NIKON EDG 8X32 | Alan Photo

The EDG 8x32 binocular from Nikon aims to recreate world reference standards for resolution, handling, and features useful to seriously discriminating sports optic consumers.  They've essentially taken all that was good of the much-beloved 8x32 Premier LX "L" and enhanced it with a multitude of improvements that have evolved in sports optics in the years since that unit's debut.

While the optics of the Premier LX "L" were universally applauded for good reason, the 8x32 EDG is that tiny bit better.  Center-to-edge resolution performance, brightness consistency, and eye relief were all improved-quite a feat considering what they've improved upon.  Generally speaking, the 8x32 roof configuration is regarded as an exceptional all-around binocular, because it has good brightness combined with a wide viewing field and a medium size.

The modern trend in sport optics has been towards the 'quadrangle' design of an open-hinged binocular, and this is the EDG's form as well.  You can actually interlace your fingers a bit between the optical tubes, and even lock your thumb with your index finger to make holding the unit steady a simpler task.  Nikon's also added a focus lock feature to their famous focusing dial-if you never touched a Premier LX "L" focuser, you'll be stunned by its ability to communicate to your finger and arrive exactly where you wish in just an instant.  Other niceties include the addition of a tripod adapter threading, horn-shaped eyecups standard, and a rainguard which helps keep your interpupillary distance setting.