Dang, this has been too hard. The more I read the more I struggle w/ what to pick but my return period at SWFA is about to expire and I need to pick something. Reminder, I bought the Leupold Pinnacles and find the brightness very disappointing, so much so, I am going to soak up $35+ dollars in shipping (back forth and new ones back) plus, they charge 10-15% restocking fee. I never expected to be disappointed w/ the Pinnacles so wasn't worried about the return policy but if I spend equal or more money ($400), they won't charge a restock fee. If I buy something lesser, like the Monarchs, they will charge the fee on the difference, so not a killer but in the end, $50 in shipping and restocking fees starts to hurt.
Anyway, my previous post on brightness contained lots of terrific comments including some about "why not get a porro for brightness" and other related comments. I own two pairs of Porros that I think are fantastic and they are extremely bright. Few have heard of them but they are mid 90's 8x42's Simmons Presidential w/ fully multi BAK4, waterproof, etc. I have used them for 13-14 yrs and think they are fantastic. The reason I am in the market is simply "want" not need and at this point, I already pulled the trigger and have a credit to spend at swfa. I don't need or want another porro, I'd like a roof with consideration toward brightness and weight.
I have narrowed it down to new Monarch 8x42's or Bushness Legend Ultra HD 8x42 (appx same price) or Zen 8x42 ED2. My biggest hesitation w/ Zen's (same price as the Pinnacles I'm returning) is weight, so I considered the 7x36 but worry the "brightness" my be less than a 8x42 monarch even though exit pupil is the same. Not sure what else I am giving up on the 7x36 but they have similar wt to monarchs whereas 8x42 zen is 27oz, about 5-6 oz more than competing 8x42's.
Any thoughts on these options? I read "bear..." comment on the 7x36 ED2 ZR vs. the Monarchs and that pushed me back to the Nikon but everyone has their own opinion...i'm a bit torn but need to make a call...
Anyway, my previous post on brightness contained lots of terrific comments including some about "why not get a porro for brightness" and other related comments. I own two pairs of Porros that I think are fantastic and they are extremely bright. Few have heard of them but they are mid 90's 8x42's Simmons Presidential w/ fully multi BAK4, waterproof, etc. I have used them for 13-14 yrs and think they are fantastic. The reason I am in the market is simply "want" not need and at this point, I already pulled the trigger and have a credit to spend at swfa. I don't need or want another porro, I'd like a roof with consideration toward brightness and weight.
I have narrowed it down to new Monarch 8x42's or Bushness Legend Ultra HD 8x42 (appx same price) or Zen 8x42 ED2. My biggest hesitation w/ Zen's (same price as the Pinnacles I'm returning) is weight, so I considered the 7x36 but worry the "brightness" my be less than a 8x42 monarch even though exit pupil is the same. Not sure what else I am giving up on the 7x36 but they have similar wt to monarchs whereas 8x42 zen is 27oz, about 5-6 oz more than competing 8x42's.
Any thoughts on these options? I read "bear..." comment on the 7x36 ED2 ZR vs. the Monarchs and that pushed me back to the Nikon but everyone has their own opinion...i'm a bit torn but need to make a call...
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