Vanguard’s Endeavor ED IV binos are quality built for a terrific experience.
The one word that sums up Vanguard binoculars is quality. They strive to make excellent binos and they back it up with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. Their new Endeavor ED IV lineup will give you a great glassing experience both at the range and in the field.
Quality Construction
The “ED” in the name stands for extra-low dispersion and it means that the glass will show you the true colors of the world with minimal chromatic aberration and maximum contrast. You will see a sharp image without fringes, even in high contrast situations, like a bird against a bright sky, or a rack of antlers on a ridge. The glass is made by Hoya in Japan–the same company that makes glass for camera manufacturers–and it’s cut, polished and coated in Vanguard’s own clean room. They are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to be 100% fog proof and waterproof.
“ED” stands for extra-low dispersion glass from Hoya, and they also 100% fog- and waterproof.
In fact, everything except the glass is made at home in Vanguard’s plant. They don’t outsource any of the parts and they are responsible for the quality of the entire product. It’s rare that a company makes all parts of their products and that commitment shows in these binos.
SK15 Prisms
The new Endeavor IV’s feature an SK15 prism, which is unheard of at this price point. The SK15 prism transmits light more effectively and allows for shorter barrels than BK7 or BaK4 prisms. These highly polished prisms are part of the key to maximizing the potential of the Hoya ED glass.
Intuitive Build
Everything about the Endeavor ED IV’s is intuitive. Focus on the bridge is right where you expect it and it’s very smooth. The right eye diopter is at the front of the bridge and is out of the way so it doesn’t change ensuring a crisply focussed view for both of your eyes.
Focusing is smooth, and the right eye diopter adjustment is protected on the front of the bridge.
Both barrels have a rubbery coating for a sure grip. The eyecups are adjustable so you can see the whole picture without parallax even if you wear glasses or have a Neandertal-like brow–the eye relief is 19mm. They are threaded for a 1/4-20 tripod adapter (also available from Vanguard).
Fully adjustable eyecups ensure the 19mm eye relief will fit any face.
Endeavor ED IV binoculars are available in either 8×42 or 10×42 and both models weigh about the same, less than two pounds. They come with front and back lens caps, a strap, a lens cloth and a useful carrying case. MSRP for both models is $499, and they are in stock at Vanguard.com or use their website’s dealer locator tool to check them out in person.
Everything comes together for a terrific glassing experience, even if you’re spending long hours behind the lenses.