New MINOX BL “Made in Germany” Edition Binoculars

Minox BL Binoculars - Made in Germany

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

Update: Please note that Minox have now also introduced a newer BL HD line of binoculars, that used extra low dispersion glass in the lenses to produce a higher resolution image with less color fringing. You can read my full review of the Minox BL 8x44 HD Binoculars.

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 8x42 and BL 10x42 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

The MINOX BL 8x42 and BL 10x42 "Made in Germany" Edition

  • 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 Eye relief – Ideal for eyeglass wearers
  • Filled with Nitrogen for anti fogging
  • Watertight down to 16 feet
  • Volkswagen Design


Main Specifications

Model
MINOX BL 8x42
MINOX BL 10x42
Magnification
8x
10x
Object lens diameter (mm)
42
42
Exit pupil (mm)
5.25
4.2
Field of view (dig.)
6.5°
Eye relief (mm)
19.5
16
Relative brightness
27.6
17.6
Twilight factor
18.3
20.5
Close focus (inch)
98.4
98.4
Diopter adjustment
+/- 2 dpt.
+/- 2 dpt.
Dimension (HxWxD) mm
146x126x54
143x126x54
Waterproof
yes
yes
Ocular
2 groups 3 elements
2 groups 3 elements
Objective
3 groups 4 elements
3 groups 4 elements
Prism type
Roof
Roof
Lens coating
FMC
FMC
Eye cup
Twist-up
Twist-up
weight (oz.)
21
21


Cost & Where to Buy




Further Reading


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