I’m on a search for an 8×32 binocular, so I am reviewing the candidates in the field. My main comparisons are the Leica Ultravid BR 8×20 or Swarovski 8.5×42 FPro (yes, those are way more expensive than this pair).
I really like the handling and size. It is nearly as compact as the Nikon Monarch 7 8×30, but in a x32 design. And I think the optics are very good. If it fits your face, you probably have a winner, but for me, I need to tilt it up and away from my cheekbones, so it is not a keeper. This is, I stress, a fully subjective test and for you the design might be wonderful.
- Handling
- I liked the feel of them and I like the split bridge. It is a very nice build. It feels compact and solid in my hand.
- The barrel diameter at the top of the bottom hinge (where my middle finger rests) is 39.78mm and below the top hinge (where my ring finger rests) is 41.90mm. This is almost 5mm narrower at the low end than the Minox BL 8×33. I can wrap my finger and thumb completely around the barrel with a little room to spare, which adds, I think, to their compact feel.
- I find the focuser a little loose. My sample feels like it has a tiny bit of play when reversing directions, but it comes and goes. I find that I need to hunt a little to get sharpest focus.
- The strap eyelets are nicely recessed, but with the split bridge I don’t bump into them at all.
- Easiest diopter adjustment of the lot. It has a lock/adjust position and in the adjust position, after a few spins to loosen it up, it is easy to rotate.
- The eye cups do not extend far enough for me. I have to hold the binoculars away from my eyes and rest the eye cups only on the outer upper brow. Not as immersive as the Minox. It also leads to slight blackouts if I do not hold them at the right distance. This is a deal-breaker for me, but might not be for you.
- I have a hard time setting the IPD at minimum distance.
- Eye relief has 4 positions.
My other problem with the Vanguard (as with the Minox) is the focus is backwards from what I expect. I am used to clockwise to go out and counter-clockwise to go in, and the Minox is backwards.
- Optics
- They are as bright as the Minox.
- In the field, looking at distant objects (say 100 yards or more), I find them hard to get sharp focus, even after double and triple checking the diopter. For me, the Minox is better. I have to adjust the IPD more on the Vanguard than the Minox.
- I think flaring is very well controlled. I think it is on par with the Minox, though noticeably not as good as the Swarovski 8.5×42 EL FPro. I did not notice CA, but I am not sure how sensitive I am to it.
In summary, I feel like the Vanguard Endurance ED II 8×32 behaves a lot like the Leica Ultravid 8×20 in terms of flare and blackout, but in a much larger body and weight — I get the downside of the Leica without its benefits. If the Vanguard were to fit my face better, I think I would like it a lot.
- Weight: 542 (naked), 574 (with ocular and objective covers)
- Eye cup distance†: 8.26mm
- Verdict: Almost a keeper. The short eyecup extension is my only complaint. If you do not need deep eyecups, definitely check these out.
† With the eye cup fully extended, the distance from the top of the eye cup to the ocular glass.