A Work Commenced October 20 2022
Product: Barr & Stroud Savannah 8 x 42
Country of Manufacture: China
Chassis: Rubber Armoured Polycarbonate
Exit Pupil: 5.25mm
Field of View: 143m@1000m(8.14 angular degrees)
Eye relief: 18mm
Close Focus: 2m advertised, 1.8m measured
Coatings: Fully Multicoated optics, silver coated and phase corrected Schmidt-Pechan roof prisms
ED Glass: No
Waterproof: Yes- 3 minutes at 1.5m depth (IPX7)
Nitrogen Purged: Yes
Dioptre Compensation: +/- 4
Tripod Mountable: Yes
Weight: 819g advertised, 796g measured
Accessories: Clamshell case, logoed neck strap, microfibre lens cloth, rubber rain guard and objective lens covers, instruction sheet, warranty card
Warranty: 10 Years
Price (UK): £129.00
Before I moved from reviewing telescope optics to the world of binoculars, I sought advice from an experienced birder living nearby my home, who could recommend a decent entry-level instrument to get me started. He suggested I try a model from Barr and Stroud. My first roof prism binocular purchase was the Barr and Stroud Sahara 8 x 42, which really impressed me and whetted my appetite for more sophisticated models marketed by the same company. That led me first to the Sierra 8 x 42 with its phase coated optics, which I could immediately discern when I compared it to the non-phase coated Sahara, showing superior brightness and contrast. From there, I took a chance on the slightly more expensive Savannah 8 x 42, which literally blew me away with its enormous field of view and razor-sharp optics. This was my first encounter with high-quality optics and led me inevitably to begin testing a large range of binoculars in different price categories and sizes in order to build a decent portfolio for the writing of my up-and-coming book. After four years of testing, I remembered that Savannah binocular that had stoked my interest on binocular optics and decided to order another unit up to see how that binocular would hold up in light of my experiences with other models. Would I still be as enamoured about the Barr and Stroud Savannah 8 x 42 after all these years?
Reuniting with an Old Friend
When the package arrived, I was filled with a sense of child-like excitement, as I opened the colourful box containing the hard clamshell case housing the instrument. All the goodies I remember finding in my first Savannah binocular were inside; an instruction sheet, warranty card, neck and carry case strap. The instrument was stored inside a small plastic bag with the rubber rain guard and ocular covers already attached. The instrument was just as I remembered it; a rather Spartan polycarbonate chassis covered in a thick rubber armouring. This is one sturdy binocular built for the great outdoors!
The eyecups were just as I remembered them too: they twist up and rigidly lock into place with a reassuring click. With my new found knowledge, I can say that there’s a tiny bit of wobble in them once fixed, but no more than what I’ve seen on models costing £800 or more. Eye relief is a very comfortable 18mm. That means you can easily access the entire field of view using eyeglasses, as I was able to do. The central focus wheel is really great; large, smooth, accurate turning, with no free play encountered while racking it back and forth through its travel. Two full anticlockwise rotations brings you from nearest focus to infinity and a wee bit beyond. I’ve always been impressed with the focus wheels on all of the Barr and Stroud models I’ve test driven over the years, and this one is no exception. They are well engineered and easy to negotiate with just a single finger. Someone with a brain thought about them.
The dioptre setting is unusual: located just ahead of the focus wheel, the ring is marked with + and – to get you started and has a generous compensation range of +/- 4. A small spur on the ring allows you to rotate the ring. I note that the Swarovski’s new flagship NL Pure models have a similar mechanism. If I’m being critical, it can be easy to accidentally rotate it out of position owing to its proximity to the focus wheel, but a little practice will remedy that. Memorising your ideal setting is a good idea.
The objectives are very decently recessed to protect the lenses from rain, aeolian- borne dust and peripheral light. The ocular lenses are nice and large, making centring of your eyes child’s play. The single bridge is big and bulky making holding the instrument a little bit more challenging than open bridge designs, but again your hands will quickly find their happy place. They adapt.
A Reacquaintance with the Optics
As I went back and read through my journal notes about this instrument, I was struck by how many times I wrote words such as “brilliant,” “excellent,” “immersive” and “compelling.” But these were written as a complete tyro; what did I know about binocular optics in those early days? Well, I had a chance to compare and contrast it with an excellent 8 x 42 from GPO – specifically the Passion ED – an instrument costing more than three times the retail price of the Savannah(£129). What I uncovered was, quite frankly, shocking – but in a good way. Let me explain.
I began, as ever, by directing a bright beam of light through the binocular to see how well it behaved. Just as I reported in my first encounter with the instrument four years ago, the results were excellent. It was just as good as the GPO binocular(£404); there was very little in the way of internal reflections, no diffused light around the beam and only the tiniest hint of a diffraction spike. Testing both instruments out on a bright sodium streetlamp showed no significant reflections and no contrast-robbing diffused light around the lamp.
Next, I looked at the exit pupils of the Savannah and the results were also very good: round and with very little encroaching of peripheral light. I’ve included the result from the GPO Passion ED 8 x 42 for comparison.
The big surprise for me was the view through the Barr & Stroud Savannah 8 x 42. It has a great big sweet spot that I’d estimate to be about 70 per cent of its very large (8.1 degree field) field, after which mild field curvature begins to show. But even the edges are acceptably sharp. Contrast is excellent and glare suppression exemplary. Indeed, when I compared the views through this economy binocular with the GPO Passion ED 8 x 42, I came to the conclusion that I was looking through substantially the same optics. It too has the same sized sweet spot, and displays mild field curvature in the outer field of view. The Savannah was also just as good, if not a tad better at suppressing all kinds of glare, both in bright sunny conditions and on dull overcast days. It is, for example, in a completely different league to the considerably more expensive Vortex Diamondback HDs in this regard. If anything, the GPO Passion ED 8 x 42 displayed a shade more contrast, slightly warmer colours and slightly better colour correction on high contrast targets. But if I’m being honest, there was very little in it.
In a test conducted at sunset, I was really impressed how well the Barr & Stroud Savannah held up against the GPO Passion ED. Though the latter has a reported light transmission of 90 per cent, both instruments were very comparable and I wasn’t able to detect a runaway winner. The GPO might have the edge with its dielectric mirror coatings, but the silvered roof prisms of the Savannah did a really impressive job during these low light conditions.
I conducted more tests under the stars, where I was able to verify that the collimation of the Barr & Stroud Savannah was spot on. But when I compared the GPO binocular to it, I got pretty much the same results; stars remain respectfully tight within the central 70 per cent and begin to morph slowly owing to field curvature and mild astigmatism as the field stops are approached. Only the last 10 per cent showed noticeable morphing but I deemed these results very positively indeed.
In another test carried out during daylight hours, I canvassed the opinion of two of my students, who compared and contrasted the GPO binocular to the Barr & Stroud. Their results were unanimous too; they both concluded that these instruments produced really fine images, with excellent contrast and sharpness but ultimately came out in favour of the GPO binocular. They also preferred the ergonomics of the GPO Passion ED, which is not surprising, as it’s beautifully made.
I decided to take a couple of shots through the right barrel of each binocular to show you what my IPhone camera picked up. Both images were captured within minutes of each other under the same lighting conditions. The results are shown below.
The Barr & Stroud has excellent close focus: I measured it at just 1.8m, so great for exploring the nearby world like a long-range microscope. Indeed, this kind of activity is much better suited to roof prism models compared with their Porro prism counterparts.
Uses
The Barr & Stroud Savannah 8 x 42 makes for an excellent birding binocular, with its smooth, responsive focuser and brilliant optics. Indeed, I’ve enjoyed watching a group of Jays gathering acorns just a few hundred yards from my home. I’ve also enjoyed glassing the somewhat elusive Kingfisher up at my local pond, with the excellent sharpness making light work of picking up its beautiful blue and orange raiment. It’s also great for scanning the hills around my home. It’s decent aperture and large exit pupil make it a very capable astronomy binocular too. I spent an hour outside with it, enjoying the glories of a last quarter Moon in the early hours of October 18. Showpieces of the sky presented excellently in this instrument, such as the Pleiades and Hyades and, owing to its very well corrected field of view, I was able to admire the preternatural beauty of the Sword handle and Belt stars of Orion in a single field.
In conclusion, I can’t recommend this instrument highly enough! Of course, there will always be sceptics who won’t lift a finger to buy a unit up and do some tests, but that’s their loss. Personally, I’d be more than happy using the Savannah as a go-to 8 x 42. With an age of austerity now upon us, the Barr & Stroud Savannah 8 x 42 will help a great many individuals enjoy the natural world at a price they can afford. Buy from a reputable dealer. You have it within your power to ask them to inspect the binocular to ensure that the eye cups, focuser and dioptre compensation ring are all working properly before they ship it out.
I guarantee it’ll put a smile on your face!
Neil English’s up-and-coming book, Choosing & Using Binoculars: A Guide for Stargazers, Birders and Nature Enthusiasts, will cater for all budgets.
Hello, I would like to know which of its two twins has the best resolution: Barr&stroud Savanah or Barr&stroud FMC serie 8? Thank you warmly for the quality of your website.
Good Evening Olivier,
Thanks for the feedback. Having tested the Savannah, Series 5 and Series 8, I’m of the opinion that they all present the same optics: same field size and same size sweet spot. I think they are based on the same optical design – variations on a theme as it were.
Best wishes,
Neil.
Hi Neil,
Thanks to your ‘bad influence’ I have many of the binoculars you recommend.
More recently Porros, but some are getting difficult to get ….. I think I got the last SR.GA directly from Opticron.
I had these Savannahs before the Series 5 (non-ED) and I reckon they are very very similar.
One binocular that I would recommend trying is the Celestron Regal ED 8×42 Flat Fields. It would be good to see how you rate them, especially for the low price (jumped to about £340 best).
Keep up the good work,
Gary
Hi Gary,
Those Barr & Strouds with the the large 8.1 degree field are really wonderful; amazing value for money. The Savannah was first serious binocular so I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for it.
I’ve not tried the Regal ED from Celestron but I hear good things about it. I have a busy schedule for the next few months but I may test them out early in the new year.
Best wishes,
Neil.
Hello Neil
I’m interested in some Barr & Stroud binoculars after reading your reviews… fatal! Which would you consider preferable for bird watching, the Savannah 8×42 or the open bridge series 8 in 8×42?? The slow geared stiffish focus wheel of the series 8 rather puts me off.
My current and primary BW binoculars are the Opticron discovery 8×42 ( latest version field 7.5 )
Thank you
Paul m
Hello Paul,
For birding, a good, smooth focuser is a real plus. The Series 8 I tested does have quite a stiff focus wheel so not as well suited to birding as the Savannah 8 x 42. That said, the ergonomics on the Series 8 is a step up from the Savannah with its open bridge design. That said, the Savannah would be my recommendation.
If you contact me on my email address I may have an offer for you:
neilenglish40@gmail.com
Regards,
Neil.
Hello Neil. Have you had any thoughts in comparing Barr and Stroud’s offering of an 8×56 Savannah against the GPO 8×56 you reviewed?
Hello James,
The 8x 56 Barr & Stroud I briefly tested had very bad distortion in the outer part of the field, so I returned it. It’s not at all like the 42mm offerings from the same series. The GPO 8x 56 is a completely different league to Barr & Stroud.
Hope that helps.
Neil.
Very helpful indeed. Thanks Neil.
No worries James,
Neil.
Hi Neil,
Came across your reviews being regularly linked in birding forums whilst looking ever deeper through the web for some entry level bins. Since then, I’ve devoured your reviews.
I’m interested in your opinions between the Svbony SV202 ED and your first love, these Barr and Stroud Savannahs (preferably 8×32, although I realise you haven’t tested those). As you might tell, I’m bullish on getting a good budget pair ~£100.
Thanks and I’m looking forward to the release of your book. When do you hope to have it completed?
God bless
Hello Daniel,
Many thanks for your message.
I would say that the Svbony SV202 ED 8x 42 is the better of those two glasses. It is more expensive but I think the extra cost would be justified.
I don’t think there is a Savannah 8x 32. But I do know there is the Barr & Stroud Sierra 8x 32 and the Sahara 8x 32. The former is phase coated so will give brighter, higher contrast images. There is also a Svbony SV202 8 x 32ED which is also very nice.
Lots to choose from!
Best wishes,
Neil.
Ps. The first draft goes to the editors at the end of April, so should be in print sometime in the autumn. Thanks for asking!
Thanks for the really useful reviews of Barr & Stroud binoculars. I purchased my 8×42 Savannah’s in 2019 and use them as my main birdwatching binoculars. For the price, they are excellent and I really enjoy using them. Yesterday, whilst watching Swifts before they migrate back to Africa, I spotted a Peregrine circling high before diving in a stoop. Great view and very sharp. Despite the temptations of the Optics pavilion at Global Birdfair, which I recently visited, I still think the Barr and Stroud’s are good instruments and we’ll worth the money.
Dear Neil, I wish to congratulate you on your review of these savannah – I have your book on choosing and using binoculars ( the subject also fascinated me, I find optical engineering so interesting)
Anyway upon looking through them I was
STUNNED.
For £129 rother valley optics. Total incredulous at the wide field absorbing 3D clarity and sharpness.
My only issue – the zip on the case broke immediately! and the binoculars strap MEH! to say the least…
I paid x3 for others less WOW and this just shows what skillful company Barr & Stroud are.
Sincerely
Peter
Dear Gordon,
Thanks for your message.
Yes indeed, the Barr & Stroud Savannah binoculars are brilliant. I cut my teeth with this very model and would warmly recommend it to anyone. Gone forever are the days where you have to spend a small fortune to get a very decent glass to enjoy the great outdoors.
I have showcased this model and a few others from Barr & Stroud in my up-and-coming book. I think they produce some really good products at great prices. In the end it’s all about growing the hobby for me!
Kind Regards,
Neil.
Neil upon first look through these today…
Utterly astonishing wide field clarity sharpness 3 D look.
Unbelievable for the price…. I am almost beyond words..
How? I do not know
Thanks for your book on choosing binoculars I have and reviews.
Poor strap with these bins forgiven!!
dear NEIL,
BOUGHT THESE on your review in your book choosing binoculars which i have.
i was utterly stunned on first view.
these are astounding, and ive looked through and owned a few.
fabulous transmission imho …clarity , 3d , widefield…the image just pops…
so delighted.
poor case , bins strap but forgiveable….
kind regards to a fellow believer….
Hello Peter,
Thanks for your feedback and for buying s copy of my book. Appreciate it!
Would also appreciate a short review on amazon to boost its profile if you get a minute.
The Barr & Stroud Savannah was my first real binocular. I was astonished too with the quality of the image. Really excellent for its modest choice. It just goes to show that you can get great deals if you’re willing to do a bit of research!
I hope it gives you many years of immersive viewing!
With best wishes,
Neil