[denco@comcast.n]

The term Alpha is thrown around here on Bird Forum so much it got me to thinking what really is an Alpha binocular? Is it price, quality, image or brand name.I always thought it was the top models by the big three manufacturers that cost say over $1000.00 but where would the Nikon SE fit in there then. What is your definition of an Alpha binocular?

Dennis

[stereotruckdriver]

Uncompromising view regardless of price! Bryce...

[RJM]

MY DEFINITION would be "the flagship models of the top brand optics manufactures with patented technologies AND a worldwide distribution."

cheers,
Rick

[FrankD]

Image quality and build quality that is significantly above average. One could argue that both characteristics have to be among the very best produced for consumer use.

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by RJM

MY DEFINITION would be "the flagship models of the top brand optics manufactures with patened technologies."

cheers,
Rick

I agree with that. So a Swarovski SLC is not Alpha but the flagship model the EL is. A Zeiss FL is Alpha but the Conquest is not. A Leica Ultravid is Alpha but the Trinovid is not. Seem like there is a fine line between what is and what is not.

Dennis

[bruleke]

To me: Must be the brand that has less complains than the others brands AND product satisfaction above the average.

[Swedpat]

Interesting question actually. And several different answers depending of the personal opinion.
Because of the optical evolution the definition will not be constant.
An alpha glass for 5 years ago may not be it today. But personally I will state my Swarovski SLCNew 7x42B as still an alphaglass...
The combination of high optical and mechanical performance makes it a high grade glass. Some year ago I thought that all of the three state of the art instruments as Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski had ED-glass, but know I understand I was wrong...

Regards, Patric

[ThoLa]

Originally Posted by Swedpat

Some year ago I thought that all of the three state of the art instruments as Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski had ED-glass, but know I understand I was wrong...
Regards, Patric

and why's that?

[Swedpat]

ThoLa,

I guess you aim at the fact that the optical evolution goes forward?
About chromatic aberration I almost never notice that in any binocular of "normal" magnification, I guess I am quite unsensitive for that.

Regards, Patric

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by Swedpat

ThoLa,

I guess you aim at the fact that the optical evolution goes forward?
About chromatic aberration I almost never notice that in any binocular of "normal" magnification, I guess I am quite unsensitive for that.

Regards, Patric

Take my advice and don't teach yourself what it is! Once you see it you are through with all non-ed glass binoculars except for the Nikon SE porro which is pretty free of CA. I think you will notice better color rendition with an ED binocular and you will notice a greater number of shades of colors. They just bring out more detail and they are brighter too. Too me biggest the advance in binoculars I have seen lately.

Dennis

[mooreorless]

Geez what used to be Alpha binoculars Swarovski SLC I beg to differ, you can send in your 10x42SLC and have Swarovski fix it like new and they make you feel good about it , they have the parts to fix these and they must still be making the parts, in my mind that is an Alpha binocular.If they make improvements to the model they still can fix your old model and sometimes upgrade it to the new. You have the support of a company that cares. I think Patrick has an Alpha binocular in his 7x42 SLC.
Regards, Steve

[jacquot]

Alphas are the ones that interfere least with the viewing experience, the ones you don't notice at all. The details are individual, hence there are a few to choose from.

[npos]

Originally Posted by denco@comcast.n

What is your definition of an Alpha binocular?

Dennis

You have spent enough money on one pair to educate five impoverished African girls for three years.

(I am guilty of this, but don't ask me if I feel guilty, please.)

NP

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by npos

You have spent enough money on one pair to educate five impoverished African girls for three years.

(I am guilty of this, but don't ask me if I feel guilty, please.)

NP

Best definition yet! I know your pain sometimes I feel the guilt also. It is just that those alpha's are there tempting us all the time.

Dennis

[spyglass]

What best defines "alpha"?....to a large degree, hyperbole....n' cest pas?

[ronh]

Once an alpha, always an alpha. Just like an old Jaguar. A new Miyata can outrun it sure, but it still has that alpha something about it. Even though my old Trinovid BA is probably beaten optically by today's $500 Chinese EDs, it was a breakthrough design when first introduced, combining internal focus, phase correction, sliding eyecups, and true submersion proofing. This first binocular to bear the brand "Leica" was top of the heap in it's day, and you can't take that away from it. And, production of such binoculars is how "alpha companies" get that reputation.

I would say that to be an alpha, a binocular or company has to set the pace, and not just be a competent follower.
Ron

[FrankD]

I would say that to be an alpha, a binocular or company has to set the pace, and not just be a competent follower.

Hmm, I would agree with that. The problem though is that it could be interpreted different ways. The $500 Chinese roofs you referenced could be interpreted as setting the pace for optical quality versus price in a roof.

After much thought I think that everyone's definition is going to vary. I don't agree that it has to be the latest/greatest models from only the "big three" though those binoculars have to be considered as setting the pace for the "Alpha crowd".

[bruleke]

Seriously, too much time spent on this question!
Lets take our low cost, midrange cost and alpha binos outside and take a look at the birds!
Our eyes see the birds, not the binoculars.

[Tero]

It does not matter all that much what brand it is, as long as it starts with a Z. Alpha binos can only be made by Z**** and Z-R.

[spacepilot]

Originally Posted by Tero

It does not matter all that much what brand it is, as long as it starts with a Z. Alpha binos can only be made by Z**** and Z-R.

Hmm, either you are looking at the Greek alphabet in a mirror, or your glasses are missing a prism or two. Those Z-binos are the Omegas, not the Alphas.

[Tero]

It was a joke, see Ingraham reviews on "binoculars" which means just Zeiss.

[falcondude]

Alpha: Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss. Period.

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by falcondude

Alpha: Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss. Period.

Well, we now have the definitive answer. Question mark? Or maybe exclamation point!

[Fireform]

Alphas define the state of the art optically and mechanically. Brightest, sharpest, purest, best functioning and best warranty support. They do what lesser bins can't. Usually that means they're expensive.

[denco@comcast.n]

Originally Posted by falcondude

Alpha: Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss. Period.

No Nikon 8x32 SE?

Dennis