VECTOR OPTICS - Continental 8x42 ED binoculars

Just like a good pocket knife, a good pair of binoculars is standard equipment for any adventurer, hunter, long-range shooter, nature observer, or hiker. Almost anyone can make use of binoculars. For this article, our friend MAJOR FINDING took a closer look at the Continental 8x42 ED Binoculars (SCBO-14) from VECTOR OPTICS and put them to the test.

Technical Data

8x42 is not only the most classic configuration for binoculars but also our personally preferred one. With an eight-fold magnification, the binoculars can still be used freely while standing, without necessarily requiring a support – unlike with larger magnifications. 

The objective lens diameter of 42 mm not only allows a lot of light to pass through but also offers a correspondingly wide field of view of 142 m at 100 m. The fully multi-coated lenses allow for light transmission of up to 88 % and thus provide a crystal-clear and bright image, even in challenging lighting conditions. 

Due to its sturdy, shock-resistant construction and a non-slip rubberized surface, the binoculars fit very well in the hand while still weighing a relatively light 840 g. The adjustment of the diopter and eyecups operates intuitively and easily.

Scope of Delivery

The delivery includes everything you need to transport or hang the binoculars securely and protected. Included are protective caps for all lenses, as well as a cleaning cloth and carrying strap. An interesting detail is that not only a strap for the binoculars themselves is included, but also a second strap for the binocular case. Nice!

Optional Accessories

If you want to use the binoculars for long periods, VECTOR OPTICS also offers compatible accessories. A tripod is best as a base – for example, the RSCF-T03, which we recently dedicated a whole article to. Depending on the situation, it is often sufficient to simply place a sandbag between the binoculars and the tripod to relieve your arms during extended observing sessions. 

If you need something more stable, there is a universal binocular mount called the RSBR-01. With the rubber strap of the RSBR-01, a variety of different binoculars can be mounted on a tripod, and the remaining plastic is just as weather-resistant as the binoculars themselves. 

However, for the second combination, you will also need a tripod head, so that the whole setup makes sense and the binoculars remain movable.

VECTOR OPTICS has also thought of those who can never have enough options – like us – and has equipped the binoculars with a 3⁄8 inch thread. This allows a suitable binocular adapter to be attached, firmly connecting the binoculars to the tripod while still allowing movement in all directions. The setup that has proven most effective for us so far consists of the RSCF-T03 carbon fiber tripod, the 56 mm ball head RSRH-02, and the BA-2 binocular adapter with ARCA base from SIRUI.

Pro Tip: Those who suffer from sausage fingers may find it a bit difficult to unscrew the thread cap. The slits of the letter "E" in the VECTOR OPTICS logo are very suitable for inserting a screwdriver to unscrew the cap. A little finesse can still be helpful here.

Experiences and Conclusion

The binoculars accompanied us on several months of hikes and various outings, allowing us to test them in many different environments. Due to its compact design, it fits in any hiking backpack, and the low weight is hardly noticeable even on longer stretches. The robust construction with an aluminum core and a rubberized surface makes it the perfect companion for any adventure, and because it is fog-proof and waterproof, it doesn't mind bad weather. It can even withstand a small dive – it can be submerged up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This is complemented by high-quality optical components and fully multi-coated lenses that provide a crystal-clear and color-accurate image to the edge. Based on our experiences so far, you can't go wrong with the Continental series from VECTOR OPTICS when it comes to quality, and this has been proven again with the SCBO-14. This robust all-rounder has secured a place among our absolute favorites, which is why we can wholeheartedly recommend it.

The Continental 8x42 ED Binoculars (SCBO-14) are available, for instance, from the German importer for currently € 399.