Alpen Teton 8x42 vs others in $500 range

[cnybirder]

I am looking to upgrade to some better binoculars as I said in my other thread.
I emailed several of the top optics dealers on the internet and mentioned what binoculars I have been looking at (Nikon Monarch, Vortex Viper) and asked for their opinions. Well one of them was extremely fast in replying.
He recommended the Vortex Viper and the Kowa BD but He said "if you can afford a bit more, the Alpen Teton 8x42 ($585) is a big jump in quality." (I am not sure whether He was saying that they are a big jump over the Viper or the Monarch but He obviously thinks they are better than the viper).
There are no reviews of the Tetons anywhere that I could find.
Does anyone have or have seen the Tetons?
Is the quality as good or better than the Viper?

[J. Moore]

Are you familiar with this recent review of midpriced binoculars at birdwatching.com?: http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2007roundup/binoculars_midpriced.html

Click on the "main chart" link, and then on the link for the extended chart (which gives you more information). It includes the Alpine Teton 8 x 42 binoculars, and they scored well below all the binoculars you are considering. It appears that either the reviewers had a bad sample, your guy who recommended them has unusual tastes, or he has some special interest in promoting these binoculars.

Best,
Jim

[cnybirder]

Yeah, I think your right. I have seen some negative comments about some of Alpen's other binoculars. It could be some of their newer binoculars are better quality but it probably would be better for me to stick with something like the Viper that has a very good Lifetime Warranty.