MINOX Binoculars

Minox 10x43 Binoculars

MINOX Optics are another manufacturer from Germany that produce binoculars of the highest standard. Like many of the other German optical companies including Steiner Binoculars, Leica and Zeiss, they pride themselves on the quality of their workmanship. MINOX are probably best known for their cameras which have some of the the highest quality lenses in the world, but they also manufacture monoculars, spotting scopes, night vision devices, riflescopes and the range of Minox binoculars are some of the very best available.

MINOX is also a very innovative company and they produced the worlds first purpose built digital camera monitor and eyepiece that fits to the end of a spotting scope as an affordable way of getting into digiscoping, perfect for both birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

The MINOX Range of Binoculars
The MINOX binocular range is based around the highest quality optics and produced mostly for serious bird watchers, nature observation and as hunting binoculars. All MINOX binoculars feature a multi layer coating on all air to glass surfaces. This reduces any reflection and makes the image sharper and even more brilliant. The prisms in the MINOX binoculars are coated with a phase correction layer which enhances the contrast, even in difficult light conditions, therefore increasing the twilight factor of these new variable power binoculars.

 

Minox BL 10x44 BR BinocularsMinox BL Binoculars

One of the first thing you notice about the new MINOX BL binocular is the very comfortable open bridge design, which I love as they not only help to keep the weight of the binocular to a minimum, but they are easier and far more secure to hold in one hand when you are not actually using them, but say walking through thick bush.

The letter "L" in the name stands for "Light", which refers to their light weight (The BL 8x33 weigh's just 650g), but it could also stand for their light gathering capabilities: High quality components are used throughout with fully multi-coated optical elements known as and BaK-4 phase corrected high-reflection prism that give a sharp and high-contrast image over the full field of view.

Minox has increased their already impressive field of view by 16% on the new BL range. The BL 8x33 BR now has a field of view of 8,0° or 421 ft at 1000yards, easily making it into the class of wide angle binoculars and ideal for fpotting any moving object even quicker than before.

All BL binoculars are 100% waterproof down to a depth of 5m (16.4ft) as well as Fogproof as the body of the binocular has been filled with nitrogen to ensure there is no internal fogging in extreme climatic conditions. 

Sizes Available:

  • BL 8x33 BR
  • BL 8x44 BR
  • BL 10x44 BR
  • BL 8x52 BR
  • BL 10x52 BR

Price Range
Depending on the model, they range in price from about $450 - $600 / £400 - £500

 

Minox 10x43 APO HG BinocularsMinox APO HG Binoculars

What sets the APO binoculars apart from the rest of the MINOX range are the SCHOTT fluoride ED-glass lens elements.The Minox APO HG Binoculars are apochromatically-corrected and thus produce a brilliant color-fringe-free image. SCHOTT a company based in Mainz, designed the required glass composition for the APO technology. The high quality ED glass (N-PK 52 A) gives the new HG binoculars apochromatic properties that are said by MINOX to deliver an exceptional optical performance. The APO HG optical system boasts natural color rendition, high contrast and also minimizes glare. Aspherical lenses inside the eyepieces guarantee consistent sharpness from the center right into the edges.

On top of this they have a MINOTEC multicoating, a nanotechnology that is said to help repel dust and water from the external optic surfaces.

The APO binoculars also feature all the proven features of the MINOX HG line of Binoculars including Quick-Close-Focus.

All MINOX APO HG binoculars have a large metal focusing wheel with a cross knurl making it and the diopter-compensation ring very ergonomic. To avoid any possible light reflections that may frighten birds or wildlife, both of these parts have an anodized gun-metal grey finish, which shows an excellent attention to detail.

APO-HG binoculars come in an exclusive wooden box together with an elegant leather case as well as a neoprene strap and lens cleaning set.

Binoculars in the MINOX APO HG Range include:

  • APO HG 8x43 BR Binoculars
  • APO HG 10x43 BR Binoculars

Price Range
Expect to pay top dollar (or pound) for these top of the range binoculars.

 

Minox HG 10x43 BR BinocularsMinox HG Binoculars

All the MINOX HG Binoculars have the Quick-Close-Focus (QCF) feature which was developed and patented by MINOX where you only need one full turn of the focusing dial on the binoculars to adjust the HG binoculars from close focus to infinite. This gives you fast close focusing as well as more precise focusing for longer distances.

All HG binoculars have MINOX's M* multi coating of 21 layers and the silver-bearing Minobright reflection of the phase-corrected roof prisms. The innovative M*-coating of the lenses which consists of up to 21 different layers on the glass surface is there to modify the various wave lengths of light. This increases the light transmission up to an impressive 92 percent and improves brightness, contrast, details and colour rendering significantly. Another major benefit is an improved optical formula. Aspheric lenses enhance the contrast and sharpness of the image from the centre to the edges. To ensure a very reliable and durable protection against internal corrosion and fogging, the new HG’s are filled with state-of-the-art Argon gas.

The body of the binocular has a fully protective rubber armoring and was designed by Volkswagen-Design specifically with feel and absolute comfort in use in mind. The body is constructed of magnesium meaning the weight of the binoculars has been considerably reduced.

Binoculars in the MINOX HG Range include:

  • HG 8x33 BR Binoculars
  • HG 8x43 BR Binoculars
  • HG 10x43 BR Binoculars
  • HG 8.5x52 BR Binoculars
  • HG 10x52 BR Binoculars
  • HG 8x56 BR Binoculars

Price Range
Depending on the model, they range in price from about $800 - $1,000 / £700 - £900 (don't get them confused with the higer spec APO HG binoculars)

 

Minox BV 8x42 BR BinocularsMinox BV Binoculars

The range of MINOX BV Binoculars are described by the manufacturers as being "Popular binoculars for the price-aware outdoor enthusiast"

So basically these are the cheaper binoculars in the Minox range.

This value for money line, for me make some of the best safari and wildlife viewing binoculars, as you still get many of the features and the quality on some of the more expensive MINOX binoculars, but at a much more affordable price, so it won't hurt so much if you luggage was to get lost on that safari holiday!

The MINOX BV 8x42 BR and BV 10x42 BR binoculars, like the more expensive ranges from MINOX, still feature multicoated lens elements which reduce glare to a minimum and provide exceptionally high light transmission as well as neutral colour rendition of the subject in view.

Available with a 8x or 10x magnification I feel that these new MINOX BV binoculars make the perfect low cost alternatives for nature observers, hunters and birders.

There are two compact binoculars in the value for money BV range of binoculars from. The MINOX BV 8x25 BRW and the BV 10x25 BRW are the perfect pocket binoculars for traveling, taking to sporting events or nature observation where space and weight is at a premium. These compact binoculars have an exceptional price-performance ratio and make an ideal choice for those looking for a small, top quality yet still affordable pair of binoculars.

All the binoculars in the MINOX BV Range include:

Price Range
Depending on the model, they range in price from about $800 - $1,000 / £700 - £900 (don't get them confused with the higer spec APO HG binoculars)

 

MINOX Vario Binoculars

Minox BD 10-15x40 BR Vario binoculars

An innovation from MINOX are the Variable Power Binoculars, branded as the MINOX Vario Binoculars which, with a twist of a ring just below the right hand eyepiece of the you can change the magnification of the binoculars, thus effectively zooming in and out of whatever you are viewing. There are two models in the MINOX Vario Binoculars range:

The MINOX BD 8-14x40 BR ED Binoculars will enable you to go from a magnification of 8x and wide field of view to an impressive 14x magnification. The second binocular in the Vario series from MINOX are the MINOX BD 10-15x40 BR which have a variable magnification of 10x and 15x

 

Other Minox Binoculars


MINOX Porro Prism Binoculars
MINOX also produce Porro Prism Binoculars in their range with the 8x44 BP and 10x44 BP Binoculars. The advantage of the Porro prism over roof prisms, are the usually higher light transmission, as less light is lost in the optical path through reflection, on the way to the eye, But tend to be heavier and larger then roof prism binoculars.

MINOX Auto Focus Binoculars
As I go into great detail in my article on Self Focusing Binoculars about how they work and the fact that every manufacturer has their own name for what in effect are fixed focus binoculars, MINOX are no different and their range of fixed focus binoculars are known as Individual Focus Binoculars as once the binoculars have been adjusted to your eyes, no further focusing of any kind is required. Advantages are that they are exceptionally robust and simply indestructible because of the fewer moving parts as well as locating fast moving objects like birds quickly as you do not have to focus.

MINOX Individual Focus Binoculars include:

  • MINOX BD 6.5x32 IF Binoculars
  • MINOX BD 9.5 x 42 IF binoculars

 

MINOX Binoculars for Mountaineers and Climbers
MINOX also produce a range of pocket size binoculars as well as binoculars that feature an altimeter, that are small and compact and thus very useful for mountaineers and climbers.

 

>>Where to Buy Minox Binoculars:

 

>>Featured MINOX Binoculars

Below are a few of the Minox Binoculars: View All Minox Binoculars

 
Minox 8 x 42 BV Binoculars

Minox 8x42 BV Binoculars

The MINOX BV 8x42 BR is a great binocular for all purpose viewing that will please the cost-conscious birder or nature observer. The BV 8x42 BR is has a nice wide field of view and magnification making them easy to follow wildlife on the move. These binoculars make an ideal choice for travelling including safari holidays and birdwatching.

 
Minox 10 x 42 BV Binoculars

Minox 10x42 BV Binoculars

With an impressive 10x magnification and good field of view and exit pupil rating of 4.2mm, these Minox BV 10x42 BR binoculars not only compete with, but in many cases outperform much more expensive brands. In my opinion, these really are a great pair of binoculars for safaris and general viewing.

 
 

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