A few years back I wanted a not too expensive, smaller yet more powerful configuration next to my standard binoculars (Kite lynx HD 8x42). I chose the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x32 (at the time €239). Though it fitted the bill in most respects, I became more and more annoyed that the eye relief for me - I wear eyeglasses - was insufficient. The FOV became much too narrow to be able to spot a small bird in the bushes in time. Also, I found the image a little dark, especially on cloudy autumn / winter days and in forrests.
So, I decided to look for a replacement and I am very happy to have found that in the Bresser Pirsch ED 10x34 (for €254)! (My father-in-law is now the happy owner of the Vortex, for watching his birdhouses in the trees from the balcony.)
The image is much (much!) brighter and colours are beautiful. Somehow the picture seems steadier/more quiet, probably because of the wider FOV I’m now getting. The eye relief is very large so it gives me no problem at all when wearing glasses. The build is very nice too, the open bridge lies very comfortable in hands, focussing is easy and the depth of view is great.
It comes with a comfortable wide neckstrap with clips, so you can easily hand your binos over, and a good bag (that closes with magnets, so no annoying sounds from velcro or zippers). But, as said, the two don’t combine well. I don’t mind, because I use my own small shoulderbag anyway. Also, the objective lens covers come off too easily, so I keep those in my bag when I take the bins out. So, some minor problems with the extras, but major advantages for the binoculars itself, imho.
