Vortex Sidewinder 8x42's anyone, anyone?

[Ozz]

Hi!

First time "poster" here.....I am looking for my first set of decent bins.....I currently have an ancient pair of binolux 7x50's that have definitely seen better days.

I'm looking to upgrade my optics for a vacation I'm hoping to take in the next several months, so have been doing exhausting (and mind boggling) research. Who knew there were so many choices?!

As I'm a bin amateur, I don't need (and can't afford) to spend over a grand on a pair. (and quite frankly, need to keep it WELL under a grand! )

I have been looking into the Vortex Sidewinder 8x42's, but haven't seen a lot of reviews or usage reports on them (what I HAVE seen has been mostly positive), and the company itself offers a fantastic warranty....and they seem pretty responsive to communication (something I like to see).

BUT....has anyone here used them? And are there any other's in that price range that might be a better way to go? Also...does anyone know where the Vortex's are made?

Thanks!

[ceasar]

Hi Ozz,
Welcome to Bird forum.
If you have actually had this binocular in your hands and tried it out and you like it, I see no reason to discourage you from buying it. At it's price (Eagle Optics sells it for $189.99 see www.eagleoptics.com.) it has a set of features that you won't find in most 8 x 42 roof prisms at any price. It has a remarkably wide Field of View(FOV) of 420' at 1000 yards! It has long eye relief (ER) of 18mm. It has Phase Coating on it's prisms and is waterproof, fogproof and nitrogen purged. It weighs a moderate 25 ounces. Quite frankly, this is a very nice package for the money! You will have a hard time matching it with other brands in that price range. Most will have a narrower FOV and many won't be phase coated or Nitrogen purged. In that price range, it's nearest competition will come from Nikon and Bushnell. You can compare their respective statistics on Eagle Optics website. Ultimatly it will come down to the picture you see through them and how they feel in your hands which is why hands on tryouts are encouraged. Eagle Optics has a 30 day no questions asked right of return policy if you have trouble finding a variiety of binoculars to try out near where you live. I've never seen or used the new Vortex's or Nikon's so I can't give you a hands on evaluation of either.
Cordially,
Bob

[Tero]

Yes, if you mail order, that would be the place to get it, so you can exchange it if not happy. I have not been able to check out any Vortexes yet.

There are a number of 8x42 for under 300, so you may actually want to call Eagle Optics and order by phone if you are not quite convinced. They may have suggestions.

I am almost 90% sure they are not made in the US.

By the way, another store has a sales person to talk with in a message board:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard/

You are not obligated to buy from them.

[Ozz]

Ahh, yes, that's the problem...I haven't tried them in person. Unfortunately, I live in an area that doesn't cater to higher-end ANYTHING. A couple of shops carry some Nikon stuff...but the lower end of the spectrum on all.

So, I must go by the opinions of more knowlegeable people in forums such as this, and by direct communication with various companies.

I have been "shopping" mostly at Binoculars.com and EagleOptics.com....both of whom seem to be good places to purchase from.

One question for you folks....does EagleOptics own Vortex? (or the other way around?) I notice that Vortex's mailing address is the same as Eagle Optics. And apparently Audubon and Stokes are also made by Vortex? In which case are the Stokes Talon's likely the same optics as the Sidewinders (with a negligible price difference between them, it stands to reason?)

Maybe I should just put a second mortgage on my house and buy a pair of Swarovski's and be done with it! ;)

[WJC]

>>>I am almost 90% sure they are not made in the US.<<<

Since there is not a single line of hand-held binoculars made in the United States--nor has there been for YEARS, I can say with more certainty than that that they are not made in the US.

Cheers,

Bill

[Otto McDiesel]

I am almost 90% sure they are not made in the US.



I am 100% sure that they are made in China.

[Tero]

Vortex business
http://www.vortexoptics.com/about_history.html
address is Middleton, Wisconsin
so there must be some connection to Eagle Optics. My guess is Eagle handles a lot of the sales.

[marcus]

I'm probably getting a 8x42 Sidewinder. I have been considering doing that but this 'thread' has tempted me to do it.

[ksbird/foxranch]

A few pairs of Vortex binoculars have been brought to the ranch and we even have a pair. They are/were all pretty average. Admittedly we haven't seen the 8x42 Sidewinder. The Vortex website is ambiguous about the product origin because they don't seem to want to make a big deal out of the Chinese manufacturing locations for all of their products. Other major binocular brands don't worry too much about having their products made in China (Zeiss, Nikon etc.) or Hungary (Zeiss) or wherever, but I guess Vortex thinks they need to mask this fact. If Vortex' overhead is low then they can keep their prices down, and that should be a major selling point for them. But they don't seem to push this as much as brands like Barska.

The Barska phase coated 8x42 sells all the time from retailers for $99-119 plus low shipping on Ebay [$8] (Buy-It-Now). If you are really searching for a basic phase coated waterproof roof prism binocular that is fully multicoated in an 8x42 then consider this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7226875126&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D7226875126%26fvi %3D1

It's Ebay item #7226875126 from a retailer named Hunting Gear. They have 5 pairs for sale in their Ebay store, they have over 500 feedbacks and they are 100% positive. For an entry level binocular, this seems like a good deal and it offers close focusing. There is a more rugged version (the Huntmaster) that sells for $119 and doesn't close focus. We have Barska bins on the ranch because if they get broken, we don't worry too much. Barska offers a surprisingly good value for the money. I think phase coated roofer bins are going to start coming way down in price because the technology transfer from the better brand engineers to the Chinese manufacturers is now in full swing.

QUESTION:
I thought I'd ask why with your possible purchase in the $180 range, why you aren't looking at some really fine porro prism bins. Leupold makes some, the Nikon 8x40 Action Extreme is very good too and really low priced compared to $180. The Nikon and Leupold are nitrogen purged, wide angle and fully multicoated.

The Bushnell Legend 8x40 is only $100 and it's very good also. It used to be the Bausch & Lomb Legend 8x40 until B&L stopped licensing the use of their name to Bushnell. It's fully multicoated, waterproof etc.

Finally one of my favorites in your price range is the Pentax 8x40 PCF WP II Binoculars w/Lifetime Warranty from 17th Street Photo. They have 5000 Ebay positives with a 99.9% feedback ratio and this bin sells for about $105 + shipping. This model has an aspherical eye lens like the Nikon 8x40 and it is immersible so you can wash it if it falls in the mud or ???? If you haven't looked through a Pentax bin lately, these models will shock you with how nice they are. I personally have a Pentax PCF WP that I love. Here's one

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-8x40-PCF-WP-II-Binoculars-w-Lifetime-Warranty_W0QQitemZ7520583167QQihZ017QQcategoryZ505 38QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Ahh, yes, that's the problem...I haven't tried them in person. Unfortunately, I live in an area that doesn't cater to higher-end ANYTHING. A couple of shops carry some Nikon stuff...but the lower end of the spectrum on all.

So, I must go by the opinions of more knowlegeable people in forums such as this, and by direct communication with various companies.

I have been "shopping" mostly at Binoculars.com and EagleOptics.com....both of whom seem to be good places to purchase from.

One question for you folks....does EagleOptics own Vortex? (or the other way around?) I notice that Vortex's mailing address is the same as Eagle Optics. And apparently Audubon and Stokes are also made by Vortex? In which case are the Stokes Talon's likely the same optics as the Sidewinders (with a negligible price difference between them, it stands to reason?)

Maybe I should just put a second mortgage on my house and buy a pair of Swarovski's and be done with it! ;)

[WJC]

>>>One question for you folks....does EagleOptics own Vortex? (or the other way around?)<<<

Neither one; Dan Hamilton owns both.

Cheers,

Bill

[Ozz]

QUESTION:
I thought I'd ask why with your possible purchase in the $180 range, why you aren't looking at some really fine porro prism bins. Leupold makes some, the Nikon 8x40 Action Extreme is very good too and really low priced compared to $180. The Nikon and Leupold are nitrogen purged, wide angle and fully multicoated.

The Bushnell Legend 8x40 is only $100 and it's very good also. It used to be the Bausch & Lomb Legend 8x40 until B&L stopped licensing the use of their name to Bushnell. It's fully multicoated, waterproof etc.

Finally one of my favorites in your price range is the Pentax 8x40 PCF WP II Binoculars w/Lifetime Warranty from 17th Street Photo. They have 5000 Ebay positives with a 99.9% feedback ratio and this bin sells for about $105 + shipping. This model has an aspherical eye lens like the Nikon 8x40 and it is immersible so you can wash it if it falls in the mud or ???? If you haven't looked through a Pentax bin lately, these models will shock you with how nice they are. I personally have a Pentax PCF WP that I love. Here's one

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-8x40-PCF-WP-II-Binoculars-w-Lifetime-Warranty_W0QQitemZ7520583167QQihZ017QQcategoryZ505 38QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Well, to be honest, I didn't really know! I guess I was under the impression that porro prisms were "old-fashioned"....meaning not as good. But after looking it up (thanks KSBIRD), I see that isn't necessarily the case. Unfortunately adding Porro prism binoculars into the mix makes me even MORE confused! |;|

I will take a look at some of the models you mentioned (though probably not on ebay) and see if maybe they would be a better match. Hopefully I'll be talking to someone from Eagle Optics and/or Binoculars.com today and get this ball rolling!

I figure that no matter what I get, they'll probably be a pretty big improvement over my hand-me-down, scratched-up, 40 year old binolux pair!

[WJC]

While optical coatings have gotten SLIGHTLY better over the last couple of decades, if you want the same quality in mechanics as was available across the board 30 years ago, you are going to have to spend some of the bucks so many are loath to spend.

Next, buying decisions need not be too difficult with two things in mind:

1) Lists like BF and Cloudy Nights are replete with comparisons and speculations that mean nothing more than to provide a good chance to communicate with like-minded people, because:

2) for the more than 1,000 brands and models of binoculars coming from Asia, almost all are coming from only a handful of companies and, in reality, there are only a few dozen distinct models, with the same model being distributed under a dozen different brand and model names.

I don’t care who the guru is, no personal recommendation is going to equal a consumer’s wits and preferences. I don’t know how many times I have put my neck on the block promoting a certain binocular only to have that binocular REPLACED by another (usually lesser) model, with the same name and model # before the article hit the streets.

No matter what you buy, there are going to be those around who are going to make you feel foolish because you didn’t buy what THEY bought—even if it happens to be the same bino under the cosmetics.

Cheers,

Bill

[Alexis Powell]

2) for the more than 1,000 brands and models of binoculars coming from Asia, almost all are coming from only a handful of companies and, in reality, there are only a few dozen distinct models, with the same model being distributed under a dozen different brand and model names. Bill

Nowhere has this been more obvious than when it comes to the sea of ~$300 8x42 roofs with ~330 ft field of view. There have been a few products that stand out as not having been popular w/multiple brands. The B&L 7x42 Discoverer roof w/420 ft field of view was one such product (maybe there was a Fuji equivalent?). Right now there seems to be an emerging new underlying model--I've seen that a few of the new 8x42 roofs have 400+ ft field of view. As a fan of wider FOVs, I've not been very enthusiastic about recommending roofs to folks who ask me about binos of ~$300, so I look forward to seeing what these are like optically. I wonder what else has optics equivalent to the new $700 Vortex 8x42 Razor, with its >400 ft FOV?
--AP

[Tero]

Optics question: For two similar binoculars, 8x42, say they are the same brand: Does the one with the narrower FOV have a brighter image?

[WJC]

Optics question: For two similar binoculars, 8x42, say they are the same brand: Does the one with the narrower FOV have a brighter image?

No, the smaller field is due to light being cropped by the field stop. Cropping BAD rays, increases image quality from the remaining rays.

BUT, this is TOO EASY. You must take MANY other things into consideration: size and position of field stop, blackening, baffling, slotted or non-slotted prisms, etc. etc.

Cheers,

Bill

[Ozz]

2) for the more than 1,000 brands and models of binoculars coming from Asia, almost all are coming from only a handful of companies and, in reality, there are only a few dozen distinct models, with the same model being distributed under a dozen different brand and model names.


Ahh yes, it works much the same way for microphones (something I'm a bit more familiar with)...I figured there were a lot of "same-same" binoculars out there. It seems everything is made in China these days....mics, speakers, (apparently) binoculars, and stereo equipment (and all the other items Im not listing for space constraints).

And I think for the most part, that's ok. It allows prices to come down quite a bit....and in some areas the Chinese made stuff has improved quite a bit over the last several years. Unfortunately, the QC is quite poor. You may get a gem, or you may get a lemon. You never know. That is my biggest complaint with the imported merchandise.

And if all that is the case, maybe (for me, anyway) Vortex IS the way to go, as, if nothing else, they have a "forever and for whatever" warranty, and very responsive communication.

(of course, I'm still now wondering if for the same money, a pair of porro prisms might be better quality-wise...although I'd like whatever I get to be small enough(note I didn't say COMPACT) to be easy travelers. (As I am getting these to take out of country on a future vacation).

Anyway, I guess this post got a little off topic (sorry...not sure if that's against the rules or not), but I'm still looking forward to whatever I get...who knows...I may even take up birding! :t: And I DO appreciate all the help and answers I've gotten on this thread...they have actually helped. It's nice to hear all the different opinions.

[Otto McDiesel]

The Vortex models costing less than $400 are most likely Chinese, the ones costing more than $400 could be made in Japan. 420 ft/yardss field of view sounds suspicious, it sounds too good to be true. It may very well be that 40% of that field is bent and distorted to make the image wider. I am no optics guru, but i would be cautious with those models. Just try them and purchase from vendors that would take them back.

That split bridge Razor seems interesting. Too many ridges and design gimmicks for my taste though, and i am waiting to hear about how much of those $20 ft. is in the "sweet spot".

[Tero]

Hi Ozz,
Welcome to Bird forum.
If you have actually had this binocular in your hands and tried it out and you like it, I see no reason to discourage you from buying it. At it's price (Eagle Optics sells it for $189.99 see www.eagleoptics.com.) it has a set of features that you won't find in most 8 x 42 roof prisms at any price. It has a remarkably wide Field of View(FOV) of 420' at 1000 yards! It has long eye relief (ER) of 18mm. It has Phase Coating on it's prisms and is waterproof, fogproof and nitrogen purged. It weighs a moderate 25 ounces. Quite frankly, this is a very nice package for the money!

Can someone verify that they are phase coated, aside from the ad
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?dept=1&type=19&purch=1&pid=4451

[Ozz]

Can someone verify that they are phase coated, aside from the ad
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?dept=1&type=19&purch=1&pid=4451

The Vortex website lists them as phase corrected. However, on another webretailer, the salesperson suggested I spend more money and move up to the next level of vortex (or a diff brand altogether) to get phase corrected prisms....even though the that webretailer also lists them as being phase corrected. Just more to add to the confusion! (Now if I only knew what phase corrected prisms actually did for you!! ;) )

[FrankD]

Ozz,

If you are to still consider porros then I would highly suggest you do a little digging on the net and track down a set of the Nikon EII porros. I bought a pair of the 8x30s from Eagle Optics back in January (when they still had them in stock) and I personally feel that they offered the best image of any binocular I have ever looked through. The image is exceptionally bright, contrasty, crisp and wide at a 460 foot+. Though it pains me to say it they were even a smidge better optically than my 8x42 Nikon Venturer roofs. At one point I even took them into the local Cabelas and compared them directly to the Zeiss FL 8x42s. The image between the two was virtually identical with the E IIs offering an even wider field of view and larger "sweet spot". They could also be considered fairly compact when compared with many other porros on the market (Nikon Action Extremes for example) and were also very lightweight (approx. 20 oz if I remember correctly).

Probably their only downside was that they are not waterproof or nitrogen purged. But, unless you plan on dunking them in a stream or something then you shouldn't have a problem. Prices were hovering right around the $250 mark. Eye relief was right at 14 mm but I had no problems with them in that regard.

Now if I only knew what phase corrected prisms actually did for you!! )

To make it fairly simple, they provide a brighter image with better contrast. It has something to do with "fixing" a problem inherent in the roof prism design.

[Otto McDiesel]

track down a set of the Nikon EII porros.
try focuscamera.com. they had the 8x30 in stock a few weeks ago. i've bought from them several times, good retailer.
the Nikon 8x30 EII is A++, and if the rubber peels you can fix it. the view is outstandingly breathtakingly mesmerizingly beautiful.

[ksbird/foxranch]

The Best Things website www.thebestthings.com says they still have the 8x30 Nikon SEII binoculars in stock for $287. They are very good binoculars but I'm not sure we should be raising the bar here price-wise. There are many many binoculars we could recommend at prices up to $250-300 (the Zeiss Diafun 8x30s are going for about $200 new on Ebay right now, and the Swift 8.5x44 ED model is also a great deal if we want to spend more than $200).

I like the Steiner 8x30 binoculars because they have a wide FOV, and a sharp image and they are currently on sale at Cabelas (or by mail-order) for less than $200. The Steiners are waterproof, nitrogen purged, with roll-down eyecups that really do allow for eyeglass wearers to see the full field and so much depth of field that you really do set the focus once and forget it for most of the rest of the day (like Minox and a few other). A copy of this Steiner 8x30 is the Tasco Offshore 8x30, which is surprisingly good and sells for not much more than $100 on the internet. But once we get over $200, there are so many excellent porro prism binoculars, it's hard to count them all.

Ozz,

If you are to still consider porros then I would highly suggest you do a little digging on the net and track down a set of the Nikon EII porros. I bought a pair of the 8x30s from Eagle Optics back in January (when they still had them in stock) and I personally feel that they offered the best image of any binocular I have ever looked through. The image is exceptionally bright, contrasty, crisp and wide at a 460 foot+. Though it pains me to say it they were even a smidge better optically than my 8x42 Nikon Venturer roofs. At one point I even took them into the local Cabelas and compared them directly to the Zeiss FL 8x42s. The image between the two was virtually identical with the E IIs offering an even wider field of view and larger "sweet spot". They could also be considered fairly compact when compared with many other porros on the market (Nikon Action Extremes for example) and were also very lightweight (approx. 20 oz if I remember correctly).

Probably their only downside was that they are not waterproof or nitrogen purged. But, unless you plan on dunking them in a stream or something then you shouldn't have a problem. Prices were hovering right around the $250 mark. Eye relief was right at 14 mm but I had no problems with them in that regard.



To make it fairly simple, they provide a brighter image with better contrast. It has something to do with "fixing" a problem inherent in the roof prism design.

[WJC]

Dropping the EII was one of the biggest disasters for the user in binocular history.

Cheers,

Bill

[ksbird/foxranch]

Has anyone tried the newer model E Series 8x32 from Nikon?

Dropping the EII was one of the biggest disasters for the user in binocular history.

Cheers,

Bill

[Pileatus]

Dropping the EII was one of the biggest disasters for the user in binocular history.

Cheers,

Bill
Bill,

True, but the SE is still available and, as you well know, it's a gem. I wonder, however, if the SE line is still in production or if we're just seeing old stock.

John

[ensis]

The Best Things website www.thebestthings.com says they still have the 8x30 Nikon SEII binoculars in stock for $287.

I just checked and the EII is listed as "Not available". The SE, however, is available.

[ksbird/foxranch]

Sorry about that.

I just checked and the EII is listed as "Not available". The SE, however, is available.

[WJC]

Bill,

True, but the SE is still available and, as you well know, it's a gem. I wonder, however, if the SE line is still in production or if we're just seeing old stock.

John

Oh, it is without a doubt a gem. However, at half the price, the sparkle of the EII was nothing to sneeze at.

I doubt the SE will be going away anytime soon. But you never know. With everybody and his brother getting into the bino business these days, things are getting more dynamic.

Cheers,

Bill

[ceasar]

Ozz,
If you can get a Nikon 8 x 30 EII, buy it! It is without question the finest binocular, dollar for dollar, that has ever been made! It's a homely little squat instrument though! Simply designed for perfect viewing.
Bob

[Ozz]

Well, after days of exhaustive, mind-bending, eye-reddening research and several forum entries....Ozz has chosen his binoculars! I just got off the phone with Eagle Optics and after attacking the salesperson with question after question, and comparison after comparison (other models I had been looking at, and others that I had heard about from you nice folks...) explaining my needs for the binoculars and finally looking at the money that I realistically had to spend.........<drumroll please>.....I ended up going with the Vortex Sidewinder 8x42's!! (Ironically, those were the ones I was going to get BEFORE doing all of this exhaustive research...sigh)

I was very close to a pair of Nikon Monarchs....but, with all the other things I need to spend money on currently, the extra hundred dollars can be spent elsewhere.

I was also close to a pair of Pentax porros that were a little cheaper, as they were given a thumbs up by the salesperson as well....but, in the end, the features and warranty that you get with the Vortex are just unbeatable (or at least pretty darned good!)

I'll give them a good going over when they get here (probably on Monday) and let you guys (and gals) know how they are! Thanks for all the input on my questions! And for those saying to themselves, "Wow...he really should have gotten _________ instead"......well..who knows...maybe I will....after all....I'll need a pair in the house and one for the car, too, right?!! ;) (hmm....and one at work.....an extra for the garage.........)

Oh...and for Tero (I think it was Tero, anyway)....according to Eagle Optics, the Sidewinders DO indeed have phase corrected prisms....I remember you had asked that earlier in the thread.

Again, my thanks to all!

[Tero]

OK! We will be excited to hear how they are. We have no real data on any Vortex, well maybe 1, see the OTHERS section.*

My guess is that they are close to what the Nikon Sporters are, only slightly brighter with the phase coating that the Sporter does not have. The Sporters were a favorite starter binocular before we had all these others. They seem to be disappearing, though some hunting versions of them may remain.

*http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=53008
Stokes is a Vortex product...
The Stokes Talon is a standard 10x42 but with a cheap price. If I did not have the 10x Monarch I would be interested. Also the 10X Sidewinder, has OK Field of View at 345 ft./1000 yds.

[Ozz]

Hi all!

It took a little longer than I thought to get and review my new Vortex Sidewinder 8x42's...let me 'splain.

I ordered them from Eagle Optics...very pleasant and helpful on the phone. I ordered them on a tuesday night, and received them Friday morning at my workplace. I was a little concerned when the package got to me, as it looked as though the folks at UPS had decided to have a little game of soccer with it. (or football for you Europeans :) )

Eagle Optics had packaged the box as securely as I would expect anyone to (filled to capacity with packing peanuts)..I drove out to a local boating marina when I left work, to try them out. I kept thinking I had a "floatie" in my left eye...however, as it turns out there was a big black speck of something INSIDE the left binocular...either on the prism or one of the lenses. And it was pretty firmly attached. I also noticed that there was some "waviness" in that same left binocular. I figured it was either poor quality control OR the result of the UPS soccer game. In any event, I immediately called Eagle Optics and was told they would (assuming I approved) immediately ship out another pair to me. (They also offered me either a refund or exchange for a different pair). I decided to give the Sidewinders another shot. The ones I had seemed to be solid feeling, and well made (other than the issues already described). However, by this past Friday I hadn't yet received them, and as the first pair only took two days, I was a bit concerned. So, I called Eagle Optics again was told they would be shipped out that very day (I think maybe there was a slight SNAFU...but, in reality I was much happier knowing they still had them, and they hadn't yet suffered any damage at the hands of the evil UPS. I was sent a tracking number later that night (and, they even next day'd them to me.)

Sure enough, I got them today (and once again, they had been kicked around...though not quite as badly this time). And Eagle Optics had even included a nice cleaning kit for me (at no charge)...so overall, Eagle gets an A, and I will certainly do buisness with them again, as well as recommending them to others.

Now to the Vortex Sidewinders....This new pair lacks the black speck the first one had, and the waviness has disappeared as well!

These appear to be solidly built little binoculars...with a nice weighty feel (not heavy, mind you...but a feeling that you're actually holding on to something). They are quick and easy to focus (although, the focus mechanism on the first pair DID appear to be a little better...the new one occasionally makes a very slight noise when being turned (but this could also be the rubber surround, which doesn't appear to have been put on quite as well as the first pair). I might be a bit more concerned about it, except they have such a good warranty that if it gets worse, I know I can have it fixed for free at any time. (And, it may actually IMPROVE with a bit of use...time will tell). The tethered objective lens covers seem to fit just fine, and it also comes with a rain guard. I typically wear contacts, but with my glasses on, I can use them just fine. As far as the optics? Well, guys/gals, remember, I am an amateur, so please take what I say with a grain of salt....but, I think they are very nice. They focus well, have VERY close focus...a feature I kind of scoffed at originally, but I'm loving it! They come with a nice case, strap, etc. So overall, I'm happy with them (so far). Now, I WILL say that the chinese stuff just doesn't seem very consistent. And there are a couple of slight physical things with them I'm a little concerned about (mainly just the focus mechanism at this point), but since most of the bins in my range are Chinese made, I assume they will ALL have these issues. And to make it clear, I am VERY fussy. So, my first report of these bins is mostly positive. A couple of nitpicky items, but with the knowlege that they(vortex) will take care of anything essentially forever, they get a thumbs up! So, for those of you looking to spend less than two hundred bucks, give them a look-see! (and a look-through!!)

[Tero]

Of course, forever is only as long as Vortex is in business. ;)

Don't worry, you will have other Chinese pairs besides these some day. Have fun with these. I thought my first good roof prisms would last 25 years. Thene I "needed" some more. That was 2 years ago.

[Ozz]

Of course, forever is only as long as Vortex is in business. ;)


True.....but, hey....if they just stick around for 5 or 10 years I'll be happy 3:-)

And now....I'm thinking.......spotting scope!

[FrankD]

Thanks for the report. I am glad you were honest about your experiences and look forward to hearing more about how the bins hold up as time passes. As Tero mentioned you really don't hear much about that brand here on the forums and I have yet to find another bino forum with so many intelligent and enthusiastic posters.