Alpha Binoculars - Are they worth it ? (1 Viewer)

[bh46118]

Do the top binoculars from Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski, truly have a superior view and high value, or are they severely over priced for what they offer. Is it a name recognition thing ? The Alpha owners seem to be fairly tight lipped, so everyone give an opinion. I ask the question based on the mostly negative response I received after mentioning that I had made an Alpha purchase and was well pleased. I didn't realize the mere mention of it would touch a nerve with so many people. I don't want this to become uncivil, it just seems like an interesting topic.

Bruce

 

[james holdsworth]

This has never been discussed, here or anywhere else, so I expect some ground-breaking ideas to come out of this........3

 

[Torview]

What`s an "Alpha" binocular ? o

 

[HighNorth]

Do the top binoculars from Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski, truly have a superior view and high value, or are they severely over priced for what they offer. Is it a name recognition thing ? The Alpha owners seem to be fairly tight lipped, so everyone give an opinion. I ask the question based on the mostly negative response I received after mentioning that I had made an Alpha purchase and was well pleased. I didn't realize the mere mention of it would touch a nerve with so many people. I don't want this to become uncivil, it just seem like an interesting topic.

Bruce

Speaking from my admittedly limited experience with both optics in general and alpha-binoculars in particular (big caveat here!), I would say that alphas are worth the cost only if you desire the very best optical performance available without any compromise.

That said, it is my impression that a lot of mid-range binoculars nowadays are rapidly approaching, or even surpassing, the traditional alphas in several key areas, especially with regard to field of view, close focus distance, weight and ergonomics.

Just my two cents/pennies/øre!

 

[bh46118]

Damned if I know, I've asked the same question myself several times on here. Let's just say maybe the best, or most the expensive. Not that those two have to go together.

What`s an "Alpha" binocular ? o

 

[etudiant]

Your question really needs a professional to answer reliably.
Afaik, the optical gap between the alphas and their mid range competitors is not huge, as the glass and tool suppliers are often shared. Specifics of mechanical design and quality control as well as support service levels produce most of the difference. So presumably a cherry beta might be optically better than a marginal alpha.
None of this however explains the grouchy attitude some maintain towards alphas. Good on you is all I can say.

 

[bh46118]

I've not really seen it asked point blank, but if it has then the thread will fizzle. If it does, so be it. As I said, "Alpha" owners don't tend to chime in much. They are probably happy with their binoculars and don't want to join in the blather. :-O

This has never been discussed, here or anywhere else, so I expect some ground-breaking ideas to come out of this........3

 

[edwincjones]

yes-they have a superior view

yes-they are overpriced

?-are they worth it?

 

[paddy7]

I'd like to make two points:
One - the law of 'diminishing returns': £400-£500 can often get you 90% of 'excellent'. To get the extra 10% can cost you £1000 more.
Two - Buying cheaper takes an awful lot of work - research, checking Allbinos reviews, trying them out, comparing etc. I think some either don't enjoy or just don't want to put that kind of effort in. That's the bit i like!

 

[edwincjones]

yes-they have a superior view

yes-they are overpriced

?-are they worth it?

my thinking

I am getting older,
my eyes are weaker,
my time to observe limited;
so get the best optics that I can reasonably afford

 

[Maljunulo]

I think that "worth it" is an almost hopelessly subjective term.

 

[SteveTS]

Nice idea for a thread bh. For me it is an exercise in perceived value, and it is as subjective as Maljunulo indicates. Best wishes,

 

[mathare]

I've always said I would never pay alpha prices and I've yet to be convinced my stance is wrong. I've looked through alpha scopes (but not alpha bins) and while I can see the image is better I have never felt the improvement justifies the price tag.

Maybe its just the way my mind works but something as expensive as a Swarovski scope should be treasured and handled extremely carefully. I don't throw my optics about but I don't want to feel scared to even leave the house with them for fear of damaging several grand's worth of kit. In the same way I'd be too scared to drive a brand new Ferrari.

I'd happily take 90% of the performance for a fraction of the cost, as long as that 90% was good enough to get the job done. I won't pay a premium just for the badge

 

[ceasar]

The answers to this never change.

If you are employed in a professional field that requires good binoculars they are probably worth it.

If they are to be used in your avocation or hobby and your funds are limited think hard about it

If money is no object to you what do you care? Get one if you like it.

If there are clearly more important things to spend your limited funds on think really hard about it and consider the consequences.

Bob

 

[LesR]

I started out about 2 years ago with some 8x42 Barr & Stroud 8x42 Sierra Binoculars, phase coated and fully multi coated and enjoyed the view. Tried a friends 15 year old Zeiss and noticed a big difference. Then bought some Vanguard 8x42 Endeavors which were much brighter, sharper and contrasty than my original. I also bought some Yosemite 6x30 for feeder watching and frequent boat trips to France, which are one of my favourite binoculars. Sold my Vanguards and bought some Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 which are so very good. I recently called into a camera shop to buy a lens filter and tried out an 8.5x42 and 10x42 Swarovski EL. The difference between my Zeiss Conquest and these was that both pairs provided such an easy view with my prescription glasses on. The Conquests seem to be a little bit more fussy as regards eye placement and the Swaros were certainly a lot wider FOV. Would I want to spend an extra £800? I don't really know because if it was spread over 10 years thats only £80 a year, or £1.53 ( $2.49) per week to enjoy a very relaxed view for MY birding.

 

[string boozel]

They are worth it if you think they are. It's your money and your choice. If others don't like it then that's their problem and not yours. Hope you are enjoying your purchase.

James.

 

[bh46118]

Good answers. I'm interested to hear more opinions. I find the "Psychology" involved in the choices to be very interesting. Some might say I need a psychologist.:brains: :eat:3

 

[Pileatus]

Alpha reasoning...
http://birdingbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88

Almost alpha...
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=1289

 

[paddy7]

Good answers. I'm interested to hear more opinions. I find the "Psychology" involved in the choices to be very interesting. Some might say I need a psychologist.:brains: :eat:3

Working off this: i would say many of the identifiably-serious birders walking around UK reserves will have Alphas, and most Swarovski. This then becomes an 'aspiration' for someone who buys cheaper on start-up during a trial period to see if they are going to continue with the hobby. After a couple of years they may Alpha-ise, perhaps with little awareness of what else may be about and possibly suit them as well, if not better.
There is also the 'what you're used to' concept, which takes in 'fit and feel', focus speed, FOV etc. This can lead to a preference for a certain approach, or even brand loyalty. Dare i add that certain marques may indicate a desire to be taken seriously by other birders? No, i daren't....

 

[bh46118]

I spent all summer. Paid out a lot in shipping to boot.

Two - Buying cheaper takes an awful lot of work - research, checking Allbinos reviews, trying them out, comparing etc. I think some either don't enjoy or just don't want to put that kind of effort in. That's the bit i like!