Ireland's wildlife logo.

Binocular Reviews

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×32 Binocular Review

A person reviewing the Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10x32 binoculars.

Pros: Fantastic edge-to-edge image quality, sublime ergonomics, great low-light performance and a field of view to rival many 8x binoculars, coupled with outstanding build quality — the NL Pure 10×32 is an exceptional binocular up there with the very best. Cons: While they are svelte, the barrels on the NL Pure are….

Vortex Razor UHD 10×42 Binocular Review

Vortex Razor UHD Binocular Review by Ireland's Wildlife

Pros: Superb image quality that lives up the name. Exceptionally bright, pin-sharp image across the wide field of view. Smooth, accurate focus and outstanding build quality rounds off what is a very accomplished binocular that holds its own with the best on the market. Cons: A little on the large side for….

Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review

Vanguard VEO HD Birding and Wildlife Binocular

Pros: High quality optics that deliver premium features and a high-performance viewing experience at a reasonable price point. Sharp, contrasty image impresses in a range of challenging viewing conditions. Bright, vivid colours that make the image “pop”. Cons: Twist up eyecups are plastic, rather than metal, Vanguard Warranty dropped from….

Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular

Hawke’s Frontier APO is the new flagship binocular model from a brand with a reputation for offering the best value for money in the business. With a host of premium features, at a price-point that undercuts market leaders by a significant margin, we find out how Hawke’s new top-of-the-range birding….

German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review

The GPO Passion HD 10x42 Binocular reviewed by Ireland's Wildlife

Pros: Premium quality build and high-end features combined with outstanding optics at a lower price point than most top binocular brands. Image is pin sharp and contrasty across the wide field of view, and colours pop, yet still appear natural and neutral, with no obvious colour cast. Cons: Feels a….

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10x42 Binocular Review

Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view… and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level. Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the….

Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review

Pros: Excellent entry level ED binocular that ticks a lot of the right boxes for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Lightweight, with reasonable field of view for a 10x binocular, the VEO ED delivers sharp high-contrast images. Great blend of high-end features at a very reasonable price point. Cons: Focus is….

Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review

Hawke Frontier HDX 8x32 Highly Recommended by Ireland's Wildlife

Pros: Outstanding build quality, excellent optics and superb ergonomics in a very affordable package. Image is crisp, bright and clear in the centre of the field, with plenty of detail and good contrast. Cons: Softening around the field edges is noticeable when panning with a moving subject or scanning a….

Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review

Hawke Frontier EDX 8x42 Binocular Review

Pros: Superb image quality and premium build quality deliver excellent all-around performance. Contemporary design looks great, is ergonomic, lightweight and a delight to carry and use for extended periods in the field. Top notch accessories complete the package. Cons: Minor observations rather than real “cons” — lack of thumb indents….

Hawke Sapphire ED 8×42 Binocular Review

Hawke Saphire ED Binocular in action

Pros: Excellent image quality rivalling many much more expensive options. Superb wide field of view. Ergonomic, well-balanced magnesium alloy body gives a quality feel while remaining light. Great all-around performer offering superb value. Cons: Biggest gripe is the rain guard… which has no bearing on the quality of the binocular, but….

ZEISS Victory SF 10×42 Binocular Review

ZEISS Victory SF Review

Calvin Jones puts Zeiss’s flagship Victory SF binocular through its paces and sees how this “Alpha” optic measures up to life in the field in West Cork.

Kite Caiman 8×42 Binocular Review

Kite Caiman Review

Pros: Solid entry-level binocular that’s comfortable and easy to use. Light, yet robust, this is an easy to handle binocular with good all-round ergonomics. Optically it delivers an impressively bright, sharp image across most of the wide field of view. Neutral colour balance, great contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. Cons: Slight….