Binocular "Get-together&Compare" function..

[Hard Cast]

I have noticed that there are several threads about binoculars lately. I too am preparing myself to put down some relatively serious ching on some good glass. The only problem is, I doubt that there is a store in the Portland area that carry all of the major brands. I am willing to spend the money on a good pair of Leica's but I have not been able to compare them side by side with other glass that folks rave about.

I am not a "brand loyal" person. I believe Ford and Chevy have strengths and weaknesses. I would guess that the same is true with binoculars. I am not convinced that just because someone spends more money they have received a better product. However, I am open to be proven wrong. And if so, I am willing to spend significantly more money IF there is a significant difference in quality. But right now I am a doubter. Here are some examples of why: (the following prices were taken from CameralandInc. Ny)

Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 $290
Vortex Razor 8x42 $750
Leica Ultravid 8x42 BR $1550
Swarovski 8.5x42 EL $1900
Leica Ultravid 8x42 BL $2200
Leica Ultravid 8x42 HD $2200

Is there really $1900 difference in quality between the Nikon and the Ultravid HD's? Is there a $1450 difference between the Razor's and the HD's? How about the $650 difference between the same Leica binos with different letters at the end -the ultravid BR vs the HD's. And there is even a $1200 difference if you get a demo model BR. It is just hard to believe that the Leica Ultravid BL is worth $1200 more than the Leica Ultravid BR.

Even though I am not currently a true believer, I am open-minded and willing to be converted . So I am finally now getting to the point of this post. I would like to suggest the First Annual ifish Binocular Smackdown . I think it would be great if we could get every major brand of binos together in one location for a serious comparison. I am not trying to find a "winner" because I am sure that everyone's eyes are different and will like a differnet product which is great. But it would be very helpful to many of us ifishers to have the opportunity to compare all of the brands in a low light situation so we need to get together toward dusk. I would feel very good about my purchase if I was able to compare all the different glass possibilities. I would be willing to host but there would probably be a better location. Please let me know if any of you who own glass that you really like and would be willing to meet and help out your fellow fishers. I would appreciate any other suggestions also.

Thanks for your consideration.

[TheRogue]

Originally Posted by critrgitr

I have noticed that there are several threads about binoculars lately. I too am preparing myself to put down some relatively serious ching on some good glass. The only problem is, I doubt that there is a store in the Portland area that carry all of the major brands. I am willing to spend the money on a good pair of Leica's but I have not been able to compare them side by side with other glass that folks rave about.

I am not a "brand loyal" person. I believe Ford and Chevy have strengths and weaknesses. I would guess that the same is true with binoculars. I am not convinced that just because someone spends more money they have received a better product. However, I am open to be proven wrong. And if so, I am willing to spend significantly more money IF there is a significant difference in quality. But right now I am a doubter. Here are some examples of why: (the following prices were taken from CameralandInc. Ny)

Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 $290
Vortex Razor 8x42 $750
Leica Ultravid 8x42 BR $1550
Swarovski 8.5x42 EL $1900
Leica Ultravid 8x42 BL $2200
Leica Ultravid 8x42 HD $2200

Is there really $1900 difference in quality between the Nikon and the Ultravid HD's? Is there a $1450 difference between the Razor's and the HD's? How about the $650 difference between the same Leica binos with different letters at the end -the ultravid BR vs the HD's. And there is even a $1200 difference if you get a demo model BR. It is just hard to believe that the Leica Ultravid BL is worth $1200 more than the Leica Ultravid BR.

Even though I am not currently a true believer, I am open-minded and willing to be converted . So I am finally now getting to the point of this post. I would like to suggest the First Annual ifish Binocular Smackdown . I think it would be great if we could get every major brand of binos together in one location for a serious comparison. I am not trying to find a "winner" because I am sure that everyone's eyes are different and will like a differnet product which is great. But it would be very helpful to many of us ifishers to have the opportunity to compare all of the brands in a low light situation so we need to get together toward dusk. I would feel very good about my purchase if I was able to compare all the different glass possibilities. I would be willing to host but there would probably be a better location. Please let me know if any of you who own glass that you really like and would be willing to meet and help out your fellow fishers. I would appreciate any other suggestions also.

Thanks for your consideration.

IMHO...there is NOTHING that compares to the Nikon ATB's under $500, when you factor weight, cost, and clarity.

And, even if you see the difference from Nikon to Swaro..how much is it really worth to you? Let's face it, very few hunters actually spend as much time behind the glass as we actually should. I will say that if you hunt westside timber, the low-light resolution of high-end should actually come in handy someday, IMHO. I know I use my binos still hunting in the timber a lot, but most people I see do not.

I just have a set of ATB's from your list, along with a pair of Bushnell Legend 10x42 (same price range), as well as Fujinon 8x42 CD's ($500-$600). The Fujinons are noticeably better glass, but weigh quite a bit more, and I'm having trouble with the eyecups staying out, which is a big frustration. So I pack the ATB's most of the time.

I'd be interested in a group compare gathering somewhere.......

TR

[DogZilla15]

I'm a west side woods hunter and my leica 10 X 42's are perfect. They will focus incredibly close and allow me to peer through thick brush with amazing clarity. When you can see individual hairs on a deer, the glass speaks for it's self. Binos are not exclusively a long range tool.

I'll show mine to whoever want to look.

[baltz526]

sounds like you need to meet on some clearcut landing. if you are going to compare binoculars, real life location is the only real option. i won't be there though, i'll be using my steiners on some mountains in eastern oregon

[spottedhawk36]

Im gonna get a set of nikon monarchs before next archery season.

[goforchrome]

great idea....too bad I live so far away.

I would include Pentax DCF SP in the $500 range.
Gets great reviews.
Also Nikon Premier LXL.

[fishwhenican]

Originally Posted by TheRogue

IMHO...there is NOTHING that compares to the Nikon ATB's under $500, when you factor weight, cost, and clarity.

And, even if you see the difference from Nikon to Swaro..how much is it really worth to you? Let's face it, very few hunters actually spend as much time behind the glass as we actually should. I will say that if you hunt westside timber, the low-light resolution of high-end should actually come in handy someday, IMHO. I know I use my binos still hunting in the timber a lot, but most people I see do not.

I just have a set of ATB's from your list, along with a pair of Bushnell Legend 10x42 (same price range), as well as Fujinon 8x42 CD's ($500-$600). The Fujinons are noticeably better glass, but weigh quite a bit more, and I'm having trouble with the eyecups staying out, which is a big frustration. So I pack the ATB's most of the time.

I'd be interested in a group compare gathering somewhere.......

TR

We were glassing a timber edge just before shooting hours ended, when my buddy says "look at that buck coming out of the timber" What buck? I say. He tells me where it is, I still can't pick it out. He hands me his Binoculars (Swarovski 10x50 EL) I can then see the buck.
I look back thruough my Nikon ATB, no buck.

The next season I bought a pair of Leica Ultravid 8 X 42 BR (they fit me better than the Swarovskis). While they certainly cost more than $500 I'll never go back!

[StickFish]

Captains Nautical Downtown Portland. There is a way to test clarity of your binos without going to the woods. Better View Desired has test method that uses a dollar bill and you define the clarity of your optics by the further away you can see this particular detail. I looked for it a long time ago and couldn't find it, let me got look again.

If you want to take a look at a pair of Fujinon FMTR sx 8x30 I'd be happy to show them to you. The old gruffy optics technician at captains nautical is pretty fond of them and they are pretty sweet.

[StickFish]

Check out better view desired tons of tests and review of optics and here is the dollar bill test

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/NEEDtest.php

[Grantspastor]

I haven't tried all those but I have a set of Swarovski EL 10x42 and they are out of this world

[Jimfisher]

Originally Posted by StickFish

Check out better view desired tons of tests and review of optics and here is the dollar bill test

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/NEEDtest.php

Just clicked the link and I haven't seen any new update for the last two years. It seems the latest review was in 2006. Have they abandoned the site?

[Rod Meyer]

I've been looking hard at bino's lately too. I was at a sportsman show in canby about a month ago. They had a display of binoculars out side. I was comparing the Nikon manarch 8x42 and the Swaroski 8x42. I was suprised how much clearer the Swaroski were. They picked up a lot more fine detail then the Nikons.

So yes, if you have the money to spend get the Swaroski. But for the money I'll stick with the Monarch and buy that 45/70 I want

[4th_Point]

Here's what I did, I went to Sportsman's on Johnson Cr. and told the person behind the counter that I wanted to view the binos side-by-side. I narrowed down the selection to what looked good in the store by looking at the reference charts they have on the far walls of the store (up near the ceiling) and by looking at details on the animal mounts.

Then, I took the ones I liked outside and viewed the hillside to the east. If I remember correctly, you can look at the top of the hill which is 1800+ yards away. You can also look at things closer such as the parking lot across the street. Check FOV, depth of field, etc.

I did this with binos and rangefinders. Go late and you can try the optic in low light. I think they have most, if not all of the binos you mentioned in your post. Just remember this won't test every scenario such as flare from a setting sun, but it will help narrow your choices.

Hope this helps,

Jason

[ZRS-8x42]

critrgitr,

You got a brilliant idea. I have spoken to Audubon Nature store manager to have her host First Annual ifish Binocular Smackdown at her Nature store. She is gracious enough to agree to lend the space for use. No detailed date/time has been set yet. Probably a weekend 2-3 weeks from now.

Nature store has a lot of high end binoculars from all 3 European brands, and several US brands as well. The location of Nature store is in the heart of Forest Park trail system. It is right next to the heavily wooded forest so we can do field test without going into the field. They also have a US Navy resolution chart in store so a semi-quantitative testing can be done.

I will throw in some of our glasses there as well (VISTA is our starting point, then we have ZRS and ZEN ED binoculars). Do you want to get this going?

Charles

[baltz526]

20x90 neptune binoculars. tripod mounted for long range scouting, how practical would this be? i can not use a spotting scope without going crosseyed. i hope you guys can test this set up and report

[ZRS-8x42]

Originally Posted by baltz526

20x90 neptune binoculars. tripod mounted for long range scouting, how practical would this be? i can not use a spotting scope without going crosseyed. i hope you guys can test this set up and report

20x90 Neptune is mainly targeting for star watching segment. It has individual focus, which is not practical for hunting field use as you cannot focus two eyes concurrently. If you want to use binoculars alternative to spotting scope, take a look of Nepture 20x80 binoculars. It has center focus with 85% overall light transmission rate. It also has 64 degree AFOV, which is wider than most of the variable power spotting scopes. Yes, we can bring this one to the test as well. Thanks a lot for asking.

[baltz526]

my steiners have individual eye focus, then i am focused from 40yds to infinity. not so with the 20x80

[StickFish]

Originally Posted by baltz526

my steiners have individual eye focus, then i am focused from 40yds to infinity. not so with the 20x80

My Fujinon's are the same way - you adjust them for each eye and quit 10' to forever. That is the one reason I like them so much - one less thing to mess around with.

So when is this going to be I'd love to come.

[ZRS-8x42]

Originally Posted by StickFish

My Fujinon's are the same way - you adjust them for each eye and quit 10' to forever. That is the one reason I like them so much - one less thing to mess around with.

So when is this going to be I'd love to come.

Probably 11/1, Saturday. I will confirm the date and time with Nature store on Tuesday. Shall I count you in? I can start compiling the list. Everybody can bring his (her) own binoculars. Maybe we can even ask a few members to do the summary and report back. I will not be qualified for that responsibility.

[BrianMaguire]

If you live in the PDX area and decide on the Swaro's you can get the best deal 20% off by being a member of the Audobon society. They have a small "birder" store on Cornell. I joined for $20 and saved hundreds on my 10X40 ELs. Best Binoc you can buy, IMO, I look at them all and read all I could. there are some very close but these were the best.

[ZRS-8x42]

Originally Posted by BrianMaguire

If you live in the PDX area and decide on the Swaro's you can get the best deal 20% off by being a member of the Audobon society. They have a small "birder" store on Cornell. I joined for $20 and saved hundreds on my 10X40 ELs. Best Binoc you can buy, IMO, I look at them all and read all I could. there are some very close but these were the best.

Yes, that's where we propose to meet and check out binoculars.

[jetjockey]

Don't forget to throw the Minox HG's in the picture. They are great glass. Just ask Doug at Cameraland.

[Jimfisher]

Although I am not in the market for another pair of binoculars, I would be interested in checking out those expensive pairs.

[Hard Cast]

Originally Posted by ZRS-8x42

Probably 11/1, Saturday. I will confirm the date and time with Nature store on Tuesday.

Thank you everyone for your responses.

ZRS-8x42: Thank you very much for setting up this function. I will definitely be there. Can you tell us what brands the Audubon Nature store carries? That way, if there is a brand that they don’t carry, maybe someone else would be kind enough to bring their favorite brand. Which of these brands does the Nature store carry: Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, Vortex, Nikon, Minox, Steiner, any others?

[ZRS-8x42]

Originally Posted by critrgitr

Thank you everyone for your responses.

ZRS-8x42: Thank you very much for setting up this function. I will definitely be there. Can you tell us what brands the Audubon Nature store carries? That way, if there is a brand that they don’t carry, maybe someone else would be kind enough to bring their favorite brand. Which of these brands does the Nature store carry: Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, Vortex, Nikon, Minox, Steiner, any others?

They have Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, Vortex, Leupold, Sheltered Wings, Brunton. I don't think they have Steiner or Minox. As goforchrome mentioned, if someone has Pentax DCF SP and can bring it, it will be great.

[quackersnacker]

Originally Posted by critrgitr

Thank you everyone for your responses.

ZRS-8x42: Thank you very much for setting up this function. I will definitely be there. Can you tell us what brands the Audubon Nature store carries? That way, if there is a brand that they don’t carry, maybe someone else would be kind enough to bring their favorite brand. Which of these brands does the Nature store carry: Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, Vortex, Nikon, Minox, Steiner, any others?

Thanks for setting this up for us. I am in the market for good binoc this next year and will be interested in what this "Commision" comes up with. I have a date in Umatilla that morning and will not be able to attend, sadly. But, I look forward to learning from everyones opinions.

[oregonmuley]

Originally Posted by baltz526

20x90 neptune binoculars. tripod mounted for long range scouting, how practical would this be? i can not use a spotting scope without going crosseyed. i hope you guys can test this set up and report

Not sure about the above brand, but about 8 years ago I ordered a pair of the Cabelas 20x80 Rubber Armored binocs. They kind of look funny when you pull them out - they are huge and weigh 86ozs. - the carry strap they give you with them is hilarious. Set up on a tri-pod though they are pretty slick, especially for the price. I hunted a wide open ranch once with a friend that had a pair of Swaro SLC 10x50's, although his were maybe just a little more clear these really looked good even when looking at deer a 2 miles away.

Someone also mentioned the Pentax DCF SP's, I have a pair as my go to binocs - the 10x43's that I got from Doug at Cameraland, sure like them for the money.

[Jimfisher]

Don't leave out those binoculars between $100 to $400 in the discussion. That's what working people like me use and we might care more than those $2200 Leica.

[ZRS-8x42]

Just confirm with Portland Audubon Nature Store. They will let us use Interpretive Center for this gathering. If necessary, we may use the Heron Hall as well. They are very kind and will provide coffee and Pastries for this event too. Nancy, thank you.

Here are the details

When: 11/1/2008(Saturday) 10am
Where: Portland Audubon Society Nature Store
5151 NW Cornell Rd
Portland, OR 97210

We can bring our own binoculars (encouraged) to compare or just show up to check out other binoculars.

Nature Store has many binoculars that they will lend out for try out. I will break them down in the following category based on price range. If you have a pair that is not in the list, it is time to bring it over and show it off.

1. Compact to Med-size binoculars ($100-$250)

Leupold Yosemite 8x30
Nikon Prostaff ATB 8x25
Columbia Timberline 8x32
Nikon Monarch 8x36

2. Full size binoculars (Affordable $100-$350)
Columbia Timberline 8x42
Vortex Diamondback 8x42
Columbia Backcountry 8x42
Nikon Monarch 8x42
Leupold Olympic 8x42
Zen-Ray VISTA 8x42

3. Fullsize Binoculars (High Definition)

Columbia Malheur 8x42
Leupold Mojave 8x42
Leupold Pinnacle 8x42
Vortex Viper 8x42
Zen-RAY ZRS (Summit) 8x42

4. Fullsize Binoculars (ED Glass)
Swarovski EL 8.5x42
Nikon EDG 8x42
Leica Ultravid 8x42
Leupold Goldring 8x42***
Vortex Razor 8x42***
Zen-RAY ZEN 8x42

*** We don't have these binoculars yet. So please sign up this event if you are one of the lucky owners.

We pick up 8x format so we can do apple-to-apple comparison. Of course, they have 10x counterparts for each of the above models.

If you happen to be in town and are interested, please PM me and update this thread so we can keep the fellow ifishers aware of this event.

All right, let's get the ball rolling.

[ZRS-8x42]

Originally Posted by oregonmuley

Not sure about the above brand, but about 8 years ago I ordered a pair of the Cabelas 20x80 Rubber Armored binocs. They kind of look funny when you pull them out - they are huge and weigh 86ozs. - the carry strap they give you with them is hilarious. Set up on a tri-pod though they are pretty slick, especially for the price. I hunted a wide open ranch once with a friend that had a pair of Swaro SLC 10x50's, although his were maybe just a little more clear these really looked good even when looking at deer a 2 miles away.

Someone also mentioned the Pentax DCF SP's, I have a pair as my go to binocs - the 10x43's that I got from Doug at Cameraland, sure like them for the money.

baltz526 was referring to our Astronomic series (Neptune) binoculars. I put a few pictures here for your reference. Yes, it is heavy, think it as two 80mm spotting scopes put together. Tripod mount (included) is definitely needed. I tried to handhold it for a few minutes and got tired. I personally would not recommend this for hunting trip as it adds extra 10 Lb plus tripod. But if someone has a property with a view, this pair is really good for long distance observation. I also like its wide angle eyepiece that has 65 degree apparent field of view.



It comes with tripod mount adapter (center).

It also has twisted-up eyecups with large ocular lenses (23mm in diameter) that is good for glass wearers.


The binoculars comes with alumninum storage case with protective foam. This is my favorite.


I will bring this one to the gather&compare event just for the fun of it.