help with binos

[Mike Vines]

I have always bought inexpensive glass, then I decided to take the plunge and buy a pair of Zeiss Victory that were used AND 1/2 the cost, but came with a lifetime transferable warranty.  I probably paid much more than full price over the years on less expensive glass. Glad I bought them.  Anything from watching birds in the back yard to hunting out west have been a joy with these.  Yes, you can EASILY tell the difference when compared side by side.

The old saying applies here...Buy nice, or buy it twice.

[jhg]

Test them in the twilight as mentioned. You will find quite a difererence between what you can see even between good optic models- its the exit pupil size that many makers skimp on and this is just as important as entrance optic size for low light perfomance.
And low light performance is a big deal- one pair will show you an animal and another won't.

I have a pair of Burris 8x40 somethings that are awesome and out performed most others. But the company was  bought out and don't make them anymore IIRC.
I believe many buy more magnification than they need- which equals more weight or loss of low light performance, or both.

Low light and no eye fatique are the two things a set of glass should excell at, even at the more modest prices.

[DaveT1963]

IMHO - Vortex and especially Minox are way UNDER rated.  Both are really good glass.

[Bear Heart]

Originally posted by awbowman:
Vortex Viper HD, nuff said

Yep, getting Vortex HD binos this year

[Big Lefty]

The Vortex warranty is top notch.  I spent several months last year looking through different binos and reading reviews online.  I went with a pair of Vortex binos, after comparing them multiple times to everything in the same price range, and a couple pairs that were more expensive.  

Everyone's eyes are different.  If you can, spend some time looking through different models.

[RickE]

I did a little searching on this even though I'm not looking for any new binos.  If I was I'd probably go with the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32.  This is based on their outstanding optical performance and decent price.  They test out as good as binos costing 2.5 to 3x their price.  And they seem pretty bullet proof......literally.     Rick.  

 

[Hummer3T]

Thanks Rick that's a cool video, I`m seriously looking now at the Zeiss conquest HD and the Vortex Razor HD. I tried some in store this weekend and I have always respected Zeiss products but fit, warrantee full replacement for life as long as you have 15% of the binos in hand, clarity in glass, has led me more to the Vortex. with that video you would think a better warrantee from Zeiss.

now my decision will be around 10X42 or 8X42, trying them both in both models is making think the 10`s but a little worried about the shaking.

I also tried Swaros and Vortex viper HD, I may even go with the Viper.  Wow Swaros are nice but over 3 grand for binos, ouch. I think out of all I tried the vortex fit and hold was the best.

thanks to all for the help.

[Biathlonman]

I can't help you with the terra hd but I bought a pair of Swarovski 8x30cl this year and couldn't be happier. Sold a pair of Leupold, Leica, and Zeiss to fund the Swarovski.