[collinvue]

+

Another ED glass bin for the viewing party

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...8x42-binocular

Vortex Warranty:

* Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
* Fully transferable
* No warranty card to fill out
* No receipt needed to hang on to

If you ever have a problem, no matter the cause, we promise to take care of you.

....that never hurts...

[mmx_4]

Very nice specs.
Wait for review and compare with Zen's 8=)

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by mmx_4

Very nice specs.
Wait for review and compare with Zen's 8=)

I've posted this before, but from all appearances, particularly optically the two might as well be called the ZEN Talon or the Vortex ED 2. The only way to tell them apart is to look at the label . There is a difference in the finish of the armor, and the armor is thicker on the Talon. The focus knob is a bit different too. But the substance seems to be the same.

[mmx_4]

Originally Posted by Steve C

I've posted this before, but from all appearances, particularly optically the two might as well be called the ZEN Talon or the Vortex ED 2. The only way to tell them apart is to look at the label . There is a difference in the finish of the armor, and the armor is thicker on the Talon. The focus knob is a bit different too. But the substance seems to be the same.

thank you.

Hmm, but 18mm ER on TAlon...

[fly4fish]

I will agree with others on here that the Vortex Talon and Zen Ray ED22 are almost the same binoculars with a small difference in exterior design. It is quite possible they are manufactures by the same company and then labled by each additional binocular "maker". Eagle Optics has a pair that is very similar.

One thing I can sya though is that they are great binoculars and I would suport anybody buying either of the models as they are very crisp and clear binoculars with a high quality feel to them.

I did a full review on the Vortex Talon HD 10X42. You can check it out here: Vortex Talon HD 10X42 Binocular

[pem4348]

Does anyone know of a review of the Vortex Talon 8x42 HD?

[lmans66]

I just bought a talon 10 x 42 and I am impressed. I had a huge step up though as my previous bin's were a $100 bushnell legend. But wow, the crispness of focus, color and overall quality impress me. I was looking at waterfoul from 100 yards n could easily distinguish species. When I looked with my old legends pair I could hardly get the bins to focus, so a worthwhile investment.

I had a swaro scope but recently sold it.... Apart from the closeness I could achieve with the scope (20x60).... I really don't feel I lost much in focus n color viewing. That is a Plus. I am sure a true Bino addict can pick up all sorts of things when comparing to a swAro but I feel the talons are well worth the dollar purchase compared to quality.

With optics.... I see a huge difference between a cheap pair of bins and a $450 Vortex Talon.... But have a feeling the difference is much less visible when comparing to a higher priced. When I compared the Vortex to a Swaro bino in the re, sure... Side by side a could tell a bit of crispness difference in focus but not nearly worth the extra $1500 investment.

The Talon is an excellent buy.... It will com

[FrankD]

lmans,

I certainly will not disagree with you. The Talons are an excellent value and right at, in my opinion, the edge of the curve in terms of price versus performance.

Out of curiosity though, which Bushnell Legends did you own? Considering the price point I have to assume the original Legend model and most likely either one of the 26 mm reverse porro compacts or the 42 mm porro model. I am guessing the former considering what you stated in terms of the difference in optical performance. If that is the case then part of that improvement is also the result in the increase in objective diameter versus magnification. The larger objective size allows for greater resolution, a larger exit pupil and a more relaxed image overall when all else is equal. Of course, yes, the improvement in glass quality and the binocular design itself also plays a part.

Have fun with your Talons. They are an excellent value.

[lmans66]

FrankD... Right , I had the 8x42 porro and with the increase in magnification it helps a bit. Close objects are closer, yet the color improvement is awesome. Also at a distance.... The porro's just didn't cut it and I never could get focus crisp as in the talons. On top of that , focus in the talons is crystal sharp while not so with my older pair. I was looking at reeds and grasses from 100 yards or so as waterfowl was nearby.... So the grasses stood out as being sharp n vibrant with the talons.

[looksharp65]

lmans66,

what's the direction of focus? Clockwise towards infinity or the other way?
And...will it apply to the 32s too?

//L

[idaho john]

recent purchase from Eagle Optics of an Talon HD 10x42. I will see whether it works (for me) for identifying birds of prey in my area. And trying to answer looksharp 65, I do not know enough about optics to be able to tell which direction is infinity or the other way - on this pair anyway.

At this point, I have a Vortex Diamondback 8x42 binocular and am pretty happy with it and may keep it as a back up to the Talon. The 30 day period will tell me whether I can benefit from or make use of the extra magnification.

Hate to say it but it is a measure of my lack of experience.

john

[Chosun Juan]

Originally Posted by Steve C

I've posted this before, but from all appearances, particularly optically the two might as well be called the ZEN Talon or the Vortex ED 2. The only way to tell them apart is to look at the label . There is a difference in the finish of the armor, and the armor is thicker on the Talon. The focus knob is a bit different too. But the substance seems to be the same.

Steve, mmx_4,

That's correct in a way, but I would say that it's rightful twin is the Zen ED3 (which after all is an upgraded ED2). I have no knowledge of the Talon HD's focus speed or direction, but the Zen's speed is spot on (i.e. fast - which I like), and for LS65, the focus direction on the Zen at least is CW to infinity.

ER (a 'useable' increase of which was one of the major upgrades from ED2 -> 3) on the Zen ED3 is ~18mm (which makes me think this is the rightful twin, as all other specs and basic appearance, as well as ~price [advantage Zen!] are pretty much equal).

Actually twins might not be entirely accurate either, isn't it more like triplets ??
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread....60#post2082260

Which gets ma tricky lil' nut a thinkin', seems like Vortex / EO twins already had a lil' backscratch from Zen vis a vis the ED3, perhaps'n the twins would like to return the favour with a Zen 8x32 ED3 born of a Talon HD ?? teehee .....



Chosun

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by Chosun Juan

Steve, mmx_4,

That's correct in a way, but I would say that it's rightful twin is the Zen ED3 (which after all is an upgraded ED2). I have no knowledge of the Talon HD's focus speed or direction, but the Zen's speed is spot on (i.e. fast - which I like), and for LS65, the focus direction on the Zen at least is CW to infinity.

Chosun

Sorry, but the comparison is to the ED 2, not the ED 3 . The ED 3 is from a different OEM than the ED 2 and Talon and has some unique design features from the ED 2. I'm sure the Talon has its own tweaks as well, but the Talon image is like the ED 2, and not the 3. Get all three side by side and that is more evident. In truth any of the three is a very good binocular.

[idaho john]

the Vortex Talon HD 10x42 arrived today and I took it out for a spin to watch hawks. The good stuff first - like the higher magnification. I was able to identify birds much easier. An example - I could see the dark lines on the front of the wings of an Red Tail and on an Kestrel, the detail was much improved over the 8 power of the diamondbacks.

Cons - the diopter ring would not focus for me. I experienced a persistent but slight out of focus. So much so that I got sick to my stomach. Also focus wheel was not "buttery" to me, but just plain sloppy and I had a hard time bringing birds into focus.

I had high hopes for this binocular. But I think I am going to send it back. I cannot feature trying to get used to the lack of focus with right eye and the feel of the focus wheel gets to be irritating in just a short while.

I have no idea what I will try next. But it is instructive that the 8x42 diamondback is much easier for me to use, however it does not provide the detail that I am craving for identifying flying birds of prey.

john

[FrankD]

After reading your post I am left wondering whether the increased amount of detail you were able to ID was the result of the higher magnificaiton or the higher quality glass/design when comparing the two.

It is often suggested that when you want to see more detail under handheld conditions then better quality can trump high magnification. Along that line of thinking I would suggest trying the 8x42 Talon HDs or something equivalent.

[Steve C]

Personally, I'd let Vortex have a crack at fixing the issue. You are not the only one who has complained about extreme focus issues with the Talon. All I can say is that in the ones I have seen, they were fine. Another thing I can say is that the diopter focused perfectly for me in those I have seen. Problem is my, eyes aren't yours and the Talons I have had in my hand are not yours either. So I'd do a couple of things. First call the dealer and see if they will send another unit, a good reason to use a place like Eagle Optics. Maybe better yet, call Vortex and ask to talk to a service person and explain your problem. Vortex really does live up to their warranty claims. Yes it is a pain in the backside to send it back etc. But it is a bigger pain to have a binocular you are not happy with. Sadly, out of spec optics are not as uncommon out of the box as we would like.

If you don't want to do that, then I would personally look at the ZEN ED 3 or the Kruger Caldera. There are others, but these are two I have, use, like and trust.

[idaho john]

wanted to say thanks to both Frank and Steve C. Appreciate your responses. So much to learn on my part.

Again...I do not know what I am going to settle for just yet, but I will keep trying. When the next round starts, I will share.

Trying to walk the fine line between enjoying the process and getting caught up in the anxiety of having to do it perfectly (i.e. getting the perfect binocular)...just this one time, so I will never have to do this again (faint hope).

john

[FrankD]

Good luck with your last comment. I have been doing this for close to a decade and I still haven't found the "perfect binocular" though I have come close a few times.

[black crow]

I have several perfectly acceptable ones.

[idaho john]

started a thread on comparing my 8x42 diamondbacks versus a Kowa bd 10x32. See you there if you care to comment. john