Picked up a prime 10x yesterday and thought I would post my findings.
I was able to compare it to my Zeiss 10x42 Victory FL, 8.5x42 Swarovision and what has become my gold standard to compare mid price optics to-my Leupold cascade series 8x42 porro.
Eye cups-I have no problem with the size, yes they are large and when the IPD is set for my eyes they are resting on my nose more than other bino I have used. So far there are no problems with side light getting into them and bothering the view. You get used to it, I have after only two days of use. Funny thing is after I use them for a while then switch back to my other binos then the other binos eye cups feel strange also.
CA- there is some moderate CA in the last 10% of the FOV to the edges, not bad at all. My Swarovision shows some in the last 5% an the FL just at the very edge, perhaps the last 2%.
Glare-I was not able to introduce any noticeable glare with the sun at the front, rear or to the sides of the Prime-very good performance and handling of stray light. I have never had a problem with it in the FL or SV.
Sweet spot- about 80% of the FOV the images are sharp, the SV takes this to around 90% and the FL as expected is around 70%, however, the Zen only shows field curvature in the last 10 % of the FOV where in the FL its around 25-30% of the FOV. The SV wins the show with just a little field curvature in the last 5% or less.
Sharpness-this is the tricky one on the Prime. I found it is very important to find the perfect setting on the diopter. I have read the Prime has a sharper region about half way between the center of the FOV and the edge and I was able to see it. With the sun low on the horizon this morning (not low light by any means) and around the same time when its easy to see CA the Prime was not as sharp in the center of the view as it was in the region halfway to the edge. When the sun climbed higher in the sky and the light increased to its maximum levels (9:00 am) this trait was no longer noticeable.
So in effect the center sharpness improved or possibly it was the other way around with the sharpness decreasing in that previously sharp region-I have no idea?? If this was a design compromise to get sharper edges in the Prime I feel it is a mistake. I would rather have maximum center sharpness and give up some edge sharpness.
The FL and SV are sharper in all conditions than the prime, this is acceptable and expected. The center sharpness of the cascade was better also but in defense of the Prime the cascade is an 8x and has beaten every other glass I have compared it to including a 8x43 ED2, Bushnell original split bridge elite 8x43, a new bushnell elite ED 8x42 and a Brunton Epoch 7.5x43, Leupold mojave BX3 10x42. Of the glass I have owned and used only the FL and SV have beat the cascades center sharpness and only in certain difficult light/atmospheric conditions.
Contrast, color of view ect. Prime is neutral, a lot like the cascade. Fl has a green cast to its view, SV has the best contrast, color vibrancy.
I have not yet compared the Prime to the SV and FL in low light. I will compare brightness. If you want to know my thoughts on the SV and FL in low light shoot me a PM. In short my 8.5 SV is superior to my 10x FL.
Rolling ball-it is here and evident in my Prime, just as much so as in my SV.
No QC issues with my Prime, no dust or debris inside. Wish the diopter ring had means to lock it in position, it will be problematic.
Focus is great both directions as is the tension, hinge is amply tight.
I will post my findings on low light performance when I get a chance.
I am happy with the Prime so far and feel it is worth its price.
I was able to compare it to my Zeiss 10x42 Victory FL, 8.5x42 Swarovision and what has become my gold standard to compare mid price optics to-my Leupold cascade series 8x42 porro.
Eye cups-I have no problem with the size, yes they are large and when the IPD is set for my eyes they are resting on my nose more than other bino I have used. So far there are no problems with side light getting into them and bothering the view. You get used to it, I have after only two days of use. Funny thing is after I use them for a while then switch back to my other binos then the other binos eye cups feel strange also.
CA- there is some moderate CA in the last 10% of the FOV to the edges, not bad at all. My Swarovision shows some in the last 5% an the FL just at the very edge, perhaps the last 2%.
Glare-I was not able to introduce any noticeable glare with the sun at the front, rear or to the sides of the Prime-very good performance and handling of stray light. I have never had a problem with it in the FL or SV.
Sweet spot- about 80% of the FOV the images are sharp, the SV takes this to around 90% and the FL as expected is around 70%, however, the Zen only shows field curvature in the last 10 % of the FOV where in the FL its around 25-30% of the FOV. The SV wins the show with just a little field curvature in the last 5% or less.
Sharpness-this is the tricky one on the Prime. I found it is very important to find the perfect setting on the diopter. I have read the Prime has a sharper region about half way between the center of the FOV and the edge and I was able to see it. With the sun low on the horizon this morning (not low light by any means) and around the same time when its easy to see CA the Prime was not as sharp in the center of the view as it was in the region halfway to the edge. When the sun climbed higher in the sky and the light increased to its maximum levels (9:00 am) this trait was no longer noticeable.
So in effect the center sharpness improved or possibly it was the other way around with the sharpness decreasing in that previously sharp region-I have no idea?? If this was a design compromise to get sharper edges in the Prime I feel it is a mistake. I would rather have maximum center sharpness and give up some edge sharpness.
The FL and SV are sharper in all conditions than the prime, this is acceptable and expected. The center sharpness of the cascade was better also but in defense of the Prime the cascade is an 8x and has beaten every other glass I have compared it to including a 8x43 ED2, Bushnell original split bridge elite 8x43, a new bushnell elite ED 8x42 and a Brunton Epoch 7.5x43, Leupold mojave BX3 10x42. Of the glass I have owned and used only the FL and SV have beat the cascades center sharpness and only in certain difficult light/atmospheric conditions.
Contrast, color of view ect. Prime is neutral, a lot like the cascade. Fl has a green cast to its view, SV has the best contrast, color vibrancy.
I have not yet compared the Prime to the SV and FL in low light. I will compare brightness. If you want to know my thoughts on the SV and FL in low light shoot me a PM. In short my 8.5 SV is superior to my 10x FL.
Rolling ball-it is here and evident in my Prime, just as much so as in my SV.
No QC issues with my Prime, no dust or debris inside. Wish the diopter ring had means to lock it in position, it will be problematic.
Focus is great both directions as is the tension, hinge is amply tight.
I will post my findings on low light performance when I get a chance.
I am happy with the Prime so far and feel it is worth its price.
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