Hawke Endurance CF 8x32 and 8x42 binoculars

UK-owned and based in Suffolk, Hawke Sport Optics is continuing to strengthen its product portfolio with the launch of a new range of close-focus binoculars. The six Endurance CF models offer 8x or 10x magnification and 25 mm, 32 mm or 42 mm objectives and follow hot on the heels of the telescope range of the same name (see Birdwatch 174: 45).

These binoculars are aimed squarely at the budget end of the optics market, which has seen substantial growth as the quality of the products continues to improve. Having been given the opportunity to compare the two popular birding models – the 32 mm and 42 mm – in the field, I was surprised at how good they proved to be. Both give an immediate impression of robustness, and while the weight of the larger model is comparable to that of equivalent top-end binoculars, the 32 mm weighs substantially less than its peers.

Nitrogen-purged and waterproof, both models are relatively compact and, again, the smaller one more so than its top-drawer counterparts. Birders with small hands may enjoy this feature, but I found the design mildly irritating in that the short barrels coupled with the positioning of the strap attachments – directly opposite the mid-point of the central focusing wheel – resulted in the strap lugs pressing into the skin between my thumb and index finger. Although these lugs are in exactly the same place on the 42 mm model, the combination of a deeper focusing wheel and longer barrels enabled me to find a more comfortable holding and operating position.

The graduated twist-up eyecups are rubber shrouded and extend outwards to three additional positions above the baseline. In the larger model, each of these positions is depicted on a scale indicating the extent of the eyecup above the lens, but there is no such incremental scale on the smaller model. Its eyecups, however, have a broader rubber rim and appear better protected than those of the 42 mm model.

In both binoculars the dioptre is located below the right eyecup and, apart from a simple marker point, there is no adjustment scale to mark the setting. I found the dioptre easier to operate when its eyecup was extended to the first incremental position. It is very sensitive in terms of achieving exactness in single-eye focusing but, once set, it offers enough turning resistance to remain in place.

The broadly ribbed central focusing wheel appeared a little stiff to operate in both models, although I would expect it to loosen up after prolonged use. Little more than one full rotation takes you from close focus to infinity in the larger model, and in the smaller one the same is achieved in just a three-quarter turn. The close-focus function – hence the name ‘CF’ – apparently allows observation down to 1.2 m in the 42 mm binocular and 1.5 m in the smaller model. During testing, however, I found these figures to be reversed; perhaps there is a significant degree of variability in the focusing range of both binoculars, and buyers should bear this in mind if they consider the close-focus distance to be critical.

General image characteristics measure up well: both binoculars return a reasonable field depth, sharpness almost to the edges and minimal curvature of field, while the field of view for each equals or betters some models with a higher price tag. Colour fringing is at an acceptably low level and the image is bright, although its overall ‘cold’ or neutral colour cast, to my eyes, lacked a degree of contrast.

The lenses are fully multi-coated and at low light intensities both models performed well, in one instance allowing me to pinpoint a Long-eared Owl before it emerged from its roost in a dense hedgerow just before dusk. In terms of image brightness, the difference between the two models was barely detectable, even in dull or fading light conditions, and this factor alone may help to make the selection of model easier for prospective purchasers who may simply want to choose between a standard-sized binocular and a compact one.

All models in the range come with a broad padded strap, padded case and individual click-in objective lens caps and they are available in green or black. At £109.95 (32 mm) and £149.95 (42 mm) these binoculars represent exceptionally good value – even if you are not a first-time buyer.