Since the launch of the original Hawke Frontier ED Binoculars in late 2008, they have continued to gain an excellent reputation for image and build quality at a superb value for money price.

So what about this latest offering? First impressions are very good. The build quality, especially for a binocular costing less than £400, continues to feel reassuringly solid and they appear far more expensive than their price suggests. The overall design has much tidier lines providing a more stylish look compared with their predecessors. The familiar cutaway design, thumb indents and stippled rubber armour are all carried over from the old model and they continue to feel very well balanced in the hands.

Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 Binoculars; the latest model is on the left

In direct comparison with the outgoing model the image appears brighter and sharper even when viewing in dull conditions. The image remains remarkably sharp and flat right to the edges and while the old model showed some minimal colour fringing this appears to have been eliminated on the new model. The field of view is quoted at an impressive 140 metres at 1,000 metres range and they offer a maximum of 16.6mm of eye relief. The rubber-covered eyecups twist up and down to three positions and stay in place during prolonged use while the dioptre adjustment, a twist ring on the right barrel, remains firmly in place during prolonged use. They are supplied with a neoprene strap which is comfortable and easy to adjust while the hard protective carry case has now been replaced with a quality leather-look case complete with a magnetic stud fastener and belt buckle. Other accessories continue to include objective lens covers which compared with the old model are more securely fitted in a slot design with no chance of them falling out and the rubber rainguard fits snugly but is easily removable in an instant.

The new lens cap design means they are more securely held in position



The well designed focus wheel allows ease of use even when wearing gloves

The very useful wide focus wheel of the old model is carried over to the latest model. Focusing is smooth and precise and easy to operate with gloves on, while it takes about 1 and 3/4 turns from close focus to infinity. Close focus remains impressive and although the manufacturer quotes a figure of 2 metres, it is clearly less than this. Weight remains the same at 743g but they feel lighter, no doubt due to feeling well balanced in extended use.

Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 Binoculars; designed with cleaner lines compared to the outgoing model