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Pentax DCF SP or Swift Audubon ED

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Acenturian View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/29/2005 at 02:38

I am torn between these two binoculars.  I like the compact feel or the Pentax and the option or going to 10x but I have read great things about the Swifts.  Does the PentaX DCF SP use ED glass?  If not, will the Swift give me overall better performance?

 

I guess I should add that these will primarily be used as hunting binoculars out west. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Buster1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/29/2005 at 17:27
The SP's do in fact use ED glass. I've no experience with the Swifts, but can highly recommend the SP's. They're simply great glass for the money.....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2005 at 02:46
Are you talking about Swift Audubon 8.5x44 porross with ED glass?  They are bigger and heavier than Pentax, but better optically.  Those Swift's centerfield performance is better than or equal to anything out there regardless of price.  Pentax SP might be tougher and more waterproof though.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2005 at 17:01

yes, I am talking about the Swift Audubon Poro ED glass.  Is the ED glass worth the extra $120.00 over the standard Swift Audubon??

 

Thanks for replies

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2005 at 17:18
Whether ED glass is worth the extra money is really a personal question.  If you are after the ultimate in optical performance, then yes, it is worth it (IMO).  Those porros are very good even without ED glass. 99% of people would probably be very happy with a non ED version.  Even non-ED verson will hold it own against everything this side of Ultravids.  However, if you want experienced binocular users to go "Wow!" after looking through your glass get the ED version. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gremlin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/01/2005 at 08:38

As a guy who owns over 20 pair of binoculars and 15 different riflescopes, as a guy who has hunted for thirty years, as a guy who has been an avid birdwatcher for the last five years, I can offer the opinion that the new Swift Audubon porros without ED are the best value that I've ever come across in optics.

 

Center image sharp as most any other binocular that I've seen, they've proven rugged enough for hunting, waterproof enough to withstand a pretty tough rain storm, eye relief that has fought off fatique, bright enough to hunt dusk or dawn, brilliant enough colors to pick out the shades on a summer tanager, strong enough to spot high-flying raptors, contrast enough to distinguish deer in a thicket.

 

All of that without the ED glass.

 

It could only get better with the extra cash, but at $350 I don't know if it would still qualify for the 'best value I've ever come across in optics' monniker--but it would be an even better binocular.

 

Just my two cents.

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Take the long way home...

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/01/2005 at 18:57

Thanks all for the replies.  I ordered a pair of non- ED ones which came in and I plan to give those to my Dad since he still has on old pair of Bushnell that date back to the time of Christopher Columbus.  I also picked up a pair of ED ones for myself.  Found them on E-bay out of a camera shop for $340.00 so if they are as good as they say I will be very happy.  I compared the non-ED pair with a friends Leica's  while out hunting and I couldnt really see any difference if there was it was splitting hairs.  WHile I like the look of a roof prism it was nice with the poro to have a HUGE field of view while out hunting.

 

Once again thanks for all you advice.  So far it has been great.  I have purchased a Zeiss Conquest for my rifle and bought Dad a Bushnell 4200 all of which came from the high praise of the people here and I couldnt be more happy of course Im broke but it all in good fun

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DAVE44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2005 at 07:05
Acenturian, which scope do you like better the 4200 or the Conquest? Just curious because I am going to get one of the two for my 270. Encore.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2005 at 11:06

Neither have been out into the hunting field this year (yet).  When we compared the two side by side they appeared pretty much the same as far as clarity and brightness.  Final test was done at dusk with the sun going down again both appeared about the same. 

 

Once the sun had totally gone down and we compared the two looking out into the vinards, the Conquest seemed to have the edge.  Granted, both performed great and well beyond legal hunting hours.

 

I think the Bushnell 4200 is a nicer looking scope (not that it matters) The adjustment caps on the Zeiss look and feel cheap, again its a personal thing.  I'd never personally seen the Bushnell Rain Guard in action but my father has with his cousins rifle hunting last year  and was very impressed.

 

I'd some it up  like this if you got the extra money buy the Zeiss.  Again, you cant go wrong either way or if you find a smoking deal on either of them then buy it.  I have friends as well as some of my fathers friends that wont give the BushnelI a fair chance just because of the name on it.  That is sad because it really is a great scope. So, if you were ever to re-sell it the Zeiss would most likely hold its value better.  I got the Bushnell from a camera shop on close out at about the same price you'd pay for a 3200 Elite so that was a great buy for me.

 

Hope that helps 

 

 

 

 



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DAVE44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2005 at 00:41
     Thanks for the info. I am leaning toward the 4200 Elite for the Raingaurd but Im not crazy about the short 3.3 eye relief. Can you tell me if it stays at 3.3 at all power settings or does it seem to get shorter or longer as you change powers? The conquest has a constant of 4 inches. Also, which model of 4200 Elite did you get 1.5-6 or 2.5-10? Did it have a firefly reticle and if so is it too thick and seem to cover up a lot of the view? thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2005 at 03:07

Dave: I havent even mounted the Bushnell on the gun yet.  I'm not sure if the 3.3  eye relief gets longer or shorter, I'd guess that since most manufactures show their variations of eye relief that it changes based on magnification.  The Bushnell only shows it as 3.3 atleast on this forums store.  I'd give the folks at the store a call and ask them for their professional imput.

 

I guess I should ask what caliber rifle are you shooting?  I wouldnt be too concerned with the Bushnell eye relief unless your mounting it on a hard kicking rifle.  The 3.3 is a little short but we are talking maybe 1/4 inch from most of the others out there. True there are some scopes that offer a lot more relief, but again I dont think the Bushnell is out of league with the 3.3.  If I was mounting a scope on a 460 Weatherby Mag I might look for something with a lot of eye relief.   I'd also add a ported barrel, a good recoil reduction butt plate and a good shoulder physical theropist  and then dread sighting it in.

 

But I will tell you that there are a lot of people on this forum that love the Bushnell 4200 Elite and I doubt it would have the great reputation it enjoys if it bit shooters.  As for the Bushnell rain guard, as I said I have no experience with it but my father and his cousin do, and they swear by it.  Last season they were out tromping around in a rain storm and when looking through the scope it remained clear, my dad was sold from that point on he knew he wanted the Elite.  Just for some reference.  My father plans to mount the 4200 on his Ruger .270.  His cousin has an Elite 3200 on his .270 and a 4200 Elite on his Weatherby .300 mag.

 

Im no expert by any means, although I did stay at a Holiday Inn once  If your planning on mounting in on a shoulder slammer I might look at the Conquest.  If its going on a pretty standard caliber .270 30.06, .308 or 7mm Mag and if you hunt where it gets rainy and nasty I'd go with the Bushnell, the rain guard can be a big asset.  As for the scope I bought dad 2.5-10x40  I didn't get the firefly.  I wanted to but again I got it for ALOT less money on closeout.  Personally, I'd opt for it from what I understand if you use a good bright tactical light it will really make the cross hairs glow.  I doubt you will need it much since the scope really pulls in the light well beyond dusk.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DAVE44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2005 at 11:22
Thanks for the info. I will probably be mounting it on a TC Encore in 270 cal. I just want to make sure if I decide to mount it on a hard kicker that it will still be sufficient. I found a good deal on a Conquest 3.5-10x44 but not sure I want a bigger objective because it may require higher rings. Now I just have to decide on the firefly or not.
     Do you have any suggestions on a good pair of hunting binos under $500. that you have had experience with?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2005 at 17:03

Firefly:  Id get it the cost difference in very minimal so why not. Whether you use it or not dont know. From what I've heard get a small bright flashight to charge them and they will really glow. 

 

Bino's under $500.00 well do you care if they are Poro (dog leg shaped) or roof.  I just got in the Swift Audubons which is how this thread started.  I will be giving them to Pops and I ordered the ED version.  According to everyone on here as well as doing a google search for Swift Audubon I dont think they can be beat ( alittle bulky) but with a bino buddy or similar strap they should be fine.  I compared my regular Swifts to a friends Leica and couldnt really tell a difference while out hunting.

 

No for my Roofs, I carry Carson XM series which are light, bright and cary a life time warranty.  I believe they are the best kept secret in the optics world. I belong to an archery forum www.archerytalk.com if you go on their web page do a search for Carson binoculars you will find nothing but praise from the bow hunters.  I alos found this review:

 

http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0404/je0404-1.htm l

 

Cabelas had them for $199 when I bought mine most places have them for $299 which I still think is a great buy.

 

If you want roofs that will cost you the full $500 the Pentax DCF SP is pretty hard to beat, but the Carsons are right there for a little less money.

Good luck

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rusty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/09/2005 at 16:32

Actenurian

 

How are the ergonomics and luggability factor of the Audubons?  Do they seem very bulky top haul around?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2005 at 04:04

Rusty:

 

I just got the Swift Audubon ED's in yesterday.  I had the regular Audubon and took them hunting last week.  The regular model (non ED version) approximate weight was 29 oz (online specs)  the ED version is 25 oz they look the same other than the non ED is gray and the ED is black.  However, the ED version feels slightly lighter in weight.

 

I wore the Swift Audubon's (non ED) all day out hunting.  I walked several step canyons and while I knew they were there it was not bothersom atleast not to me.  The big advantage is I was wearing a Butler Creek Binocular harness to carry the binoculars. Which that or a similar harness is a must if your going to carry any binocular bigger than those very small compact designs for any length of time.

 

Overall they didn't feel any heavier than a friends Leica 10x42 Roof Prisms, actually the Lecia is listed at 31.4 oz.  The poro design is much wider across so they just seem big compared to Roof's.  But at the same time the poro gives you a great field of view the Audubon's have 430 feet at 1,000 yards by comparison the Lecia Trinovid is 330 feet.  I'll be the first to say I like the look of roof prism BUT out hunting I like the feel of a poro. Swift did a great job with the ergonomics.  The bino's are fairly short in height but wide becasue of design but the armor feels great in hand.  The optics are great.  After what I have read here and now handled I truely believe that you cant get a better optical performance for the money.  In fact you could spend more and not gain any better performance. 

 

I couldnt really see a big difference in the little amount of time I spent comparing the ED to non ED versions.  The only real difference is on the edges of the image.  And even that is only when looking at something with a large contrast such as looking at a tree limb with a bright sky around it.  If you focus on the limb (which will be awsomely clear ) and then using your eyes you look up at say the leaves at the edges of the image you may see a very slight purple haze around the leaves. I've only noticed it while looking at objects against the sky.   The ED version eliminates the haze all together.  But both bincoulars are fantastic.  I gave my dad the non-ed ones and I got the ED for myself, not that  I felt that I really needed it but I like the look of the black body better than the gray and since the ED version is 4 oz lighter all the better.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rusty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2005 at 07:55

Acenturian,

Thanks for the detailed reply.

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