This review will compare the relative performance of the Generic Laser Range Finding Binoculars to the optics of the Nikon premium 10x32 and the rangefinding of the Swarowski Laserguide 8x30.
This is very clearly not an apples for apples review as the Nikon and Swarovski are top of the class, and the Generic probably won't be. It will be interesting though to judge the difference in light of the difference in price.
Specs
Model 8x42
Field of view 6 degrees
Linear field of view 315ft @1000 yards / 105m @ 1000m
Diopter Adjustment +-8
Eye Relief 19mm
Exit pupil diameter 5.4mm
Lens coating Multi Layered, Fully Multicoated
Waterproof IPX4 (filled with nitrogen)
Initial Impressions
The Generics are very professionally built. They feel solid at 850g and provide good eye relief for eyeglass wearers. The rangefinder is powered by a CR2 battery. A format that proved a little tricky to find, until you ask a photography shop; most will stock them.
They come with front and rear lens caps, and an additional one for the LRF. All 3 front lens caps could do with slightly longer leashes.
Each reticle has individual focus which could be a slight pain if you are sharing binoculars between people. The Nikons had a single, central focus wheel that could easily be adjusted. Having said that, for people with offset optical prescriptions (like myself), the individual settings could be handy.
Optical clarity
Disclaimer: The reticles of the Nikon lent itself well to photographing via cell phone camera, and the Generic less so, so the difference in optical clarity is not as marked as shown in the photos.
Nikon Premium Binoculars @ ~500m
Generic
The Generic washed out colours more than the Nikon, and the arc in the lower part of the right reticle reduces the amount of potential coverage a little.
The crispness of the image in the centre is very good and also on the borders. It should be noted that the 42mm lens of the Generic still could not compare with the smaller 32 of the Nikon.
Range Finding
The Generics were within 3 yards of the Swarovski's out to 800 yards:
The distance appears in the lower arc of the right reticle. In the image above the top half of the reading is visible (795 yards) The digital reading is a little difficult to read in bright light. The cross in the middle of the image was a nice feature that made it more easy to range than the Swarovski.
The Generics also ranged a pine tree out to 800 yards but I did not get an image. In every case the Generics were within a few yards of the Swarovski.
Note: I managed to range a flat reflective surface out to 889 (metres) but not a metre more.
The Generics could also range in total darkness (with a full moon) but the nature the read out and without a luminated reticle, the distance is not able to be read easily.
Weight
The Generics come in at 850g including lens covers. This is a full 250g lighter than the Nikon/Swarovski combination. The difference in weight to an entry level, or middle market combination would be noticably higher.
Overall
The Generics held their own with their classy company, providing excellent, functional abilities without the frills. Considering the difference in retail price (~NZD 5k for the Nikon Swarovski combo vs ~NZD600 for the Generics) and the weight savings, the tradeoffs are worth considering.
Hopefully future iterations will have improved range read out.
