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The Vixen New Foresta HR 8x42 is undoubtedly a dark horse of our test. A pair of binoculars costing 800 PLN and still it managed to get 125 points, being placed right outside the top ten of our ranking. If it reaches a similar result in the endurance test, it might become a real market hit.

Low temperature

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Low temperature test results seemed to be in perfect accordance with the positive impressions of our optical test. The central wheel was a bit heavier to move; similar thing can be said about the eyecups and the dioptre correction, still those were minor problems. We didn’t have any reservations concerning the regulation of the gauge of the tubes and the tripod mounting blockade.

High temperature

The high temperature test ended up with a small slip-up. The central focusing wheel started to work unevenly and with a loud rattle. We had also reservations concerning the rubber padding of the casing which became definitely too loose. The other functions performed as they should – no complaints.

Waterproof qualities

The producer states that the binoculars are waterproof and (a direct quote) their “precise and reliable, nitrogen filled optical system guarantees great comfort in extreme conditions.” Unfortunately it is not true. The binoculars aren’t submersible – as soon as they were put into water they got drenched. The fact that water flowed in big drops from it afterwards can be the measure of the efficiency of the sealing gaskets, located near the objective lenses (or rather the lack of it). What are the results of drenching the binoculars and fogging its tubes? Look at the photos below.

Falls

Two falls from different heights made the binoculars completely decolimated and the eyecups got skewed – now they move unevenly and with significant resistance.

Optics cleaning

Fingerprints are easy to remove but water residue, which got stuck after the exposure to high temperature, was difficult to clean. The drops of rain dribbling on the objective lens leave just little droplets behind. Grease is easy to spread around but you can clean it with just a dry cloth.

Other

After the extreme temperatures test the glue on eyepieces dissolved.

Summary

The chart below shows the results the tested pair of binoculars got in particular categories:

We are very sorry but we have to admit the Vixen New Foresta HR 8x42 didn’t measure up to our expectations. After a very good result in the optical test the endurance testing proved these binoculars are a very delicate instrument. Contrary to the suggestion of its Polish distributor it is definitely not the instrument to be used in extreme conditions. If you want it to be functional for a long time you must take a proper care of it. It’s a pity that real life verified the dream – there are no miracles. Both our tests proved that it is impossible to create a roof prism pair of binoculars which will be optically and mechanically good and will cost just several hundred PLN.