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Hawke Nature-Trek

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Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars.

Hawke Nature-Trek binoculars received an award for all-round 8x42 model as being the best low cost binocular in 2014. Previously produced with open-bridge design, the Nature-Trek series now integrates single-hinge design build between the top of the barrels, which still gives you enough space for a proper grip. They are ultra-lightweight, waterproof, fog-proof and have great optical features with fully multi-coated system, phase correction and prism coatings as well. They are perfect for everyday use of birdwatchers, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts.

Basic Features

Nature-Trek binoculars are build out of a polycarbonate body that makes them extremely lightweight. This helps you with comfortable handling for longer periods of time. The portability is less fatiguing and top-hinge design also helps with a better grip, since they leave more space to wrap your hands around. This body is tightly sealed and helps to prevent the water to enter and damage the construction. It also helps to eliminate corroding with the help of nitrogen gas filling, which also prevents internal fogging and occurrence of the mold in a long run. Nature-Trek binoculars are enclosed in rubber armouring, which is very thick and hard. They also integrate a tripod adaptable screw to mount them on a tripod and make steady images. Focusing gives very fine results due to large central focusing wheel, but is less smooth due to little resistance in the mechanism. There is also right-eye diopter below the eyecups that is tightly set on the barrel and won’t move by accident.

Optical Properties

Nature-Trek offers binoculars with great optical performance, due to BaK-4 glass and fully multi-coated system. This significantly improves light transmission levels and prevents major distortions to occur such as chromatic aberration or inner reflections. The applied silver coatings and phase corrected coatings on the prisms help with incredibly vivid and crisp images. The series offers wider field of view for quick tracking of the subjects such as big birds. Generous close focusing distance allows you to observe the objects up close, from plants, flowers, insects etc. Nature-Trek binoculars offer multi-positioned eyecups with two click-stops to position your eyes to the proper distance from the ocular lenses without vignetting.

Accessories

The Nature-Trek comes in a soft case to store binoculars with its own strap for carrying and a belt loop in case you want to carry them around the waist. There are also objective lens covers and eyepiece lens covers against scratches added. For comfortable carrying there is also a neck strap in the box.

Features of Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars

Polycarbonate Housing
Fully Multi-coated
Roof Prism
Phase Correction
Silver Prism Coatings
Bak4 Prisms
Central Focusing
Right-eye Diopter
Twist-up Eyecups
Waterproof
Fog-proof (Nitrogen Filling)
Tripod Adaptable

Accessories of Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars

Neoprene Neckstrap
Soft Carrying Case
Objective Lens Covers
Rainguards
Lens Cleaning Cloth

Available models of Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars

Nature-Trek 8x32	COMPACT – Short range, daytime binoculars
Nature-Trek 10x32	COMPACT – Long range, daytime binoculars
Nature-Trek 8x42	ALLROUND - Short range, daytime binoculars
Nature-Trek 10x42	ALLROUND - Long range, daytime binoculars
Nature-Trek 10x50	LOW-LIGHT - Long range binoculars
Nature-Trek 12x50	LOW-LIGHT – Long range binoculars

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Hawke offers 10 years of warranty for Nature-Trek series. The warranty claim is non-transferable and the proof of purchase must be presented. You can register your Hawke binoculars here and avoid the further complications in case the proof of purchase might get lost in the future. The company repairs or replaces damaged products without charge. However, it doesn’t include No Fault Policy – doesn’t cover damages due to mishandling, misuse, neglect or accidental damage. Wear items such as lens covers are not covered.

You can learn more about our own warranty policy on the following link:

https://www.optics-trade.eu/en/warranty-policy.html

No matter what happens to your binoculars, we will be here to help you.

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Hawke Nature-Trek 8x42

$185.00

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Hawke Nature-Trek 10x42

$259.00

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Hawke Nature-Trek 8x32

$219.00

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Hawke Nature-Trek 10x32

$229.00

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VIDEO

Birdwatching binoculars are usually very compact, with the objective lens diameter rarely larger than 42mm. Birdwatching usually takes place in the day time, meaning that larger and bright binoculars have no added value.

Resolution and absence of optical errors are thus far more important. Many ornithologists also prefer higher magnification, so 10x magnification is the preferred choice for many. Quality of the focusing mechanism is also one of the more critical properties for ornithological use of binoculars.

Summary of the most common features of binoculars for Birdwatching is given below:

8x magnification or 10x magnification
Objective lens diameter smaller than 42mm
Central focusing
Roof prism design
Small mass and size

Compact Bird Watching Binoculars

Birds are mostly observed during the day. Most binoculars used for Birdwatching are compact, with 28-36 mm objective lenses, which makes them bright enough for watching during the day.

The best thing about them is that they are lightweight and small, so the birders do not have to carry so much weight and can comfortably wear them around their necks, without causing any pain.

Compact binoculars

Birdwatchers can wear Compact binoculars comfortably around their necks

Birdwatching Binoculars with 8x32 and 10x32 Configurations

8x32 and 10x32 configurations belong to the group of Compact binoculars.

This type of binoculars does not perform great in low light conditions. In this respect, they are similar to 10x42 binoculars.
When comparing 8x42 and 8x32 binoculars, we realize that optical performance is almost the same. Except for the field of view, 8x32 binoculars have the largest field of view of them all.
It is generally considered that 8x32 and 10x32 binoculars are not very comfortable for the user. The exit pupil diameter is very small, meaning that after a more extended period, viewing becomes tiring. But these binoculars are, on the other hand, great for kids.
They are small in size and very lightweight, which makes them easy to carry around.

To learn more about Compact binoculars, read our Compact Binoculars Buying Guide.

Prism types in Bird Watching Binoculars

The most commonly used prisms in birdwatching binoculars are roof prisms. Most birders usually prefer binoculars with Schmidt Pechan prisms. They often hold binoculars in their hands for a more extended period.

It is advisable for them to purchase binoculars with a Roof prism design since they are more compact and ergonomically more comfortable to use.

Other types of prisms, like Abbe-Koening, are used very rarely.

Binoculars with Abbe-Koening prisms perform great at low light conditions, but Birdwatching is an activity that doesn't take place at night. There is no need for birders to have binoculars with this type of prisms.

There is one more type of prism that needs to be mentioned: Porro prisms. Like Abbe-Koning, these prisms are also not very popular among birders. The ergonomics and larger size of these binoculars are not suitable for ornithology.

Ergonomics

The shape and design of binoculars are critical features for all birders. Once they spot the bird, they tend to observe the animal for a more extended period. The comfort of holding binoculars in hands and carrying them around the neck is essential.

Open bridge design is trendy among birders since it allows the user to hold binoculars with only one hand. Holding binoculars in one hand is very practical. It enables the user to take notes with its freehand or to put it in the pocket when the weather is cold.
Some premium binoculars also feature special thumb rest indents on the barrels for a more secure grip and even more comfortable holding.

Open bridge

Sightron binoculars with open bridge design

For comfortable observations, it is vital that the observer's eyes do not get tired. The size of the eyebox is another feature that birders need to consider.

Larger eye box means more flexibility of the eye position and therefore more comfortable viewing because the eye can move in several directions within the eye box and still obtain a full image.

Focusing

The speed of focusing is essential for Birdwatching. The birds move very fast, so it is important to have fast focus. The observer needs to change the focus from close to far distance very fast.

Focusing is one of the main differences between Hunting and Birdwatching binoculars.

The birds do not stand still; they are almost always in motion, so the focus on binoculars needs to be fast.
The game is usually dormant and move slowly. Unlike birders, hunters need slow focus and fine-tuning.

It is a general rule, that slow focus binoculars are used for hunting, while the ones with fast are used for Birdwatching. Premium brands, like Swarovski and Zeiss, began to manufacture binoculars that could do both.

The general principle is as follows:

The focusing speed is very fast in both directions.
When the user turns the knob, the focusing is swift.
When the knob is turned in the opposite direction for 5-10°, the adjustment is slow and then fast again. It takes some time to get used to this type of focusing.

Central focusing on Bird watching binoculars

The birds can move very fast, and because of this, focusing is being used a lot.

It is great if the focus can be easily and quickly changed, so the central focusing system is the most recommended.

All other focusing systems are usually not suitable for bird watching.

Birdwatching Binoculars for Eyeglass wearers

For anyone wearing eyeglasses, a minimum of 17-18mm eye relief is recommended (20mm even more optimal). It is good if the exit pupil is as large as possible, at least 4mm, preferably even 5mm or more. From this, it is clear that 8x42 is usually a better choice than 10x; however, it is true that some people rather "risk the comfort "for seeing more details.

It is essential that you check the eye relief before purchasing the optical device- if it is less than 15 mm, it will be much more challenging to observe with glasses.

Different Configurations of Bird Watching Binoculars

8x42 configuration

8x42 binoculars are very versatile, and a preferred configuration for many birders who don't have many experiences or have just started with this hobby.

Lack of experience is not a problem with 8x42 binoculars.
Because of low magnification, the image is still, so even the beginner can observe birds holding binoculars in hands, without the use of a tripod.
These binoculars offer a big field of view, but the image details are not so good as with 10x42 binoculars.

Many manufacturers produce 8x42 binoculars, so the competition between them is very fierce. For the users, this is a good thing. It means that the user gets the highest quality for its money.

You can read more about 8x42 Binoculars in our Buying Guide, or watch the video.

10x42 configuration

As with the 8x42 binoculars, there is also intense competition among manufacturers that produce 10x42 binoculars. 10x42 configuration is suitable for more advanced users that have calmer hands.

10x magnification offers an image with better details.
The downside is that the field of view is somehow smaller.

Compared to 8x42, this type of binoculars does not perform very well at dusk - poorer performance is noticeable even on a cloudy day.

10x50 configuration

10x50 binoculars are a compromise between the bright image and the size and weight of the optical device.

The field of view is about the same as with 10x42 binoculars; the image brightness is as with 8x42 configuration.
In exchange for 10x magnification and bright image, the user has to deal with larger and heavier binoculars.

Configurations for beginners

We recommend an 8x42 configuration for beginners since there is the largest selection among 8x42 binoculars. Also, the user gets the highest quality for its money.

Viewing with 8x42 binoculars is very comfortable and suitable for open terrains as well as for forests.
These binoculars offer a wider field of view, a brighter image, and (unfortunately) fewer details compared to 10x42.

Advice: For the first step in the world of Birdwatching, 8x42 is definitely most recommended because it provides a better field of view and is better for observing smaller and faster-moving birds. 8x42 binoculars are easy to hold in hand without excessive shaking of the image.

Best Bird Watching Binoculars

Like everywhere else, it is hard to point out the best Birdwatching binoculars. Every binoculars have its pros and cons, and it also depends on personal taste.

The user needs to know that binoculars in the middle price range (1000-1500€) perform very well. In the last ten years, significant progress has been made in this area, so the middle-class binoculars are well worth considering.

There is no denial that premium brands binoculars (like Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss) perform better than middle-class binoculars.

But there is a question if these small details are worth paying extra money- in the end, it depends on the user and its priorities.

Swarovski EL 8.5×42

Swarovski EL 8.5x42 is highly popular among Birders

A short presentation of Birdwatching Binoculars is available here.

Slideshare presentation

Short Presentation | Birdwatching Binoculars | Optics Trade from Optics-Trade

Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars.

Basic Features

Optical Properties

Accessories

Features of Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars

Accessories of Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars

Available models of Hawke Nature-Trek Binoculars