The 'Aurum Standard' Birding Binoculars | Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 ED Glass Roof Prism Field Optic

The Experience

Eight-power magnification, 42mm of light-gathering objective, and an optical system that has earned the Midas G2 a reputation that follows it everywhere in the serious field optics community: it performs like binoculars that cost two to three times more. Built around a proprietary four-coating technology stack — UHD Extra-Low Dispersion glass, ESP Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric coating reflecting over 99% of available light, advanced fully multicoated lenses, and XPL exterior lens protection — the Midas G2 UHD delivers the image brightness, color fidelity, and chromatic aberration control that defines what the mid-range birding binocular category is capable of when a manufacturer refuses to cut optical corners. The ESP Dielectric prism coating is the headline specification: a transmission figure typically reserved for instruments at significantly higher price points, and the primary reason this instrument produces the vivid, high-contrast, true-color views that have made it a recurring recommendation in serious wildlife observation and bird watching binocular reviews worldwide. The UHD ED glass eliminates the chromatic fringing that plagues standard glass optics and compounds into real eye fatigue during extended field sessions. The lightweight magnesium alloy chassis delivers metal-grade structural integrity at up to 35% less weight than aluminum-bodied competitors. An exceptional 6.5-foot close focus distance resolves perched songbirds, insects, and botanical detail that most 8x42 roof prism binoculars cannot focus on at proximity. Argon-purged and fully sealed for fogproof, waterproof performance in any condition the estate demands. This is the instrument for the observer who has done the research and concluded that the Midas G2 is exactly where optical value stops making compromises.

Scientific Engineering

• ESP Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric Coating: Athlon's proprietary multilayer dielectric coating applied to the BAK4 roof prism reflects over 99% of available light to the observer's eye — a transmission figure that approaches the theoretical maximum for prism optics and produces image brightness, contrast, and color accuracy that significantly outperforms silver and aluminum-coated prism systems at comparable price points.
• UHD Extra-Low Dispersion Glass: Ultra High Definition ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration — the color fringing around high-contrast subjects that degrades image quality in standard glass optics — producing an image with little to no chromatic fringe across the full field of view, with exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and true-color representation.
• Advanced Fully Multicoated Optics: Multiple anti-reflection coating layers applied to every air-to-glass surface throughout the optical system maximize light transmission, minimize internal reflections and ghosting, and produce the consistent image quality across all light conditions that single and multicoated-only systems cannot deliver.
• XPL Xtra Protective Layer Exterior Coating: A proprietary hydrophobic and oleophobic exterior lens coating repels water, oil, dust, and debris from the objective and ocular lens surfaces — protecting the optical elements in active field conditions and simplifying field cleaning without risk of coating damage.
• Magnesium Alloy Chassis: A precision-cast magnesium alloy body frame delivers the structural rigidity of a metal chassis at up to 35% less weight than comparable aluminum-bodied instruments — providing a hand-hold balance and field carry profile that remains comfortable through extended observation sessions.
• Argon-Purged Fogproof System: The optical chamber is back-filled with dry argon gas — denser than the nitrogen used in most sealed binoculars — permanently eliminating internal fogging during temperature transitions and providing a marginally superior moisture barrier for sustained all-weather field performance.
• 6.5-Foot Minimum Close Focus: A close focus distance of just 6.5 feet enables sharp resolution of perched songbirds, butterflies, insects, and botanical subjects at extremely close range — a specification that gives the Midas G2 a meaningful advantage over longer-focus 8x42 instruments for estate naturalists who frequently observe close-range subjects.
• Phase-Corrected BAK4 Roof Prisms: High-quality BAK4 borosilicate crown glass prisms with phase correction coatings eliminate the phase shift that degrades resolution and contrast in uncorrected roof prism systems — ensuring maximum optical resolution and image fidelity across the full output of the ESP Dielectric and ED glass optical system.

Boutique & Conservation Values

• The Midas Standard: In the competitive 8x42 binocular market, the Midas G2 UHD occupies a precise and well-earned position: the instrument that delivers ESP Dielectric coating, UHD ED glass, and a magnesium chassis at a price point where most manufacturers are still using PPS thermoplastic bodies and silver-coated prisms. For the serious estate observer who has researched the category thoroughly, the Midas G2 is the answer to the question "what is the most optical performance I can buy before the price curve steepens dramatically?"
• Lifetime Warranty: Backed by Athlon Optics' unlimited lifetime warranty — covering defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the instrument — providing the observer with the confidence that this is a long-term field investment, not a consumable piece of equipment.

Specifications

• Model: Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 (113009 — Black)
• Magnification: 8x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
• Prism Type: BAK4 Roof Prism — phase-corrected, ESP Dielectric coated (99%+ light reflection)
• Glass Type: UHD Extra-Low Dispersion (ED)
• Lens Coating: Advanced Fully Multicoated — all air-to-glass surfaces
• Exterior Coating: XPL Xtra Protective Layer (hydrophobic/oleophobic)
• Field of View: 426 ft @ 1,000 yds (8.1°)
• Minimum Close Focus: 6.5 feet (2 meters)
• Eye Relief: 17.2mm
• Eyecups: Twist-up, multi-position
• Exit Pupil: 5.25mm
• Interpupillary Distance: 57–74mm
• Focus: Center focus
• Waterproofing: Fully waterproof — O-ring sealed
• Fogproofing: Argon-purged
• Chassis: Magnesium alloy with rubber armor
• Dimensions: 5.7" x 5.2"
• Weight: 23.3 oz.
• Shipping Weight: 2 lbs.
• Warranty: Unlimited lifetime warranty
• Included: Binoculars, objective lens covers, ocular lens cover, neck strap, carrying case, cleaning cloth
  
  

MIDAS G2 SPEC SHEET

MIDAS G2 USER MANUAL