10x42 Stokes DLS vs Promaster et al (1 Viewer)

Pros and cons please on choosing the Stokes DLS or one of the Chinese ED 10x binoculars. The price is nearly the same and the Stokes does have the Vortex warranty backing it up. What are your thoughts? TIA

Well, I have the Promaster and I have looked at several DLS, but never side by side. Going at this in a somewhat roundabout fashion, I have had my Promaster side by side to a Razor and a Razor side by side to a DLS. The image of the Razor and DLS is just about identical, with the DLS perhaps either a tad brighter or with a tad more neutral color bias. The practical differences are likely non existent. The Promaster has a better image than the Razor, not very much, you can see it if they are side by side, but I doubt if you would know it in the field.

The significant difference, which will determine the preference for either the Stokes or the Promaster/Hawk will be the smaller more compact size of the DLS,along with the ergonomic differences between the standard piano hinge DLS vs the open hinge of the ELX ED et.al. Another significant difference is the focus wheel rate. The Stokes is much faster than the ELX ED, one turn vs 2 1/2 turns.

I think a search here might reveal some more. I recall this question being asked before (and getting a few replies).

One problem is the forum search doesn't like less than four character words. So you can search for phrases in speech quotes/inverted commas i.e. "Stokes DLS"

Or you can try a site specific Google search by adding the phrase site:birdforum.net

e.g.

http://www.google.com/search?&q=site:birdforum.net+stokes+DLS+promaster