On an optics kick lately. Now have giant ones (Oberwerk 22x100mm), & large ones (Nikon Action Extreme 10x50mm), & compact ones (Leupold Yosemite Green Ring 6x30mm), and crappy subcompact ones ("Nikon" chinese junky 8x25s).
Now looking for a good midsized 7-8 x 42-43mm, waterproof, under 25-30 oz, and under $300, for my main field binocs for hunting/wildlife watching. So far, after a bit of research/recommendations, I'm looking at:
1.
Nikon "Monarch ATB", @
$290:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-monarchatb8x40.html
2.
Audubon "Equinox Classic", @
$180: http://www.opticsplanet.net/audubon-...ulars-842.html
3.
Audubon "Equinox HP", @
$280: http://www.opticsplanet.net/audubon-...ars-842hp.html
4.
Vortex "Diamondback" fka the "Sidewinder", @
$200:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-s...s-swd-428.html
5.
Bushnell "Excursion" -Mossy Oak, @
$180: http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell...ar-240843.html
6.
Alpen "Apex", @
$265:
http://www.optics4birding.com/alpen-apex-8x42-1727.html
7.
Pentax "DCF HR II" or "DCF HRc", at
$280: http://www.optics4birding.com/dcfhri...lars-1469.html
http://www.optics4birding.com/item.aspx?cid=14977
8.
Bushnell "Discoverer" 7x42, at
$290: http://www.opticsplanet.net/bausch-a...iscoverer.html
I am NOT necessarily opposed to a porro prism, though all of these are roof prisms - in fact, I'd almost rather have a porro prism, due to their being a generally better value, for my uses. But they are typically a half pound or so heavier than the roof prisms.
So any other suggestions, and which one? I'm leaning toward the
Vortex Diamondback/Sidewinder (#4) first (due to tethered lens covers, rainguard, phase-corrected prisms, etc.), and then the
Audubon Equinox Classic (#2) second....I like the Nikon Monarch ATB a lot, too, but is it worth the extra $100? The Discovery Bushnells also have the rainguard anti-fog/anti-rain coating, which is appealing as well, but for $289, I think I'd run with the Monarchs - not sure.
Edit: Now I'm almost certain I'm gonna go with the Vortex...this is pushing me over the edge:
Quote:
VIP Warranty - A Very Important Promise to you!
Rest assured that the Vortex Diamond binoculars are covered against any future dents, defects or damages—any product needing service will be repaired or replaced absolutely free!
-- Unlimited -- Unconditional -- Transferable
|
But wait - is the Diamondback or Sidewinder considered a "Diamond binocular"?
Update: Yes, apparently the Vortex warranty covers all of their products, and apparently having phase-corrected prisms significantly enhances image quality (though I'm not sure how). So again, leaning toward the Vortex Diamondback at this point.
Another update: Whoops, we may have a new leader:
8.
Eagle Optics "Denali" 8x42, @
$160: http://www.opticsplanet.net/eagle-op...rs-denali.html
The Eagle Optics is only 20.6 oz, the lightest of ANY, has the lowest price, AND has fully multi-coated glass & phase-corrected prisms! Hmmm, what's not to like there? Except the warranty is not bulletproof like Vortex...
So it's coming down to the
Vortex Diamondback,
Audubon Equinox Classic, and
Eagle Optics Denali - compare & contrast - talk amongst yourselves.
