I have been meaning to sit down and type up a review of the
new Theron Questa 8x42 for a few days but just haven’t had the time until now. The
Questa is a new model which has just been added to the Theron lineup and is
available in both the 8x42 and 10x42 configurations.
Theron Optics has been in existence for the last 7 or 8 years and
has been known for providing very good optical optical performance for the
price (value). Prior to the introduction of the Questa their highest performing
model was the Wapiti ED-APO. The Wapiti ED-APO, introduced several years ago,
has many of the high end features such as dielectric prism coating and ED glass
lenses. The Questa has the same features but takes performance to another level
by introducing field flatteners in the eyepiece design.
Looking
at the entire binocular market a potential buyer will find very few consume-
grade binoculars that utilize field flatteners. For many years only one or two
companies, such as Nikon, utilized field flatteners in any of their binoculars.
That small group got a little bigger several years ago when Swarovski
introduced their Swarovision models.
Since then one or two other models utilizing field flatteners have been
introduced, the latest being the Theron Questa.
So, what makes the use of a field flattener so important?
Well, what it does allow for is to have more of the field of view in focus. We
often hear the phrase “edge to edge” sharpness. Field flattened binoculars
often come the closest to being able to produce this level of performance. This
then begs the question as to why more companies aren’t using them in their
designs. As with any optical design there are drawbacks. The most often
mentioned in this case is AMD (Angular Magnification Distortion) or “rolling
ball” as it has been affectionately called as of late. AMD refers to a
phenomenon where the image appears to roll as if across the surface of a ball
when panning with the binocular. To counteract this to some extent
manufacturers introduced some percentage of pincushion distortion. Such is the
case with the Theron Questa. As someone
that can notice AMD but is not bothered by it unless it is excessive I can
happily report that the Questa displays very little of it.
So before we go into my impressions of optical performance,
ergonomics, etc… let’s look at the basic features/specifications of the
binocular.
8x42 model
-
22.6 mm of eye relief
-
425 foot (8.1 degree) field of view
-
822 grams (28.9 ounces)
-
6.2 inches tall
-
Dielectric/phase coated, prisms
-
Broadband Fully multicoated lenses
-
ED glass objective design
-
Nitrogren filled / waterproof
-
4 foot close focus
-
1.25 rotations from close focus to infinity
counterclockwise (with an additional .25 rotation past infinity)
10x42
-
Same overall specs and features as the 8x but
with a 336 foot (6.4 degree) field of view, 18.5 mm of eye relief and an 812
gram (28.6 ounce) weight
Optical
Performance:
As mentioned above the most prominent advertising feature
with this model is the edge to edge sharpness. Does it really deliver edge to
edge sharpness? Yes and no. As I have mentioned when describing various field
flattener models in the past the image is sharp across more of the field of
view than non-field flattened models. Is it edge to edge? Yes, in a sense it is
however there is a small zone where the image loses a very small amount of
sharpness. I would estimate the inner 3/4ths of the field of view is sharp and
then there is about 10% of the field of view is slightly less sharp followed by
the remaining 15% of outer edge of the image being as sharp as the central 75%.
As has been discussed previously this “ring” is possibly where the AMD and
pincushion distortion overlap within the image.
Apparent sharpness inside the sweetspot and at the edge is
excellent. I have no difficulty pulling out the finest detail both at close
focus and out on distant targets. CA control is excellent in the central 75%
with a gradual worsening outwards. I would call it moderate at the very outer
edge.
Apparent contrast is very good but a slightly warm to
neutral color bias does influence this area to some extent. Apparent brightness
is excellent and in comparison to just about every other binocular I have on
hand it is notably brighter in challenging conditions.
When you combine all of these attributes then the resulting
experience is truly extraordinary. The field of view is wide, so much of the
image is in focus with the center, colors are accurately represented, CA is
well controlled and the image is bright. I would use the term “panoramic” to
describe the experience. Only a few of the binoculars I have owned in the past
gave me a similar experience. The Meopta Meostar and Nikon Premier
LX/HG/Venturer are the two that immediately come to mind because of the field
flattener elements with the understanding that the Questas is a bit better
because of the effective use of ED glass and the notably wider field of view.
Definitely an “immersive” experience.
Ergonomics:
The
largest objections to previous versions of this design was that the large
oculars forced the eyecup diameter to be larger than average. This in turn
forced consumers to use wider IPD settings to compensate to some extent. This
created a less than ideal viewing comfort level for many individuals.
That issue has now been resolved with the Questa design. The
eyecups are notably narrower at both the base and end which allows for narrower
IPD settings and a much more appreciable comfort level. The eyecups have one
intermediate setting between fully collapsed and fully extended and have a
solid feel to their design.
The
rubber armoring is smooth in texture and very pleasing to the touch. Unlike one
of the previous versions of this design this model has narrower overall feel as
a result. The texture of the rubber in combination with the thumb indents
provides a similar feeling to that of the original Swarovski EL 8x32.
Both
the focusing speed and tension of the Questa are close to ideal. As mentioned
in the specs above it takes 1.25 revolutions to go from a close focus of about
4 feet all the way out to infinity. I tend to find binoculars with 1.25-1.5
revolutions to be ideal as they provide a nice compromise between too fast and
too slow so long as the focusing tension is sufficient enough not overshoot
“perfect focus” on any given object. This is the case with this model.
I have
not noted any fit and finish issues with this model. Every component performs
as intended (eyecups, central hinge, diopter, focuser, etc…). The diopter
adjustment is located in the classic position around the right eyepiece. It
does not lock but does have enough resistance to keep it locked in place.
Accessories include carrying case,
neckstrap, objective covers and rainguard. The Questas carry a one year
no-fault warranty and a lifetime manufacturer defect warranty. They have a
listed retail price of $499 but are currently on an introductory sale price of
$425.
Nitpicks?
Not
really as my concerns with the previous versions have all been addressed. Some
individuals might find the listed 28.9 ounce weight objectionable It is an
ounce or so heavier than the premium models offered…
Swarovski SV 8.5 x43 – 28 ounces
Zeiss SF 8x42 – 27.5 ounces
Leica Ultravid Plus 8x42 – 27.9 ounces
Nikon EDG 8x42 – 27.7 ounces
Compared to some other popular mid-high priced models….
Leica Trinovid 8x42 – 28.6 ounces
Meopta Meostar HD 10x42 – 27 ounces
Zeiss Conquest HD – 28 ounces
I often find it interesting to compare specs on paper with
various models. Keeping that in mind the Questa compares very favorably with
models costing 4-5 times the price. Obviously, as fun as that might be, the
real test is in actual use. I would encourage anyone to compare the Questa with
any of the models listed above and report your experiences. There might not be
as big of a gap as the price would dictate.
In summary, I find the Questa to be a bit of a game-changer
for a variety of reasons. Yes, there were two models based on the same design
from other companies but the eyecup size made “ease of use” much more difficult
for me at least. This binocular has all of their benefits and none of their
concerns. Optically this binocular has everything going for it…wide field of
view, very good CA control, a huge sweet spot, excellent brightness and color
and ergonomically I find it a pleasure to use in all areas.
The real question, as with many optics coming out of China,
is whether or not the quality control is going to be good from unit to unit.
With a sample of one in my possession I cannot comment on that issue but would
be interested in others’ comments once more of these are purchased.
Two big thumbs up from me on this binocular!
------------- Frank
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