OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Binoculars
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - My first true "Alpha" bin
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

My first true "Alpha" bin

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: My first true "Alpha" bin
    Posted: January/31/2011 at 22:14
Well, I have been doing a lot of horsetrading lately, and through some lucky circumstances on a certain evil online auction site, I have recently accumulated some spending money.  Some recent threads really got me thinking about my position on "Alpha" binoculars.

This thread in particular:

http://www.opticstalk.com/upgrading-binos_topic26977.html

In that thread I "ranked" binoculars I had actually used (even briefly) for how I liked them overall.  That list was topped with 1.Zeiss 2.Leica 3. Swarovski.  There they were, the BIG 3.  I was a little surprised, I thought my favorite binoculars were Meoptas, but there they were at number 4.  Price DOES matter.

I have always been a big proponent of real-world value for hunters, because I am a hunter, and that is why I got into optics in the first place.  The ED bins coming out of China right now are really good optically.  I have the ZEN EDs in my favorite configuration, 10X43.  They offer a fantastic view that is just hard to believe, given their price.  I recently spent some time with, and reviewed the Theron Wapiti APO-ED 8X42 and came away with a similar impression as the ZEN.  These are great values, no doubt.  However, they both offer compromises. 

The Theron shows field curvature, and some a little purple Chromatic Aberration in high-contrast situations.  It has a relatively narrow field of view.  While the build quality is sturdy, it is not ... well ... refined.

The ZEN is wider, but a little soft at the edge.  The Zen also shows a little CA, but not in the center of the field.  The ZEN shows a halo of prismatic light when I get my eyes  deep into the cups.  The build quality is OK, but my armor is loosening a little and one rubber eyecup has loosened from its metal cup.  The focus wheel is a bit slow, and doesn't have the best feel.

These are minor quibbles, I know, and both bins far outperform their price points.

I also own (now just recently owned) two sub-alpha bins Meopta Meostar and Vortex Razor.  The Meoptas were just about perfect, but I had to glue the diopter adjustment, and they showed noticeable CA in an otherwise awesome image.  The Razor showed a little CA, but the field showed too little distortion, and I get some rolling ball.  Both are GREAT bins, and I thoroughly enjoyed using them.

Picky? Probably.

But I used a bin (borrowed) for about a week a while back and I noticed no flaws.  I loved it, and it loved me.  It was a Zeiss Victory FL, and it is at the top of my binocular list in the above referenced thread.  I knew I could never spend $2000 plus for a binocular, so I just assumed it would never happen, and the other bins I have were so close anyway.  But then, I noticed SWFA was closing out their 10X42 FLs in Green. Wait!  Not only were they closing them out, but there was an instant rebate of $100 to boot!

I had just bought a Swarovski rifle scope ... but I still had some stuff I could sell ...  Well here we are and I am waiting for the Brown Truck at my house again.  I can't wait.  My first (uhh, last?) Alpha.
-Matt
Back to Top
neilbilly View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: February/07/2010
Location: Sweeny TX
Status: Offline
Points: 999
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote neilbilly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/31/2011 at 22:26

NICE!


If I could justify the expense I'd snag a set myself. I'm hoping to unload some unloved items at a local gun show 03/05-03/06 which would free up enough fun money to get me a set. "provided there are any left at that point."


If you're happy with them, they must be REALLY good gear. 

If God didn't want me to play with it, he'd of made my arms shorter.
Back to Top
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/31/2011 at 22:37
Originally posted by neilbilly neilbilly wrote:

If you're happy with them, they must be REALLY good gear. 



Are you calling me fickle?

Ouch

I just hope I get a "cherry" pair.

Wink



Edited by Bitterroot Bulls - January/31/2011 at 22:37
-Matt
Back to Top
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 15:03
Well, bad, bad news...

I feel like I stuck my foot in my mouth here, but I called SWFA today to check on my order (which I placed online after they closed last night), and wouldn't you know it, the discontinued (green) Zeiss FLs are gone, gone, gone. So my order was cancelled.

Make no mistake, I'm not ripping on SWFA, with a website and discontinued items, these things will happen.  I'm just sad that my dream pair of bins once again eluded me.  And now I'm a bit thin on binoculars on hand, after selling a few pairs to fund the Zeiss, but I have got some cash, and I'll keep my eye out.

Now I'm going to go cry in a closet.

Sad
-Matt
Back to Top
lucytuma View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar

Joined: November/25/2007
Location: Wisconsin
Status: Offline
Points: 5389
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 15:46

Matt, something will turn up.

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 15:54
Keep an eye on the Sample List. 
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
SD Dog View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar
OT Scratching Post

Joined: February/28/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 4177
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SD Dog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 16:19
Ain't that life.  Don't order b/c you don't have the funds.  Have funds but product is sold out.  Darn Murphy.
If nobody ever said anything unless he knew what he was talking about, a ghastly hush would descend upon the earth. AP Herbert

Stupidity & ignorance have been the foundation for many certainties.
Back to Top
Klamath View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: May/20/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1308
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 16:24
Matt,
 
This must feel a bit like the day we found out Santa Claus wasn't real!  Close the closet door please, I can hear you three states away Big Smile.
 
Yeah, something will turn up.  It'll be easier since you have made the decision.  If you can wait until Feb 21 I can post a head to head with the new Razor HD, new Swarovski SLC and Swarovision.  Just to add to any confusion.  Not a review, but there is something called the Winter Wings festival here that will have people from all over.  There is a Vortex-Swarovski dealer coming as a vendor.  I talked to him this morning and he's pretty sure he'll have all the new Vortex HD stuff, sans Viper spotter which won't show 'til May.
 
Thinking I need a  real alpha around for review comparison purposes myself.
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

Back to Top
JGRaider View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master


Joined: February/06/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 1540
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 20:04
You're going to have some big fun shopping for keeps though, huh?  I would personally love to see the SLC HD and Zeiss Fl side by side.  That being said, I'm very, very impressed with the SLCneu (2010model) I got off the samplelist last Fall.  I spent lots of time behind it aoudad hunting, comparing it with an EL that was in camp, and I honestly am not capable of seeing any difference.  Good luck, have some fun with it, and feel free to educate me whenever you feel the need!

Klamath, can't wait to read what you have to say.   Have any of you guys ever been curious enough about the Nikon EDG to look through one?  Also, what's your take on the Geovid's?  Do you like the idea of the combo unit or prefer to have the bino and rf separate?


Edited by JGRaider - February/01/2011 at 20:07
Back to Top
neilbilly View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: February/07/2010
Location: Sweeny TX
Status: Offline
Points: 999
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote neilbilly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 21:01

Awww man, that bites. 


Something will turn up for ya I'm sure of it. 



If God didn't want me to play with it, he'd of made my arms shorter.
Back to Top
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 21:05
Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

You're going to have some big fun shopping for keeps though, huh?  I would personally love to see the SLC HD and Zeiss Fl side by side.  That being said, I'm very, very impressed with the SLCneu (2010model) I got off the samplelist last Fall.  I spent lots of time behind it aoudad hunting, comparing it with an EL that was in camp, and I honestly am not capable of seeing any difference.  Good luck, have some fun with it, and feel free to educate me whenever you feel the need!

Klamath, can't wait to read what you have to say.   Have any of you guys ever been curious enough about the Nikon EDG to look through one?  Also, what's your take on the Geovid's?  Do you like the idea of the combo unit or prefer to have the bino and rf separate?


I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on the SLCneu like yours (They were in the top three of my list, and must still qualify as a true "alpha," right?).  They are discounted similarly to the Zeiss right now.  I probably should decide soon, before all the SLCneus are gone as well.  If I do order it, it will be over the phone, though.




Edited by Bitterroot Bulls - February/01/2011 at 21:05
-Matt
Back to Top
mike650 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2006
Location: West of Rockies
Status: Offline
Points: 14569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 21:15
Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

You're going to have some big fun shopping for keeps though, huh?  I would personally love to see the SLC HD and Zeiss Fl side by side.  That being said, I'm very, very impressed with the SLCneu (2010model) I got off the samplelist last Fall.  I spent lots of time behind it aoudad hunting, comparing it with an EL that was in camp, and I honestly am not capable of seeing any difference.  Good luck, have some fun with it, and feel free to educate me whenever you feel the need!

Klamath, can't wait to read what you have to say.   Have any of you guys ever been curious enough about the Nikon EDG to look through one?  Also, what's your take on the Geovid's?  Do you like the idea of the combo unit or prefer to have the bino and rf separate?


I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on the SLCneu like yours (They were in the top three of my list, and must still qualify as a true "alpha," right?).  They are discounted similarly to the Zeiss right now.  I probably should decide soon, before all the SLCneus are gone as well.  If I do order it, it will be over the phone, though.





I have both the EL and SLCneu, and to me, the significant differences between the two is weight, focus wheel, ergonomics, and price.
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
Back to Top
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 22:09
I have had lots of field time with the SLCs and a little with the ELs.  I noticed more CA in the ELs than the SLCs.  The ELs also had a little more pincushion.  Maybe that was that single pair of ELs. 

The SLCs I have used were the generation previous to the SLCneu.  They had an extremely similar view to my Meostars with the SLCs having better CA control. 

I haven't had any serious field time with the SLCneu,  but I have looked through a couple pair (10X42 and 7X42).  I might be remembering things, but I think they must have changed the optic system a little, because the neus seemed a bit more neutral, and bit more contrasty.  Does that sound about right, JG and Mike?
-Matt
Back to Top
jonoMT View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: November/13/2008
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 4853
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 22:12
Tough "neus"but I'm sure you'll find something you "Leica"
Reaction time is a factor...
Back to Top
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2011 at 22:20
That's punny, Jon.
-Matt
Back to Top
300S&W View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: January/27/2008
Location: Burlington,WV
Status: Offline
Points: 10592
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2011 at 05:37
Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

Well, bad, bad news...

I feel like I stuck my foot in my mouth here, but I called SWFA today to check on my order (which I placed online after they closed last night), and wouldn't you know it, the discontinued (green) Zeiss FLs are gone, gone, gone. So my order was cancelled.

Make no mistake, I'm not ripping on SWFA, with a website and discontinued items, these things will happen.  I'm just sad that my dream pair of bins once again eluded me.  And now I'm a bit thin on binoculars on hand, after selling a few pairs to fund the Zeiss, but I have got some cash, and I'll keep my eye out.

Now I'm going to go cry in a closet.

Sad
 
 
  Don't you hate when that happens?
 
  I feel your pain. When I went to order the soon to be discontinued Viper 6x32 binoc,after looking at them at SWFA 2 days before,GONE!  But I did get some GOOD advice and ended up with the ED2 7x36.   Yippee
"I ain't got time to bleed!"
Back to Top
JGRaider View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master


Joined: February/06/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 1540
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2011 at 08:46
Hey Bitterroot.  I believe you're right.  When I was shopping around for mine, I called Swaro USA myself. They informed me that any SLCneu with a mfg date of 2007 and later had all the latest, greatest glass and coatings found on the EL's (not swarvision), i.e swarobright, etc.  My neighbor who I hunt with extensively has a 10 yr old SLC, and while still great, the SLC neu is a little notch above.   I have also found the SLCneu more durable than the EL.
Back to Top
trigger29 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar
X = 180 Y = 90 (X+Pyro)+(Y-Pyro) = ?

Joined: September/29/2007
Location: South Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 4353
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2011 at 09:00
http://www.samplelist.com/Zeiss-10x42-Victory-T-FL-Binocular-DEMO-B-P1565.aspx
Don't know if these fall into your price range or not, but if they do, I've found the DEMO-B stuff on the samplelist to be VERY nice. Last thing I bought from there, I swore was brand new. If you keep your eyes open, something will turn up. When I was in your position, I ended up with a like new pair of Leica Geovid 10x42's for $1300. I was not dissapointed.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Back to Top
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2011 at 14:16
Well, I could never keep money in my pocket.

I just got off the phone with Josh at SWFA and now have a brand new pair of SLCneu 10X42 coming my way.  One silver lining ... they will compliment my new Z3 scope nicely!


-Matt
Back to Top
Johnny View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: December/23/2010
Location: Colorado
Status: Offline
Points: 99
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Johnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2011 at 16:14
Good job Matt!!!Yippee

You can't take it with you and life is short!!!Excellent
Black Bear Road
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.426 seconds.