Not surprised by the winner. I didn't vote, but I've had a pair of Conquest HDs (8x32 and 10x42) for about seven years now. Incredibly impressive binoculars. Practically-alpha optical quality and absolutely superb (light, perfectly smooth, snappy accurate) focuser. Just a joy to use and stone reliable. Zeiss really hit it out of the park with Conquest HD.
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~$1000 Binoculars poll (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter qwerty5
- Start date
qwerty5
Controversial opinion generator
The Kowa Genesis is around $1300, that's why I didn't include it. And perhaps I should have included the Meostar. I didn't because Meopta upgraded it and replaced it with the Meopro Air.
qwerty5
Controversial opinion generator
The B1 Plus costs around $1400, and I believe it was the upgrade from the B1.1, which I believe was the upgrade from the B1. I only included the current Meopta binocular that costs $1000. Perhaps I should have included the earlier models since I know there are many users of the B1. And from what I've read, the Meopro Air does not meet up to the B1.1.
The Kowa Genesis 8.5x44 MSRP is $1299, which is what B&H and Optics4Birding are selling them for.
_Prism_
Well-known member
Would have to specify the size for under $1,000 / £1,000, but I'd say Zeiss dominates most of this space:
1. 8x25 size: Zeiss Victory Pocket, unquestionably the best optically in it's class. Superb build, Alpha glass. Outstanding brightness and sharpness. Superb control of CA, in the middle at least. Retired my 8x32 Conquest HD thanks to it's exemplary performance and portability (it was actually brighter than the larger 8x32 Conquest in most daytime conditions!). Probably my personal favourite bin under 1k, and might just be my all time favourite.
2. 8x32 size: Undoubtedly the Conquest HD. Amazed that people even consider the Leica in this size. The Zeiss is the same size and weight, but is brighter, has less CA, a significantly wider FOV, and also has protective coatings vs the Trinovid. Leica wins slightly on design to me (but this is subjective, and even then it's just by a hair). Truly near Alpha-level optically. Near-mythical toughness, as evidenced by the Fieldsports video review torture test. Excellent value retention. Simply best in class.
3. 8x42 / 10x42: Still have to hand it to the Conquest HD here. The Leica Trinovid actually has superior ergonomics in this size (at least to those of us who prefer compactness). But optically, the Conquest HD still wins for the same reasons as above - it is brighter, has less CA, and a wider FOV.
Different story north of £1k / $1k - competition is much more fierce, but at the moment it might be Swarovski at the top of the heap.
1. 8x25 size: Zeiss Victory Pocket, unquestionably the best optically in it's class. Superb build, Alpha glass. Outstanding brightness and sharpness. Superb control of CA, in the middle at least. Retired my 8x32 Conquest HD thanks to it's exemplary performance and portability (it was actually brighter than the larger 8x32 Conquest in most daytime conditions!). Probably my personal favourite bin under 1k, and might just be my all time favourite.
2. 8x32 size: Undoubtedly the Conquest HD. Amazed that people even consider the Leica in this size. The Zeiss is the same size and weight, but is brighter, has less CA, a significantly wider FOV, and also has protective coatings vs the Trinovid. Leica wins slightly on design to me (but this is subjective, and even then it's just by a hair). Truly near Alpha-level optically. Near-mythical toughness, as evidenced by the Fieldsports video review torture test. Excellent value retention. Simply best in class.
3. 8x42 / 10x42: Still have to hand it to the Conquest HD here. The Leica Trinovid actually has superior ergonomics in this size (at least to those of us who prefer compactness). But optically, the Conquest HD still wins for the same reasons as above - it is brighter, has less CA, and a wider FOV.
Different story north of £1k / $1k - competition is much more fierce, but at the moment it might be Swarovski at the top of the heap.
Chotacabras
Active member
I have a pair of Leica Trinovids 8x42s which function perfectly (mechanically and optically) after 30 years of heavy use and hard knocks. 30 years!!! They're like eye balm. I tried new Trinovids, and they were also like eye balm, plus lighter and much closer focus than my old ones. I also have a recent pair of Zeiss Conquests 8x30s: they're lightweight and optically good (but not superb like the Trinovids), and I've had repeated issues with the cheap plastic eyecups breaking. Trinovids!
I would disagree.... I think the Curio edges it optically.
iseegeorgesstar
Well-known member
Third place is "other" with 13 votes. Wonder what counts there.
Perhaps the majority of the votes are for the ultravids or noctovids?
Another interesting factor to compare would be time on the market.
Yes well, this has been discussed in the past. You are polling Birdforum. From a pure market research POV, this potentially is not the best place to do these and expect too much. It is a special sort of place where folks with unusual interest in binos congregate. They may or may not represent the larger market ways of things. Leicas are especially liked here, with a fervor that may not represent the market as a whole, one might suspect.
Would love to see you break down 42s Vs 32s
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Leave off the yes. It is a very eclectic pool with wide ranging knowledge.
qwerty5
Controversial opinion generator
Perhaps. Given the popularity of Vortex overall, I think the Razor might be the most popular with the general population.
Also has no one noticed this poll happened two years ago?
dries1
Member
LOL, two years ago, that is funny. I said Nikon since it is a recognized name world wide and sells mainly low to midrange optics which are affordable. Vortex in the USA perhaps, but worldwide Nikon has the name recognition.
Good point... this is a forum and birders here are slightly 'anal' when it comes to their gear... When I am in the field and on bird walks with everyday joe's and janes' , I say the vast majority of newbies have a Nikon Monarch (not the MHG) or some sort of Vortex bin. Once they get 'hooked' into birding, many move up to the Swaro's or around here a good percentage of Zeiss and Leica, and this is regardless if they are good at birding or not.
Same here, Nikon Monarch 5 and Vortex Diamondback are the 2 most common bin I see birders (new and experienced actually) using. Though, I don't really think they understand there is such a difference.
