MeltAlready
Member
There is atleast one retailer in EU that does sell Maven, and I did buy my first binoculars from them and everything was smooth sailings.
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Replacement for M7 8x30 (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter MeltAlready
- Start date
There is atleast one retailer in EU that does sell Maven, and I did buy my first binoculars from them and everything was smooth sailings.
MeltAlready
Member
Aaanyways, thanks for the input everybody.
I've decided to go with the 8x32 Veronas as they tick the most boxes after a careful, wine infused consideration.
I'll phone the retailer and ask him to feel the boxes as we speak and pick the one that I resonate with, since I had no luck with them on site.
I've decided to go with the 8x32 Veronas as they tick the most boxes after a careful, wine infused consideration.
I'll phone the retailer and ask him to feel the boxes as we speak and pick the one that I resonate with, since I had no luck with them on site.
No doubt this is by far the most accurate and precise scientific method of dealing with important decisions like getting a new bino
I fully concur. As for the verano, I'm seriously considering one as well. I'll be visiting the UK this Summer, and I've seen amazing deals for those there.
@MeltAlready I've finally given in and ordered an 8x32 Verano. Saw a great deal in the UK and couldn't resist. I won't be able to test it until a relative brings them from the UK, but I'll compare them to my Traveller as soon as I get them.
MeltAlready
Member
Good stuff! I've had a pair for a few days now.
It's way brighter than the M7, the sharpness is slightly better, the sweetspot is larger and the picture is more contrasty. Focus is smooth and very quick, way snappier than the M7.
Seems sturdy and nice to hold. The rubber armor feels solid, but it will definitely start to peel from where the straps are looped in. The sides of the loops are rubberised all the way up and there is already light shining through. Not a big issue, but I don't know why they would not just leave the rubbering to the base of the loop.
Overall enjoying them alot.
Paultricounty
Well-known member
I’m with you on the Opticron’s, , never had any luck and always disappointed.
Glad to hear your on board with finding other sources than China, good decision, wish more would do the same. Check out the Vortex Viper HD’s. Excellent at that price point , Great company/warranty and made in the Philippines. Also I believe on sale at a few dealers.
Paul
Binocollector
Well-known member
Good to know. I always thought they moved production of the Viper to China at some point. Is the Razor still MiJ?
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Viper and Razor HD made in the Philippines, Razor UHD MIJ. I believe everything under the viper is made in China , but that could’ve changed in the last two years.
Paul
Binocollector
Well-known member
Binocollector
Well-known member
Unfortunately -- the Viper seems to be MiC now. It say so in the pics. Or was that an older pic and the newer ones are actually made in the Philippines?
www.vortexoptik.de
Vortex Viper HD 8x42
Vortex Viper HD-Ferngläser sind ein optisches Meisterwerk, das Jägern, Schützen und Outdoor-Enthusiasten eine Premium-Option ohne den Premium-Preis…
www.vortexoptik.de
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Viper was made in China previously and Razor HD were MIJ, both went Philippines. Only UHD MIJ.Unfortunately -- the Viper seems to be MiC now. It say so in the pics. Or was that an older pic and the newer ones are actually made in the Philippines?
Vortex Viper HD 8x42
Vortex Viper HD-Ferngläser sind ein optisches Meisterwerk, das Jägern, Schützen und Outdoor-Enthusiasten eine Premium-Option ohne den Premium-Preis…
Binocollector
Well-known member
Ah, cool. Thanks for clarifying. I also read (probably here) that the Kowa YFs are also all made in the Philippines now. Those are still on my wish list, even though I really don't "need" another bino but when was it ever a question of need?
Elkhornsun
Well-known member
Best value is with the Vortex binoculars. I bought their 12x50 Razor HD last year from BH Photo and paid $800. As good as my Swarovski binoculars in every respect. Like that the Vortex have a lifetime warranty. For an 8x30 I would go with the Nikon Monarch HG ones that sell for $987 US.
8x30s are great, but, if you're comparing mid-range 8x30s, you might consider trying higher-range 8x20, 8x25, 7x21. I know you are conc3erned about brightness, but consider also that the smaller alphas bins have higher light transmission and may perform more comparably than you'd expect to mid or low grade glass in larger objectives. I have the older zeiss victory 8x20 and 10x25, newer (victory)8x25, and swaro curio 7x21.
My dad had the (older) monarch 7 8x30 and 10x30 for birding and canoeing/camping. I gave him a pair of leica UV 8x32 for fathers day as an upgrade... well, then he saw my zeiss victory 8x25, tried them, and quickly gave me the eye that he preferred the smaller bins. The smaller zeiss was just as bright, if not brighter, and clearly sharper. He's since bought the zeiss victory 10x25 and loves them too (better eye relief for non-glasses). I use my 8x20 and 7x21 for real, legit birding while traveling, and leave my bigger NL 8x32 at home for local patch use. You can get the 8x20 on eBay for around $300-350 when they come up (maybe 3x in the last year as I've watched in the US). Their glass was scored as good as the new Swaro 7x21s, which I find to be brighter in lower light, but I find the asymmetrical folding mechanism of the zeiss makes their ergonomics far superior.
My dad had the (older) monarch 7 8x30 and 10x30 for birding and canoeing/camping. I gave him a pair of leica UV 8x32 for fathers day as an upgrade... well, then he saw my zeiss victory 8x25, tried them, and quickly gave me the eye that he preferred the smaller bins. The smaller zeiss was just as bright, if not brighter, and clearly sharper. He's since bought the zeiss victory 10x25 and loves them too (better eye relief for non-glasses). I use my 8x20 and 7x21 for real, legit birding while traveling, and leave my bigger NL 8x32 at home for local patch use. You can get the 8x20 on eBay for around $300-350 when they come up (maybe 3x in the last year as I've watched in the US). Their glass was scored as good as the new Swaro 7x21s, which I find to be brighter in lower light, but I find the asymmetrical folding mechanism of the zeiss makes their ergonomics far superior.
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