Review: Viking Optical Kestrel ED 8x42 Binoculars​

6 December 2021 
By Alex James

The Kestrel binoculars from Viking Optical are a set of mid-range models that I have been keen to take a closer look at here at Bird-Watchers.com. With the promise of offering the same quality as many more expensive binoculars with high image clarity and a durable, weatherproof design - I took them out for a saunter through the local patch of woodland.

What's in the box?
  • Kestrel 8x42 Binoculars in Black Colour
  • Case
  • Rubber Rain Guard
  • Comfort Carrying Strap
  • Rubber Objective Lens Covers
  • Microfibre Cloth
​
​The view...

Viking have equipped the Kestrels and their top-end Peregrine binoculars with ED 'Extra-low Dispersion' glass objective lenses. This quality glass really helps with stray light and fringing and is a massive tick-in-the-box for birdwatchers when choosing new binoculars these days.

As a production material, ED glass is more expensive than the standard glass used in optics and is important when thinking of upgrading your bins as it generally means the light gathering power of these binoculars is very good and on another level to models without.

I was in a drizzly wood in fairly miserable, November light - but small birds were easy to spot and follow with ease due to the bright images being displayed through the Kestrels light gathering ability and power. 

Not being a glasses wearer, it is hard to fully comment on the eye relief factor, but for a non-wearer the twist down/up eye cups were really simple and sturdy to use with the rubber around the eyepiece giving those who like to rest their eyes on the cups a comfortable feel.

​With the colour fringe removed thanks to the magic of ED, clear and bright images are displayed for your pleasure in a wide field of view that brings you all you really need for a simple days birding enjoyment or indeed as a handy optical companion while out for a walk with the dog. 

​Focus, images and handling...

The Kestrel ED Binoculars are a little more 'rugged' than their silky-smooth Peregrine siblings but are still nice to hold with a good feel about them with the rubber-armour providing good protection if they are dropped. The Kestrels do feel well-made because of this ruggedness and with a 10 year guarantee provided as standard, Viking are certainly confident they are built to last.

As any British birdwatcher will be well aware, the weather in this country is liable to change at the drop of a hat. Luckily, these Viking Kestrel binoculars are well prepared for anything the weather might throw at you and are fully waterproof. 

The wide barrels on the Kestrel ED's give a secure grip for people with larger hands and the focus wheel is a solid affair. As we've mentioned before, we do like a chunky focuser as it's generally much easier to use and more responsive when needing to focus quickly on a fleeting species.
​
Verdict
​
The Kestrels provide clear, bright and sharp images and good protection from the elements. The 'all-rounder' for a beginner birder or someone looking for superb value for money.
​
★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Testing scores
  • Design: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Performance: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
  • Durability: ★★★★★★★★ 7.5/10
  • Weight: ★★★★★★★ 7/10
  • Value: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10

📦 Buy now: vikingoptical.com/product/viking-kestrel-ed-binoculars
🏷 Price: £229.95
OTHER POPULAR STORIES TO READ: