[Torview]

All this recent banter about the SE & EDG got me thinking about what is the best. I mean, one which exceeds need, works in any climate or terrain, is made to last with a cast iron warranty, but which is available worldwide to pretty much any pocket, (well in the developed world anyway).

Its certainly none of the Alpha`s, or for that matter the SE, too expensive or too susceptible to the vagaries of climate.

I came up with just one, the Vortex Viper/HD 8x42. Very well made in Japan, optically beyond any pertinent criticism, unbeatable warranty, some prestige in the Vortex brand giving corresponding pleasure in ownership.

I don`t mean the pinnacle of optical perfection.

Think a universal "global" binocular, the "Volksbino" if you like. Not a past hero either, but current.

[TheThing]

Ask 1,000 people and you'll get 1,000 different answers.

The simple answer is the bins that you actually use!

[Tarsiger]

No such thing as the best binocular no matter how many opinions you get!
Russ

[lewis20126]

Bizarre stuff. I'm sure it is possible to define the best binoculars through optical performance tests in much the same way that has been done for scopes (The new Kowa is the best BTW).

cheers, a

[tittletattler]

Originally Posted by Torview

I came up with just one, the Vortex Viper/HD 8x42. Very well made in Japan, optically beyond any pertinent criticism, unbeatable warranty, some prestige in the Vortex brand giving corresponding pleasure in ownership.

Vortex bins do seem to get very good reviews.

Apart form appearance, what is the difference between the Talons and the Vipers?

Cheers,

Andy.

[Torview]

Originally Posted by tittletattler

Vortex bins do seem to get very good reviews.

Apart form appearance, what is the difference between the Talons and the Vipers?

Cheers,

Andy.

I have`nt tried them but the Talon is made in China, not what I was leaning towards.

[Sancho]

From a book I've been reading about pianos, while researching in order to buy one for my kids: "So you want a particular brand of .... piano. Think it's as easy as that? Think again. Not only do different brands sound completely different, the sound of two pianos made by same company can sound different. This is why you must, must go to the store and out your hands and ears on every piano you consider".
If it applies to individual's hands and ears for pianos, it applies moreso to the individual's eyes, hands, arms, shoulders, neck etc. in the case of binoculars. There is no 'best' binocular anymore than there is a 'best' bicycle, car, can-opener or breakfast cereal.

[Chosun Juan]

Originally Posted by Sancho

This is why you must, must go to the store and out your hands and ears on every piano you consider".....

A closet pianist ??!!!


Not that there's anything wrong with that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ild8w0rHQU

[edwincjones]

Originally Posted by TheThing

Ask 1,000 people and you'll get 1,000 different answers.

The simple answer is the bins that you actually use!

...the most

edj

[newfie ghost]

Originally Posted by Torview

All this recent banter about the SE & EDG got me thinking about what is the best. I mean, one which exceeds need, works in any climate or terrain, is made to last with a cast iron warranty, but which is available worldwide to pretty much any pocket, (well in the developed world anyway).

Its certainly none of the Alpha`s, or for that matter the SE, too expensive or too susceptible to the vagaries of climate.

I came up with just one, the Vortex Viper/HD 8x42. Very well made in Japan, optically beyond any pertinent criticism, unbeatable warranty, some prestige in the Vortex brand giving corresponding pleasure in ownership.

I don`t mean the pinnacle of optical perfection.

Think a universal "global" binocular, the "Volksbino" if you like. Not a past hero either, but current.

One BF member once said, the best glass is the one you use the most. There is probably some truth to that. If you fear to use a particular model, then it is of no use.

That being said, Vortex does have a great warranty, more attractive pricing and impressive performance. I haven't looked through the viper 8x42, but the 8x32 hd impressed me. The razor in 8 power is very nice as well, but the viper line is high value.

[Sancho]

Originally Posted by Chosun Juan

A closet pianist ??!!!


Not that there's anything wrong with that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ild8w0rHQU

Some of my best friends are pianists......

[jaymoynihan]

Originally Posted by Torview

All this recent banter about the SE & EDG got me thinking about what is the best. I mean, one which exceeds need, works in any climate or terrain, is made to last with a cast iron warranty, but which is available worldwide to pretty much any pocket, (well in the developed world anyway).

Its certainly none of the Alpha`s, or for that matter the SE, too expensive or too susceptible to the vagaries of climate.

I came up with just one, the Vortex Viper/HD 8x42. Very well made in Japan, optically beyond any pertinent criticism, unbeatable warranty, some prestige in the Vortex brand giving corresponding pleasure in ownership.

I don`t mean the pinnacle of optical perfection.

Think a universal "global" binocular, the "Volksbino" if you like. Not a past hero either, but current.

Yes, "best" in and of itself in over broad. The "best" optics are not necessarily in the "best" body, ergonomically, etc.

I have not used the 8x Viper, but i do use the 8x32 and 10x42 Viper HD models. They are very good on many points. The Talon ED is one price point below the Viper HD. Talons are made in China, Vipers in Japan. I also use 2 Talons, an EO 10x42 Ranger ED and Vortex Talon 8x42 HD. They to are quite excellent.
My reference though is my 8x SE

[eitanaltman]

Originally Posted by Torview

All this recent banter about the SE & EDG got me thinking about what is the best. I mean, one which exceeds need, works in any climate or terrain, is made to last with a cast iron warranty, but which is available worldwide to pretty much any pocket, (well in the developed world anyway).

Its certainly none of the Alpha`s, or for that matter the SE, too expensive or too susceptible to the vagaries of climate.

I think if you are talking about the real world, not a theoretical question, the Nikon Monarch has to be the answer. It's probably the most widely used and best recognized "budget bin", with a long history, recognized brand name, solid warranty, and very wallet friendly. If you go out birding and look at what people are using, it is easily the most popular "non alpha" out there.

I do agree in a practical/theoretical sense the Vortex/EO binoculars are a fabulous choice for anyone who values, um, value over having the absolute optical pinnacle of alphas. They are rugged, deliver excellent optics for the money, and that lifetime no-fault warranty puts them over the top. 99% of birders could exist happily in perpetuity with an Eagle Optics Ranger, Vortex Fury, Talon, Viper, etc. It's just that the brand(s) isn't as recognized or widely used as Nikon.

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by Torview

All this recent banter about the SE & EDG got me thinking about what is the best. I mean, one which exceeds need, works in any climate or terrain, is made to last with a cast iron warranty, but which is available worldwide to pretty much any pocket, (well in the developed world anyway).

Its certainly none of the Alpha`s, or for that matter the SE, too expensive or too susceptible to the vagaries of climate.

I came up with just one, the Vortex Viper/HD 8x42. Very well made in Japan, optically beyond any pertinent criticism, unbeatable warranty, some prestige in the Vortex brand giving corresponding pleasure in ownership.

I don`t mean the pinnacle of optical perfection.

Think a universal "global" binocular, the "Volksbino" if you like. Not a past hero either, but current.

When I say "World's Best Binocular" I am referring to optics mainly. I think most serious birders would agree that the SE and EDG are two of the top binoculars optically in the world. I would bet if you asked 10 EXPERIENCED birders what was the best porro they have ever used 8 out of the 10 would answer Nikon 8x32 SE.

[ceasar]

[quote=eitanaltman;2487397]I think if you are talking about the real world, not a theoretical question, the Nikon Monarch has to be the answer. It's probably the most widely used and best recognized "budget bin", with a long history, recognized brand name, solid warranty, and very wallet friendly. If you go out birding and look at what people are using, it is easily the most popular "non alpha" out there.

I do agree in a practical/theoretical sense the Vortex/EO binoculars are a fabulous choice for anyone who values, um, value over having the absolute optical pinnacle of alphas. They are rugged, deliver excellent optics for the money, and that lifetime no-fault warranty puts them over the top. 99% of birders could exist happily in perpetuity with an Eagle Optics Ranger, Vortex Fury, Talon, Viper, etc. It's just that the brand(s) isn't as recognized or widely used as Nikon.[/QUOTE

I agree about the Monarch.

I have been visiting Hawk Mountain for many years. It has a Graduate Student program which gives grants to student ornithologists from around the world. They call them interns.

http://www.hawkmountain.org/science/...ge.aspx?id=315

Many of them are involved in counting the various raptors which migrate through the area each fall. Over the years I have noticed that most of them seem to use Nikon Monarchs

Bob.

[denco@comcast.n]

[quote=ceasar;2487701]

Originally Posted by eitanaltman

I think if you are talking about the real world, not a theoretical question, the Nikon Monarch has to be the answer. It's probably the most widely used and best recognized "budget bin", with a long history, recognized brand name, solid warranty, and very wallet friendly. If you go out birding and look at what people are using, it is easily the most popular "non alpha" out there.

I do agree in a practical/theoretical sense the Vortex/EO binoculars are a fabulous choice for anyone who values, um, value over having the absolute optical pinnacle of alphas. They are rugged, deliver excellent optics for the money, and that lifetime no-fault warranty puts them over the top. 99% of birders could exist happily in perpetuity with an Eagle Optics Ranger, Vortex Fury, Talon, Viper, etc. It's just that the brand(s) isn't as recognized or widely used as Nikon.[/QUOTE

I agree about the Monarch.

I have been visiting Hawk Mountain for many years. It has a Graduate Student program which gives grants to student ornithologists from around the world. They call them interns.

http://www.hawkmountain.org/science/...ge.aspx?id=315

Many of them are involved in counting the various raptors which migrate through the area each fall. Over the years I have noticed that most of them seem to use Nikon Monarchs

Bob.

Neither the Monarch or the Vortex are the best binocular in the world.

[ceasar]

[quote=denco@comcast.n;2487715]

Originally Posted by ceasar

Neither the Monarch or the Vortex are the best binocular in the world.

It doesn't matter to the people who buy them and use them, or to Nikon and Vortex, who make them and sell them in volume for much profit.

[ronh]

From the birders I run into in the field, the Monarch seems to be the workaday binocular for a lot of people. It's the most recognizable brand, costs about what a lot of people want to spend, looks nice, and does the job. It's what my "coach" uses.
Ron

[denco@comcast.n]

[quote=ceasar;2487723]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

It doesn't matter to the people who buy them and use them, or to Nikon and Vortex, who make them and sell them in volume for much profit.

I agree but they are still not the world's best binocular. They might be the world's best selling binocular because of their price and they might represent an excellent value but they are not the best by any means. I think the Monarch is the best selling binocular. For $250.00 it is hard to beat but it isn't no SE.

[eitanaltman]

clearly you have missed the point of this thread.

[Torview]

I think I should apologize for my lack of literary skills in my phrasing of this post.

I really did`nt mean "best" as ultimate optically, I`ll try again.

This binocular must be available as much as is practical to the global market. A realistic price with some commitment on the part of the purchaser.

I was thinking of a binocular that would work from Siberia to Sumatra, and carry on working for a lifetime.

A binocular for the developed and developing world whose inhabitants may find themselves through their economic growth, with the spare time and income to partake of leisure activities that we take for granted.

It cannot be Swaro, Leica, Zeiss et al, they`re too expensive.

I guess I meant "best", as the "peoples" binocular.

[FrankD]

I like that term..the people's binocular. If it wasn't for the cold focus issues on some units I would probably say the Sightron. The Nikon Monarch certainly falls into this category and probably the Bushnell Legend Ultra as well.

[NDhunter]

Originally Posted by jaymoynihan

Yes, "best" in and of itself in over broad. The "best" optics are not necessarily in the "best" body, ergonomically, etc.

I have not used the 8x Viper, but i do use the 8x32 and 10x42 Viper HD models. They are very good on many points. The Talon ED is one price point below the Viper HD. Talons are made in China, Vipers in Japan. I also use 2 Talons, an EO 10x42 Ranger ED and Vortex Talon 8x42 HD. They to are quite excellent.
My reference though is my 8x SE

Jay:

I have noticed you have moved, from Wisconsin, home of EO and Vortex
to where ?

It looks like you have the full lineup. Do you have a connection with Vortex?

Jerry

[NWBirder]

Originally Posted by Torview

All this recent banter about the SE & EDG got me thinking about what is the best. I mean, one which exceeds need, works in any climate or terrain, is made to last with a cast iron warranty, but which is available worldwide to pretty much any pocket, (well in the developed world anyway).

Its certainly none of the Alpha`s, or for that matter the SE, too expensive or too susceptible to the vagaries of climate.

I came up with just one, the Vortex Viper/HD 8x42. Very well made in Japan, optically beyond any pertinent criticism, unbeatable warranty, some prestige in the Vortex brand giving corresponding pleasure in ownership.

I don`t mean the pinnacle of optical perfection.

Think a universal "global" binocular, the "Volksbino" if you like. Not a past hero either, but current.

The authority for this subject is denco@comcast.net. You should check with his opinion first and come back to refresh your cache with new data every 3 months. :)

[David Swain]

Originally Posted by FrankD

The Nikon Monarch certainly falls into this category and probably the Bushnell Legend Ultra as well.

Agreed. Perhaps also the Leupold Yosemites, particularly the near-legendary 6x30.

David