Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
Non HD Leupold Gold Ring |
Post Reply |
Author | |
arshutr
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/18/2009 Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: March/16/2010 at 20:50 |
OK, how are the original Leupold 8x or 10x32mm Gold Rings?
I found a deal this weekend on a set of 8x's. I have been looking for a good semi compact set of bino's and couldn't pass up this price. $299 shipped to my door. Brand new. I don't think these are the HD model, but at that price I don't think it matters. I'll post my opinion after I receive them if anyone is interested.
|
|
lucytuma
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: November/25/2007 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 5389 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I think thats a great deal on a bino that should be pretty decent.
|
|
"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
|
|
arshutr
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/18/2009 Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
They will be waiting for me when I get home from work tomorrow! I was hoping someone else thought it was a good deal besides me.
|
|
lucznik
Optics Master Joined: November/27/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1436 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Sounds like a great deal to me.
I may have to try to get me one of those.
|
|
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
|
|
arshutr
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/18/2009 Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Ripped the package open and did some testing. Yeah, their heavy. Set up the diopter for me and.....very clear all the way out to the edge of FOV. That's a plus. FOV is very wide for a 32MM. Wider than my Minox BL BR 42MM. Minox's have a slight advantage in brightness. Clarity and overall image quality are the same or maybe slightly better with the Leopolds. The focus knob has a very narrow range where objects are in focus. Slight movement of the knob can take it way out of focus. Not a big deal, just something to get used to.
Eyecups are good, they have a little play at each of the two outward positions.
The brown color is rather drab and boring if your into outward appearances.
I then broke out the Zen-Ray 10X43 ED's for comparison. The Zen's, even in 10X, are a brighter and better. Dang Chinese!!!
Overall they are a great little set of bin's for the price I paid. I wouldn't go much higher on these though. Not when you can get a Zen Ray 7x36 ED2 for another $70. I guarantee the Zen's will be better.
|
|
Klamath
Optics Master Joined: May/20/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1308 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Those 10x32 will probably not be a bright as a lot of 10x43's. The reason is pretty simple, there is a lot more light put through the system than with a 32mm. That pretty much always means brighter image. However, brightness is not the sole attribute to judge image by. Color, contrast and sharpness being among them. I personally set my lower limit at as close to 4mm exit pupil as I can. The smaller pupil size of a 10x32 is simply bordering on being too small. You commented on depth of focus as well, that is something that also decreases with increasing magnification. It can become more obvious when the amount of glass shrinks and the glass is being still asked for a 10x magnification with less glass to work with. But as you indicate you are, you should enjoy them for the price. I'm looking pretty seriously at the Gold Ring HD in 8x32 myself.
|
|
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron |
|
arshutr
Optics GrassHopper Joined: January/18/2009 Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Klamath,
Thanks for the info. I actually got the 8x32MM Gold Rings. So that is why I compared them to the 10x43's. The color, contrast, and sharpness on these is actually pretty good. What I was really pleased with is the FOV. I see what you are saying about the exit pupil size. I think the 10X32's would have really limited the light entering the lenses. You may want to look at this pair if you are looking at an 8x32 GR. They are actually really good for the money. Just not as good as the Zen's. PM me if you want to know where I got them.
Also, I tested them at dusk last night and the clarity and brightness was excellent well after the sun was under the horizon. I was more and more impressed as it got darker and darker. The more I use them, the more I like them. It's a great little set to have in the vehicle for just misc. stuff.
I glassed some ducks with them on a little pond near work today and the feather coloration just popped out. There were canvasbacks, pintails, and a few redheads. Neat stuff.
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |