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Minox HG 8.5X52

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mwyates View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mwyates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Minox HG 8.5X52
    Posted: December/12/2006 at 13:43

I got these yesterday.  First thing I noticed was there were no objective caps.  .  When I inquired, I was informed that not only does Minox not provide them, they are not available.  For me, that's a deal breaker. 

 

I took a quick look through them near dark.  First, they are very light.  They wouldn't be a problem at all to cary around.  I could see some low light details that were not apparent through my Nikon Premier SE's, especially at a distance (200yds).  From 50yds or so in, the Nikons were better.

 

Wish I could keep them, but no caps makes me wonder what else they left off, and if they know what binoculars are used for.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2006 at 18:23

Wow that is strange.  I was very seriously considering the Minox HG and went with the Swaro SLC that seems strange no objective caps .   On the other hand if the glass is really good I would think that you could find objective caps that would fit. 

 

I really like the look of the binocular and the weight factor is very impressive.  I would love to hear more about the glass, Minox claims it is supposed to compete head to head against the BIG 3. 

 

Thanks for the heads up on the objective caps ..weird ????

 

AC

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mwyates View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mwyates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2006 at 22:30
I'd really like to keep them.  I sent an email to Minox to make sure that they are not available. I'm not going to return them until I hear from them.  I'll spend some more time using them and compare them to my brother's Swarovski EL's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roy Finn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2006 at 23:15
Mike, putting aside the caps issue, what are your thoughts on these. Don't toss them to soon without giving us some feedback.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rusty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 08:02
I would rather have the optics company put their money into the optics, not the extras.
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mwyates View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mwyates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 09:02

Objective covers would cost about a penny each.  My binoculars get trashed if I don't have caps on, and I don't like cleaning them a whole lot.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 11:58

Would you please find a pair of calipers and measure the outside diameter of the objectives at the edge and 8-10 mm higher up from the edge? I have a bag of caps and accesories and i could send you some caps if i find any that fit, or i could tell you what to look for. Some 50 mm tethered cups may fit, or 50-52 mm rifle scope caps.

Nevermind the caps. How are the binoculars?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 12:05
I think that you should make a phone call to Gene Varva at Minox USA (603-469-3080) Meriden, N.H.

The people who handle the e-mails may not be very high up on the totem pole.

Gene is the Sports Optics Sales Coordinator at Minox. He is also aware of the SWFA Optics Talk Forum and just might be a little more open to your comments and concerns, as this forum generates alot of business when it comes to sports optics.

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mwyates View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mwyates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 14:03

Anweis

 

I had thought today I might find some scope caps that would fit.  I don't care what they look like, just that they work.

 

BW

 

I'll give Gene a call and see what he has to say.

 

Thanks, y'all.   In the next couple of days I'll get a good chance to check them out.  I'll post what I find out.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 16:47
Gene is a good guy and he cares about his customers.

ILya
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mwyates View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mwyates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 16:52
Objectives are 2.292" outside.  Butler Creek has some flip ups that are 2.31".  They should fit snug enough to stay on and give some protection.  I just spent about 30 minutes comparing the HG's to my Premier SE's in evening light (prime hunting time, except I'm at home).  As far as resolution and detail, I really can't tell any difference.  The HG's are very, very good.  The most noticeable difference is the 3D quality of the Nikons; much greater depth of field.  It doesn't require much of a turn to go from 50yds to infinity on the HG's, but the Nikon just takes a touch.  Probably wouldn't matter too much if you weren't switching back and forth.  The "rangefinder" on the HG's is really not too useful; it goes to 100yds then infinity.  It is kind of nice to glance at it and know where the glasses are focused before bringing them up to your eyes.  The HG's are getting a lot closer to staying.  I got a great deal on them, so it wouldn't really hurt to spend $15 on some caps.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2006 at 17:25

Just wanted to thank mwyates for keeping us posted on the HG's. Any hands on experience,test or information to pass on is always much appreciated.

 

AC

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Okiecocker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2006 at 21:44

mwyates,

 

Do these Binos seem long to you at all?  I have the 8.5x43's right now, but was considering getting rid of these and going to the same model you have.  Although now I'm considering switching to the 10x instead of the 8.5.  I do love these things though, but like you, hate the fact that there is no obj. cover.  I also wish they offered wing tipped eye cups instead of the standard twist out cups.  The tipped cups seem to offer a more stable viewing platform to me... I love how steiners feel. 

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mwyates View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mwyates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/20/2006 at 21:27
So far I've found the 8.5X52's to be very comfortable.  They are smaller and ligher than my brothers Swaro EL's.  I'm still comparing the quality, but I know for sure I'd buy the Minox.  They are definitely close enough that the Minox at half the price is a steal.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote alexbino Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2011 at 04:33
I have owned Minox HG 8.5x52 BR Made in Japan.
A very bright, contrast image with no color bias whatsoever, they also have excellent edge sharpness.
The Minox HG 8.5x52 BR have a much narrower field of view than most similar models.
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