Viking Kestrel ED Binoculars (10x42)

Product Information

I struggled to find anything in the way of colour fringing, even in the brightest summer sunshine – it only really reared its head when viewing directly against the sun, and usually when following a moving target, at that. Even then, it was pretty negligible, and certainly didn’t affect my enjoyment of using them.

Viking 8x42 Kestrel ED Binoculars | Viking Optical Centres Viking 8x42 Kestrel ED Binoculars | Viking Optical Centres

The afore-mentioned focus wheel takes roughly 1 ¼ turns from close focus to infinity. As is to be expected, they are nitrogen gas filled to prevent internal fogging and are completely waterproof.

1 Comment

The 10x42 binoculars are certainly the most cost-effective option and provide a more convenient build design. When using these binoculars in a good light conditions, they will match the quality output of the 10x50 binoculars. Whilst there may be some colour fringing, this really is not noticeable - especially in bright environments. These binoculars are perfectly suitable for birdwatching and general observations. If you are looking for a pair of binoculars for general use, then the 10x42 binoculars are a great choice. Viking don't provide light transmission percentages, but it's evident the Peregrine ED binoculars are sharper and brighter than their cousins. However, if you were to compare this to the Viking Kestrel ED 10x42 then the results would be different. This is due to the Viking Kestrel ED binoculars utilising Extra-low Dispersion glass. The use of this glass guarantees the highest possible results - regardless of the size.This results in these binoculars being available at a higher price in comparison to standard binoculars. Therefore, if you wish to maximise the overall quality, then opting for ED binoculars is the way to go. slender body, they also allow for a very firm grip on the barrels, which themselves have slight thumb indents on the under side. They are very balanced in the hand and the focus wheel is in a natural position for the index finger

Feathers | Viking Kestrel ED Review

For example, the Viking Badger 10x50 binoculars offer a superior quality over the 10x42 version due to the larger lenses. These binoculars offer the same build design and glass for the optics. Therefore, the only real difference that can be found is with how much light is taken in. Even with this increase in light, there are no guarantees that the difference would even be noticeable. Despite this, there are some scenarios where the 10x50 binoculars really do shine. If you were to use these binoculars in low-light conditions then the extra light transmission would certainly be beneficial. The field of view is 142m@1,000m, and it feels wide, too. As so often the case these days, that’s as a result of the image staying sharp very close to the edges, which here is presumably thanks to the use of ED glass.

I have recently spent some time reviewing the Viking Badger 10x50 Binoculars. These 10x50 binoculars were exceptional and introduced a wider objective lens to the product range. However, this brought up the question of which option is best between the 10x42 and the 10x50 binoculars. Whilst these binoculars share many similarities, there are certainly some differences that help to separate them. Every item in the Viking range is manufactured to the highest standards of quality and reliability and the Kestrel binocular is no exception. Featuring Extra Low Dispersion glass lenses, BAK 4 Prisms and fully multicoated optics, these full size binoculars offer impressive resolution, with a bright and colour correct image. like a bit more rigidity at each stop. While they don't exactly slip down, it doesn't take much pressure to change which position they're in, unlike the Kestrel ED and Merlin ED which are more secure. The inclusion of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass really helps make a difference. This special glass helps to provide a flawless viewable image for the user. The use of ED glass also helps to eliminate any colour fringing. Therefore, if you are looking to maximise your results, then the Viking Kestrel ED is a fantastic option.

Viking 10x42 Kestrel ED Binoculars | Viking Optical Centres

The build design that the Viking Kestrel ED offers is fantastic and helps highlight the high standards of Viking.They continue their tradition of delivering high quality designs at an affordable price. The features available with binoculars perform smooth and efficiently. Everything about these binoculars will leave you seriously impressed. Every aspect of these binoculars performs exceptionally well without feeling complicated. This helps the Viking Kestrel ED feel accessible and suitable to everyone. Quality of OpticsWe're very easy to find, our London store is just off Oxford Street between Oxford Circus station and Tottenham Court Road station. The Essex shop is located in High Chelmer Shopping Centre, just off the High Street in Chelmsford.The Stevenage shop is located in the Old Town, in the old Post Office with parking outside Feathers are suppliers of Hawke, Opticron, Swarovski, Viking, Vortex & Zeiss binoculars, telescopes and accessories, based in Salehurst, between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings, East Sussex. hinge tension allows for easy adjustment but stays firmly in place when the correct interpupillary distance has been set. The eyecups are covered in the same soft rubber armour, with 4 stop eye-relief. For me, I'd The Viking Kestrel ED binoculars are suitable for all occasions and activities thanks to their powerful optics. Whether this is birdwatching or general observations, you can guarantee fantastic results with this. We really could not recommend these binoculars highly enough. Viking Kestrel 8x42 Binoculars

Viking Kestrel ED 8×42 Binoculars review | Gear | Bird Watching Viking Kestrel ED 8×42 Binoculars review | Gear | Bird Watching

Having previously reviewed the Peregrine 8x42 ED ( see here), I was curious to discover how this model measured up against its bigger brother. The Kestrel is just shy of 93 per cent the size of the equivalent Peregrine, but it weighs 15 per cent more. Compact, then, but even at 692 g I would not describe it as being particularly heavy. The eyecups are made from pretty solid rubber, too, and were comfortable to use for long periods of time. They twist up and down to three distinct positions, and stayed in place well – no inadvertent slipping out of place even when they were subject to moderately rough handling. They offer a maximum of 17.2mm of eye relief. The first noticeable difference between the 10x42 binoculars and 10x50 binoculars is the size and weight. Due to the increase in objective lens diameter, you can expect the 10x50 binoculars to be bigger in comparison. This results in these binoculars being both taller and wider than any 10x42 binoculars. BAK4 prisms, the Kestrel ED 10x42 were (in these conditions) as bright as the 8x42. The woody's red nape and belly were magnificently vivid and I stayed watching him drumming until a nuthatch shot past whilst calling. than those found with the other models. Tethered objective lens caps and a good quality, albeit slightly loose fitting rainguard are also included. A 10 year guarantee is reassuring and Viking's service is exemplary.

Specification

Once again, the Viking Kestrel 8x42 ED binoculars come out on top here. They provide the highest level of eye-relief at 17.2mm. This is a great deal of relief and provides excellent comfort. In comparison, the Viking Kestrel 10x42 ED binoculars are only able to provide 15.2mm. However, this is still a fantastic rate of relief which helps the user to feel comfortable. The Viking Kestrel ED binoculars offer an extremely high-performance at a cost-effective price. These binoculars have become so popular that they are our Best Buy of 2022. The combination of powerful optics with a superior build design really helps the Kestrel ED stand out from the crowd.The level of quality certainly makes these a favourite amongst birdwatchers out there. In use then, quite remarkably, you can almost see as wide an image with the 10x42 Peregrine ED as you can with the 8x. It's no surprise then to find the Viking Peregrine ED is the most expensive of the three models, so in my latest review I'll be taking a look at whether it can live up to its namesake. my first impressions were positive and having now spent some good birding hours with them I'm ready to write down my thoughts.