Review: Viking Kestrel ED 10x42

By -
The Kestrel is in the latest range of binoculars recently released by Viking Optics. This model comes in three focal ranges: 8×32 • 8×42 • 10×42 (this review is in respect of the 10×42 model) – and has been designed to be a mid-price pair in their latest ED (Extra low Depression) glass range, which includes the Kestrels cousins: Peregrine ED & Merlin ED. The Peregrine ED is currently under review by my partner in crime Cian Cardiff, his review will be uploaded to the ID Series blog on a later date.
 
For starters the Kestrel feels sturdy and solid, the 674g body is covered in a durable and reasonably-grippy rubber armoring  – the body its self being fully water proof – it emits excellence, making you appreciate it’s well executed design and manufacturing, making one feel pretty proud to have them as part of their birding arsenal.


As well as looking and feeling fancy, the Kestrel can also put up with a variety of conditions as I found out; from being battered by wind and salt water on Hilbre Island, to having been completely submerged in silt-water at Sandbach Flash’s, along with other knocks about the place. The Kestrel is well built for the life of a hard-core Birder.
 
The focus wheel is just under an inch wide, enabling you to choose between either single or double digit adjustments. Which, with the pyramid design imprinted on the wheel, making it very grip-able, even with clammy hands and in the pouring rain. When it comes to handling, I found no problems, the classic bridge structure is a complimentary fit, making it easy to hold – as well as operate – with the thumb shaped depressions on the underside being a nice touch.


From the start I was impressed with the image I was presented with: bright, natural colours, with the level of contrast and the overall brightness being spot-on; the clarity of what I was observing, no matter the condition is certainly the party card of the Kestrel. When it came to doing a roost survey of Western Marsh Harrier on the Dee Estuary Marshes, they passed with flying colours in low-light, and the overcast/drizzly conditions.
 
A minor issue I encountered whilst testing the Kestrel were that the separate lens caps at the end often got in the way, especially in windy conditions – these can be taken off, however I would prefer to have them as a single attachment as see on the eye-cups.
 
 
My conclusion of the Kestrel ED (10×42 model), is that the pros far out weigh the cons, one of the notable selling points being the 10 year guarantee. This looks set to be another one of Viking Optics high-quality,  affordably priced binoculars.
 
Tech Spec:
  • Price – £199.95
  • Dimensions – L140xW130xH45
  • Weight – 674g
  • Field view (m/1000)- 114m
  • Field view (degrees) – 6.5o
  • Objective lens diameter – 42mm
  • Minimum focus distance – 2m
  • ED glass – Yes
  • Gas filled – Yes, nitrogen
  • Water proof – Yes (1.5m/3min)
  • Guarantee – 10 years
  • Models – 8×32 • 8×42 • 10×42

Thanks for reading,
E.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Autumn Birding: Yellow-legged Gull

By -
Image
Hi folks,
On my first day back checking the local harbour in Bray, Co.Wicklow I was delighted to arrive and see up to 30 European Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus), on the small beach at high tide. This gave me a chance to get some nice images of the varies ages and plumages. But what I didn't expect to pick up was anything rare! For the past 3 years I've been trying to find a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) amongest the large Larus numbers there.


So, as I was walking in amongest the Herrings I picked up a lovely showy 1st winter Great Black-backed Gull and was trying to photograph it. But then another big Larus to it's left on the slip way caught my attention, very white headed and with a large chuncky black bill! Could it finally be the 1st winter Yellow-legged I thought would one day appear?  So I took several close up images of this bird and then took some poor quality flight shots, to view the tail. Low and behold the tail was stunning like a immatur…
Read more

Winter Chapter: Gulls; My Local gulling hot spot

By -
Image
Hi again folks,

I hope you enjoyed are last post on the first winter Yellow-legged gull. And we thought you might like some more work on gulls! Just to get the brain working. All in all this piece is just to show how gulls can be useful for identification and other birding purposes. It's nice to look at your work and findings in time and see how your birding skills develop and which areas need some work! I hope you enjoy.


(Adult Ring-billed Gull and 3cy type Common Gull By Cian Cardiff)
Just a few brief comment to tell you folks about the place were I became fascinated by gulls and gulling. It all began in a tiny harbour located on the East Coast of Ireland, called Bray Harbour. This area has the river Dargle flowing into it, which seems to be a attraction for most gull species. What I like most about this site, is when the tide drops there is an exposed area of sand and silt that has been build up by the river. This in turn leaves a fantastic area for gulls to wash, feed and re…
Read more

Autumn Birding: American waders and more

By -
Image
3 Day break to Tacumshin Lake in county Wexford



Myself and my good friend Brian McCloskey had been talking about a trip to the famous Tacusmhin lake located in County Wexford for some time. One afternoon Brian texted me while I was in work and said will we just book a house for a few days. So I said "Ah feck it why not". Some of the birds that had been recorded at the site over the days leading up to our trip included; An adult American golden plover, juvenile Buff-breasted, 2 juvenile pectorals, lots of white wagtails, a few yellow wagtails and some nice raptors such as marsh harrier and hen. All birds that are a treat to see! 

(Juvenile Buff-Breasted Sandpiper)
We got the train to Rosslare strand and then a taxi to the house at the Forgotten Corner of Tacumshin. The house was overlooking the lake! Super cool. After dropping off our bags to the house we headed for the lake to spend the afternoon and evening birding. We met two birders in the early afternoon and from then on…
Read more