New member. I've been reading the binocular section quite a lot, but would still really like some "expert" advice before purchasing binoculars.
The binoculars will be used for hunting.
Important features must be: Ability to see game - A greyish reindeer aginst a greyish background in less than ideal (overcast, foggy, dusk/dawn etc) light conditions or a black bird (sorry, I know you guys just look at them) sitting in deep shadows whithin the branches of a tree. Hope you get the picture.
Matters less: Outer edge sharpness, focus wheel issues (yes, I have read very long threads about both the SLC and HT which more or less diminished into personal taste about focus wheels....)
What does NOT matter: Close focus
I've narrowed the selection down to a few candidates, listed below with approx. price for a new pair.
1. Zeiss conquest HD 8x42 ($725). Basic question: Are these up to the same standard as the "competition"?
2. Zeiss Victory HT 8x42 ($1850). Guess these are the best of the lot?
3. Swarovski SLC WB 8x42 ($1620). Are these up to Victory HT standard? Or are they closer to Conquest HD?
4. Leica Trinovid 8x42 ($1230). Optical quality closer to SLC/HT or Conquest HD?
Would really appreciate any advice or just general comments on this.
The binoculars will be used for hunting.
Important features must be: Ability to see game - A greyish reindeer aginst a greyish background in less than ideal (overcast, foggy, dusk/dawn etc) light conditions or a black bird (sorry, I know you guys just look at them) sitting in deep shadows whithin the branches of a tree. Hope you get the picture.
Matters less: Outer edge sharpness, focus wheel issues (yes, I have read very long threads about both the SLC and HT which more or less diminished into personal taste about focus wheels....)
What does NOT matter: Close focus
I've narrowed the selection down to a few candidates, listed below with approx. price for a new pair.
1. Zeiss conquest HD 8x42 ($725). Basic question: Are these up to the same standard as the "competition"?
2. Zeiss Victory HT 8x42 ($1850). Guess these are the best of the lot?
3. Swarovski SLC WB 8x42 ($1620). Are these up to Victory HT standard? Or are they closer to Conquest HD?
4. Leica Trinovid 8x42 ($1230). Optical quality closer to SLC/HT or Conquest HD?
Would really appreciate any advice or just general comments on this.