Northmere Fjord 8x42 ED binoculars, with parallelogram mount

Specifications

Description

The Fjord 8x42 ED binoculars combine 8x magnification with 42 mm objectives and extra-low-dispersion glass in the objective lenses. The 8x power gives an exit pupil of 5.25 mm, which suits most observers under dark skies, and the 7.0-degree true field produces an apparent field of 56 degrees. That view is wide enough to frame the Pleiades, the Double Cluster in Perseus, and large star fields along the Milky Way in Cygnus.

The ED elements reduce colour fringing around bright stars such as Vega, Capella, and Sirius, and the edge of the Moon appears more defined than in standard-glass models at the same power. The BaK-4 roof prisms carry phase-correction coatings, and all air-to-glass surfaces are multi-coated to keep transmission high. The 42 mm objectives gather less light than 50 mm designs, so fainter stars are slightly harder to see, but the 5.25 mm exit pupil matches the dilated pupils of many observers and keeps the sky background dark.

The 18 mm eye relief lets you keep your glasses on and still see the full field. The central focus wheel and right-eye diopter adjust with a smooth, low-friction action, and the twist-up eyecups lock at two positions. At 880 g, these binoculars are practical for hand-held sessions of up to half an hour. For longer sessions, rest your elbows on a wall or a car roof, or use a tripod adapter to keep the view steady.

Start with the Moon a few days after new, and note how the crater edges look along the terminator. Then sweep Cygnus, and return to the Double Cluster on a darker night to compare. Keep the objective caps on when the binoculars are not in use, and wipe the lens surfaces with the supplied cloth rather than a dry tissue.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Northmere Fjord 8x42 ED binoculars, defined by its package, optical coatings, armor color, and edition year. The parallelogram mount keeps the binoculars at eye level while you move them across the sky in smooth arcs. A parallelogram mount lets observers of different heights share the same view without aiming the binoculars again. Multi-coated optics reduce reflections at the main glass surfaces while keeping the price of this binocular low.

Desert tan armor stays cooler in direct sunlight, which helps during daytime use before an evening session. This is the 2025 edition, which added a firmer diopter lock so the setting holds when you pass the binoculars around. The magnification, field, and exit pupil figures in the specifications table apply to every configuration of the Fjord line.

What's in the box

• Binoculars with neck strap
• Objective and eyepiece caps
• Padded carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth
• Parallelogram mount with counterweight
• Tripod adapter

Compatibility notes

• The central tripod socket takes a standard L-shaped binocular adapter with a 1/4-20 thread.
• Fits binocular harnesses and parallelogram mounts rated for 1 kg binoculars.