MINOX Binoculars

Binocular Reviews Home > About 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 spy 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, marine use 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 8x33 HD BinocularsMinox BL-HD Binoculars

With the BL-HD series, Minox have added some pretty impressive refinements to their already very good BL series and thus have improved them even further.

As well as the obvious slight changes to the looks and design, they now use HD glass elements in their lenses. This extra low dispersion glass (ED) has a property know as anomalous partial dispersion which means that the different color wavelengths are refracted non-linearly, which makes it possible for the lens designers at Minox to combine different types of glass in order to reduce chromatic aberration, the cause of color fringing, which is not possible with normal optical glass.

Like the standard open bridge BL models, all BL-HD binoculars feature a lightweight open bridge design, phase correction coatings on the roof prisms and are sealed and then filled with nitrogen to make them fogproof and are waterproof tested to a depth of 5m.

Made by hand in Germany, they are also exposed to a meticulous quality control inspection before leaving their factory and all Minox BL-HD binoculars come with their "Comfort Service", which after what they say is a "simple registration", you get an extended protection from all manufacturing and functional defects for an impressive 30 years.

BBR Reviews:

Sizes & Main Specifications:

BL 8x33 HD BL 8x44 HDBL 10x44 HD BL 8x52 HD BL 10x52 HD
Magnification 8 8 10 8 10
Objective lens 33mm 44mm 44mm 52mm 52mm
Exit pupil 4.1 mm 5.25 mm4.4 mm 6.5 mm 5.2 mm
Twilight Factor 16.2 18.8 21 20.4 22.8
Eye relief 17.5 mm 19.5 mm 17 mm 22mm 18mm
Field of view 421 ft @ 1000 yds / 8.0° / 140m @ 1000 m 445 ft. @ 1000 yds / 7.8° / 136m @ 1000m 377 ft. @ 1000 yds / 6.5° / 115m @ 1000m 342 ft. @ 1000 yds / 6.5° / 114m @ 1000m 342 ft. @ 1000 yds / 6.5° / 114m @ 1000m
Diopter adjustment +/- 4 dpt +/- 4 dpt +/- 4 dpt +/- 4 dpt +/- 4 dpt
Min focus dist. 8.2 ft / 2.5 m 8.2 ft. / 2.5 m8.2 ft. / 2.5 m 11.48 ft. / 3.5 m 11.48 ft. / 3.5 m
Dimensions: 5.83 x 4.92 x 1.73 in / 148 x 125 x 44 mm 5.9 x 5.1 x 2.1 in / 150 x 130 x 53 mm 5.9 x 5.1 x 2.1 in / 150 x 130 x 53 mm 6.9 x 5.5 x 2.4 in / 175 x 140 x 60 mm 6.9 x 5.5 x 2.4 in / 175 x 140 x 60 mm
Waterproof Yes, to 5m Yes, to 5m Yes, to 5m Yes, to 5m Yes, to 5m
Weight 22.93 oz / 650g 26.1 oz / 740g 26.1 oz / 740g 33.5 oz. / 950g 33.5 oz. / 950g
Order number 62047 6204862049 62050 62051

Shopping BasketWhere to Buy

Related Articles Related Articles

 

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 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 spotting 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. 

New: MINOX announce two new models to their BL series binoculars - The MINOX BL 8X42 and BL 10X42 Made in Germany Edition Binoculars. For more information, read my article on the announcement of the New MINOX BL "Made in Germany" Edition Binoculars.

Sizes Available:

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

Related Articles Related Articles


 

Minox 10x43 APO HG BinocularsMinox APO HG Binoculars

These are the companies flagship bin and what sets the APO binoculars apart from the rest of the MINOX range are the SCHOTT fluoride ED-glass lens elements that they use in their Apochromatic Triplet Lenses.

What this basically means is that these Minox APO HG Binoculars are apochromatically-corrected or in other words, at least three wavelengths of light are brought into perfect focus after going through the lens . Compare this to the vast majority of other binoculars that only bring two wavelengths into perfect focus and you can understand why these and other APO binoculars produce such a brilliant color-fringe-free image.

What is more, SCHOTT, who designed the glass constituents for the APO technology is one of the very best glass manufacturers out there, with other companies like Zeiss also using their products on their top of the range models.

One of the elements in their lenses is the very high spec N-PK 52 A ED glass, which is said by Minox to have an optical performance that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Minox also use aspherical lenses within the eyepieces, which ensure uniform sharpness from the middle of the view, all the way to the edge.

All the best bits from the MINOX HG line of Binoculars have also been incorporated into the APO series, including Quick-Close-Focus and the MINOTEC multi-coating, a nanotechnology that is said to help repel dust and water from the external optic surfaces.

All MINOX APO HG binoculars have a large metal focusing wheel with a cross knurl and to prevent any reflections that could potentially frighten birds or wildlife, all these parts have an anodized gun-metal grey finish, which shows an excellent attention to detail.

APO-HG binoculars come a leather case inside a beautiful wooden box together with 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 very 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:

Price Range
Depending on the model, they range in price from about $800 - $1,000 / £700 - £900 (don't get them confused with the higher 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:

Old Models

Price Range
Depending on the model, they range in price from about $80 - $300 / £100 - £350

 

Minox BD 7x28 BinocularsMinox BD Binoculars

The line of MINOX BD Binoculars consists of three pocket sized (compact) binoculars and includes the very distinctive 7x28 IF Binoculars (see image on the right).

All three models in the BD range use roof prisms and all are multi-coated with anti-reflection coatings. Only the newer 7x28 BD binocular is water and fogproof.

As with most compact binoculars, they are ideal binoculars for traveling, taking to sporting events or nature observation where space and weight is at a premium. I would say that these compact binoculars offer a very good l price-performance ratio and make an ideal choice for those looking for a small, top quality yet still affordable pair of pocket binoculars.

All the binoculars in the MINOX BD Range include:

Further Reading & Related Articles

  • On safari with the Minox BD 7x28 BinocularsOn Safari with the Minox BD 7x28 Binoculars - Why I chose to take these as well as the Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 binoculars with me on safari and my thoughts and findings on them both after my return.
  • Compact Whitewater Rafting Binoculars - Why I recommend that a raft guide who needs waterproof compact binoculars for wildlife and birding whilst white water rafting should choose the Minox BD 7x28 bins.

Price Range
Depending on the model, they range in price from about $170 - $300 / £140 - £230

 

Minox Nautic BinocularsMinox Nautic Binoculars

The Minox Nautic Marine Binoculars are innovative and professional binoculars designed to meet the extreme requirements encountered at sea and have been engineered to the highest standards with sailing, boating and other water sports in mind.

More Information

 
 

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 Bins from Minox


Porro Prisms
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:

  • BD 6.5x32 IF Binoculars
  • BD 9.5 x 42 IF 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 Reviews

Below are a few of the Minox binocular reviews that I have written: View All Reviewed Minox Binoculars

 

Minox BL 8x33 HD Binoculars Review

The Minox BL HD is an updated and reworked version of the really popular and already excellent Minox BL 8x33, that now includes HD lens elements that improve the image quality even further.

Made and hand finished in Germany, other highlights include a fully waterproof compact and lightweight open bridge body design, phase correction coating on the roof prisms, long eye-relief and a really wide field of view.

Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 80%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 8/10
Optical Stats: 9/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

 

Minox BL 8x44 HD Binoculars Review

Designed & made in Germany by MINOX in conjunction with Volkswagen Design, these premium quality, hand finished binoculars come with HD glass, phase correction coatings and a full 30 year warranty.

Combine this with their large 44mm objective lenses, wide field of view and relatively low cost and you have a binocular that is really hard to match never mind beat.

Price: (4/6) Mid-High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 80%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 8/10
Optical Stats: 9/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

 

Minox 7x28 BD Binoculars Review

The fixed focus compact roof prism binoculars, come with a very comfortable open bridge design and are fully waterproof and filled with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging. They have a very wide field of view and produce a high quality image that makes these ideal take anywhere binoculars.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 9/10 68%
Very Good
Body Stats: 6/10
Optical Quality: 6/10
Optical Stats: 7/10
Image Quality 7/10
Extras & Details: 6/10

 

Minox 10x42 BV BRW Binoculars Review

Designed as Minox put it with an outstanding price to performance ratio, these binoculars with quality features like fully multi-coated lens elements, phase corrected prisms & a tough fully water & fogproof body do indeed offer plenty bang for your buck.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 75%
Excellent
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 7/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

These Binoculars are On SaleDiscounted Binoculars: These Minox 10x42 BV binoculars are available at a discount on Amazon.com, Binoculars.com and Eagle Optics in the US as well as Warehouse Express in the UK.
>> Check Prices
 

Minox 10x25 BV BRW Binoculars Review

Tough, water & fogproof compact binoculars with fully multi-coated optics and Bak-4 roof prisms that combine to produce a binocular that has an exceptional price to performance ratio.

Price: (3/6) Mid Priced Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 7/10 70%
Excellent
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 6/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 7/10
Extras & Details: 6/10

These Binoculars are On SaleDiscounted Binoculars: These Minox Binoculars are available at a reduced price on Amazon in both the UK and USA. As well as Eagle Optics and Binoculars.com in the US.
>> Check Prices
 

Minox 8x43 HG Binoculars Review

Fully Waterproof & Fogproof binoculars featuring Minox's Quick-Close-Focus mechanism, Fully Multi-Coated optics, Phase coated Bak-4 Roof Prisims and a host of other top of the range features. In short very high quality binoculars manufactured in Germany at a very good price.

Price: (5/6) High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 10/10 87%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 9/10
Optical Quality: 9/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

These Binoculars are On SaleDiscounted Binoculars: These Minox HG Binoculars are available at a discount on Eagle Optics and Binoculars.com in the US.
>> Check Prices
Support BBR:
Buy Me A Coffee
Where to Find BBR: