox BP binoculars, but there are a few things that I can say that may help with your decision:

On the whole Minox make excellent quality binoculars and for me are one of the best brands of binoculars that you can get. Minox also do not really make any cheap binoculars and so almost any binocular that you get from them won’t be bad.

As far as I know Minox no longer make these 8×44 & 10×44 Porro Binoculars any more, this is not to say that they are not good and is probably why you can now get an excellent deal on them. I would not be put off by the fact that these binoculars are not current stock – some of my favourite binoculars are old! In fact I would go as far to say that sometimes it works out far more cost effective to buy “last years” model rather than the latest version so long as you are buying a quality pair of binoculars.

Minox 8×44 and 10×44 BP Porro Binoculars
In general porro prism binoculars can offer as good as, if not better performance than roof prism binoculars at a cheaper price,but despite this, Porro-prism binoculars have tended to be a little out of favour in recent years.

Specifications:

According to the manufacturers stats, and I must state that I have not actually tested them, here are a few things that caught my eye:

The 8×44 and 10×44 Minox BP have a good light transmission of 94.5 percent.

A Porro-prism design usually increases the weight and overall dimensions when compared to roof prisms, these new binoculars from Minox weigh under 800g and measure a reasonably compact 126x183x52mm while still possessing a solid body housing and full rubber armouring. Just take into account that a quality Roof Prisim like their own Minox 8×42 BV Binoculars, usually weigh less than 800g.

They are fully waterproof down to a depth of 5m and are ‘State-of-the-Art’ Argon gas purged to prevent any internal fogging during rapid temperature fluctuations.

The twist-up eyecups with click stops look good and the 8×44 have 18.5 mm of eye relief, and the 10×44 has 16mm, both very good and will help those who use glasses to enjoy the full field of view.

On the whole, I would say that they look like excellent quality binoculars and now that they are Old stock you can grab yourself a bargain:

Where to Buy

Minox BP Porro Prism Binoculars on Amazon.com

Today’s question comes from someone who is lucky enough to live where they have views over a marina and out onto the sea and they are looking for a good all-rounder, a pair of binoculars for the house:

Question
I want a pair of binoculars for the house, we have a lovely view overlooking a marina, peninsula and small island all out to sea where we can see the yachts going by. My hands shake a bit – can you please recommend a pair of binoculars under US$500.

Answer
I will try and answer your question as best I can:

It sounds like you live in a great place and that you have some great wide open views and generally when people are looking for a pair of binoculars to use round the house, they need some good all rounders. Something to use for birding in the garden and perhaps take to a sporting event or on holiday.

Magnification
Something with an 8x or 10x is usually fine as a good all rounder, but you said that you have a view out onto the water and so have plenty of wide open spaces, you could opt for a stronger magnification (12x). You also mentioned that your hands shake a bit and as you may know, increasing the magnification also makes the image that you are looking at through the binoculars harder to keep steady, so I would probably stick to 10x or go for binoculars with image stabilization. The down side of image stabilization binoculars is increased size, weight and usually cost.

Size of Binoculars
If they are for keeping around the house, size should not be too much of a factor, so standard binoculars with about 42mm objective lenses sound right as they perform well in most light conditions.

Cost
Your maximum budget is US$500, which is a fair amount for general purpose binoculars and you can get a really good pair of binoculars at that price.

A few Suggestions:

Minox 10×42 BV Binoculars

Great all purpose binoculars from a quality brand and on sale at Amazon and Eagle Optics (links on the review page on my site) for under $300, so way under budget. Tough enough to take anywhere, but may be a bit “Outdoors” looking for around the house?

Canon 10×30 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars

If you are worried about image shake, then these will really help and they are currently on sale at around $350 – $390 (see links on my site). You could even go for the 12×30 IS, that are available at slightly over budget at $550. The down side to these is the smaller objective lenses (30mm) will probably mean they probably wont work quite as well as 42mm binoculars in low light conditions.

Olympus 10×42 Magellan Binoculars

Now available for around $200, you get plenty of binocular for your buck – you could even get two pairs! I would however say that if you are looking to spend around $500, I would go for the Minox 10×42′s, still way under budget and a superior pair of optics.

I hope that these suggestions help.

Photo Credit: Sunrise at the Marina taken by Indy Kethdy

Ok, so lets get our heads around the names and work out just what MINOX binoculars are offering:

The two binoculars in the range are an 8.5×43 and a 10×43: 8.5x magnification and 10x magnifications with the diameter of the Objective lens letting the light into the binoculars of 43mm in both. If you need more information on what these numbers mean check out the Binoculars Glossary

The binoculars weigh only 23.3 ounces and are focused via a single knob for ease of use and the body of the binocular is made from magnesium with a rubber coating to add drop protection.

So what Does the APO HG bit stand for?
working in co-operation with MINOX Binoculars were a company called SCHOTT AG who are glass engineers, based in the city of Mainz. They designed the required glass composition for the APO technology. The high quality ED glass (N-PK 52 A) awards the new HG binoculars apochromatic properties that are said to provide an exceptional optical performance. The APO HG optical system is said to offer natural colour rendition, high contrast and also minimizes glare. The Aspherical lenses inside the eyepieces are said to guarantee consistent sharpness from the centre right into the edges.

The MINOX APO-HG binoculars also have SCHOTT fluoride ED-glass lens elements and so the apochromatically-corrected binoculars are said to offer a brilliant colour fringe free image. The new type of MINOTEC multi-coating on the lenses helps to repel dust, water and soiling from the external glass surfaces and can be simply wiped off.

The MINOX APO HG binoculars come in a wooden box and have a leather case included and are set to a retail price of US $1799 for the 8.5×43 MINOX APO HG and US $1849 for the 10×43 MINOX APO HG.

Where to Buy Minox Binoculars:

USA Shoppers:
Minox Binoculars on Amazon.com
All the popular size binoculars from Minox are available on Amazon.com, including the popular Minox 10×42′s and 8×42′s and often sell minox Binoculars at the best price.

Minox on Binoculars.com
Binoculars.com also seem to have the full range of Minox Optics, including Minox Monoculars and Minox Spotting Scopes.

UK Shoppers:
Minox Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.co.uk seem to have almost the full range from Minox Binocular, including the popular Minox 10×42′s and 8×42′s excellent as a bird binocular.

You can also read my full and detailed review on MINOX binoculars here