A Review of Saxon 8x40 Binoculars

A Review of Saxon 8x40 Binoculars

Eric C.

The Australian Saxon brand of optics produces the 8x40 handheld binoculars. The binoculars feature an 8x magnification, aperture focus swivel and coated optics. The 8x40 is available with rubber grips and protective coating or with reinforced rubber armor for a stouter set of binoculars. As of May 2010, suggested retail for the standard model was $67 dollars and the reinforced rubber model retailing at $75 dollars. A carrying case and strap comes with the binoculars.

Perks

The Saxon 8x40 binoculars provide a wide field of vision with quick focusing via the aperture swivel. Optics are clean, clear and do not lose resolution on the outer circles of the field of view. Bargain priced, the binoculars allow bird and wildlife watchers on a budget the ability to buy a solid pair of field optics.

Sacrifices

There is only one aperture focus swivel. You cannot focus on fast moving objects as quick as with higher end optics. The Saxon's are a bit heavier than other models, an issue for taking long trips into the backcountry for wildlife and bird watching. There is no motion stabilizing function, making for fuzzy viewing when in motion (safari vehicle or jeep).

Bottom Line

Saxon 8x40 binoculars are a quality set of field optics for a bargain price point, well worth the price. Bird watchers will enjoy the optics.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com
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