Minox BV 8x42 Binoculars Review

Sometimes known as the MINOX BV 8x42 BR binoculars, the BV range of binoculars from quality German optic manufacturer MINOX are their "value for money" binoculars. So if you are looking for a quality pair of binoculars, but are on a budget, these make an excellent choice as the 8x42 BV's still posses many of the features of the more expensive optics from MINOX, yet at a fraction of the cost.

These features include:

• Multi-coated lens elements that reduce glare for brighter images with more neutral colours.
• Phase correction that improves contrast and detail rendition even in poor light conditions.

The 18mm of eye relief on the BV 8x42 BR is pretty good and features rubber eyecups that twist up and down to allow for comfortable viewing whether or not you wear eyeglasses. I personally like the rubber eyecups that you fold down, but I don't wear glasses and on the down side the constant rolloing up and down of the eyecup means that they will perish, so these will definitely last longer.

These MINXO binoculars are also pretty tough and will take most of what you throw at them, as well as being waterproof and fog proof, they have a tough armour that will protect them against most accidental bumps.

• Waterproofing means submersible to a depth of down to five meters in water or 0.5 bars. This means that they are sealed against the effects of dust, too.
• Fog-proofing with nitrogen filling protects against corrosion and prevents fogging up of the optical surfaces as the temperature fluctuates from one extreme to another.
• Rubber armour that provides an excellent grip in cold, wet weather and protects the binoculars from bumps.

Another excellent feature of these roof prism binoculars is the exceptionally slim design, which along with the low weight make them ideal travel companions or anywhere where space is at a premium, like taking them to sporting events.

So with all these features and their low price point, I feel that these make an excellent pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing, birding and travelling: Not so expensive that if you were to loose your luggage, it would be a complete disaster, yet still an excellent quality pair of binoculars that will make viewing birds and wildlife a real pleasure.

I am not sure if you can call binoculars beautiful, but these really do look good and feel good in the hands and have great balance. This is partly because the outer shape of the new BV binoculars is the work of the design department of car manufacturers VOLKSWAGEN. This cooperation of MINOX and the VW designers has already been recognised many times in the past with prestigious awards for their designs of binoculars and spotting scopes.

The Minox BV 8x42 BR Binocular comes with:

• Ever-ready case
• Neoprene neck strap
• Minox 30-Year Limited Warranty