Northmere Fjord 8x42 ED binoculars, with photo tripod

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. This package adds a photo tripod and an adapter, so you can hold the binoculars steady without further purchases. A tripod works well for objects at low and medium altitude, though viewing near the zenith becomes awkward on one. Fully multi-coated optics treat every air-to-glass surface, which raises light transmission and image contrast.

Desert tan armor stays cooler in direct sunlight, which helps during daytime use before an evening session. The optics in the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern handling details only. Before you add a mount or adapter later, check the compatibility notes for the thread and fitting that this binocular uses.

What's in the box

• Binoculars with neck strap
• Objective and eyepiece caps
• Padded carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth
• L-shaped tripod adapter
• Aluminum photo tripod with pan head

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.