pat mitchel
Well-known member
an addenda to the pic of the DB and the BSII, the twist eye cups seem to go a bit further down on the BSII allowing more eye relief for use with glasses. Pat
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We don't sell vortex's (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter chintanj
- Start date
lilcrazy2
Well-known member
How is he trying to put down anybody or anything? He merely said they didn't show Vortex on their site when he looked - he called them and they were a little negative in their response to the Vortex brand. His post merely asked why? I can't imagine any retailer that doesn't sell a particular brand who would talk up a brand they do not carry, so you can go elsewhere to buy it, rather that buying a brand they do carry. Besides, Vortex is one of the most heavily advertised brands of binos on the hunting and outdoor shows on cable. Nothing sinister here - just a newbie trying to get some info.I find your post quite odd as a brand new member on here. You come right out with the word Vor*** in your post, and then
condemn a retailer that does not sell that brand. You seem to have a motive.
I suspect a rat here. You are trying to put down a retailer, not sure. You are too cute with your post...........
Jerry
Tom
lilcrazy2
Well-known member
I have had both the Sightron BSII 8x32 and 10x32 back in 2012. The 10x32 was a little disappointing in that the sweetspot was not as large as the 8x32 and the edges were worse, and I wound up returning the 10x32's.
There has always been much speculation about the Sightrons, Kenkos and Vixens being clones. It looks like the Fujinon KF's are now being thrown in the mix. As I reported 10 years ago in a conversation I had with one of Sightrons optical engineers, he confirmed that the Sightrons were made in the Kenko plant in the Phillipines, but they were made to Sightrons optical specifications which differed from the Kenkos, and that the finished binos were individually inspected at their plant in North Cariolina.
Another oddity that I reported about the Sightrons back then, was that it was the only roof bino I had where the top of the focusing knob with the lettering did not move when you turned the focusing knob. I've never heard anyone else mention it about the Sightrons or the other clones, so I am wondering if they are the same?
There has always been much speculation about the Sightrons, Kenkos and Vixens being clones. It looks like the Fujinon KF's are now being thrown in the mix. As I reported 10 years ago in a conversation I had with one of Sightrons optical engineers, he confirmed that the Sightrons were made in the Kenko plant in the Phillipines, but they were made to Sightrons optical specifications which differed from the Kenkos, and that the finished binos were individually inspected at their plant in North Cariolina.
Another oddity that I reported about the Sightrons back then, was that it was the only roof bino I had where the top of the focusing knob with the lettering did not move when you turned the focusing knob. I've never heard anyone else mention it about the Sightrons or the other clones, so I am wondering if they are the same?
Sorry, should have been more specific. I have the Fuji KF 10x32W and the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42. I use the lighter 10x much more often, but I think both bins are good values.This is an interesting experience and raises an important issue: there have been a number of different versions of the DB over the years, so you have to be careful what you have in your hands and what you are comparing it with.
I have a pair of Vortex Diamondback HD 8x32 and they weight 444 g on my scale (just checked it), while the Sightron/Fuji/Kenko are around 470 - 480 g depending on the source. So the Vortex DBHD are actually lighter than the Sightron/Fuji/Kenko. And for smaller, I guess winginit compared a previous generation of the DB, because the current (HD) and previous (non-HD, on the picture) are noticeable smaller than the Sightron/familiy (as a matter of fact, the Sightron is not a particularly small 8x32). Check this image.
This picture is from the web «Hunting Binoculars», here. They compared the Sightron to the previous generation of the DB in 10x32 and, while the DB scores higher in some areas, specially related to perceived quality, the test results (among 6 "blind" users") seem to indicate the Sightron is way stronger, most users preferred it..
I don't know if this is because they compare 10x32, or because they compare the previous generation of DB, but my personal experience couldn't be more different. I had a 10x32 Kenko (sibling of Sightron/Fuji) and it left me really cold, I found it to be nothing special (maybe sample variation played an important role here, who knows), while I really consider the Diamond Back HD 8x32 a "value killer" (specially at the prices you can get it in North America). Yes, my Kenko was 10x32 and my DBHD is 8x32 (10x always makes things more difficult), so it's not a fair comparison, but if I had to recommend one, in my experience there would be no contest. However, if you can get a Sightron for 99 $, well, then that's a really attractive proposal.
As you can see again and again, sample variation and subjective experiences are really important. The Kenko was a real disappointment (after all the glowing reviews I've read about the Sightron), but the DBHD has left me in awe really.
Regarding the actual information about size and weight (which, unlike personal experiences is not open to debate), the Vortex are both smaller (quite smaller) and lighter (a little lighter) than the Sightron.
I haven’t read the entire thread so I apologize if this has been opined already. I think Vortex makes nice optics but are generally a little overpriced. The reason behind this is their lifetime no fault warranty. It’s built into the price. So for example their Viper model cost about $500 but in IMHO performs more like a $350 binocular. The build quality isn’t the best. All Vortex are made in China now and the QC isn’t very good. I once handled two new Vipers side by side. One had a hinge so loose it wouldn’t stay in place. The others focuser was so tight that vicegrips would’ve been useful. Their are plenty here who would disagree with me so the important thing is see if you like whatever model you’re interested in. Also my advice would be to find a used model in like new condition at a discount so you basically take the warranty premium out. Vortex are pretty ubiquitous and used ones are easy to find especially on hunting forums. Finally I would like to say Vortex does have excellent customer service so if you do have issues you can send them in for repair.
Paultricounty
Well-known member
I think as entry level binoculars in my opinion, you can’t beat a diamondback for $200. Which by the way can be bought almost anywhere online. This is a Phenomenal Binocular for $200 and it’s a good piece of equipment at that price. if you really wanna step up to the mid grades, I’d sit on the $200 for a while, Put five dollars in a drawer every day for six weeks, then step up. Vortex viper, Nikon M7, Zeiss Terra to name a few. And if you don’t care about waterproofing, you could pick up a brand new Nikon E2 and that’s pretty phenomenal glass that punch is way above its price point.
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Yes and no, there all relatively in the same category. We could quibble about minute differences optically in the price category, but there’s not much debate when it comes to warranty and customer service. I might choose a Nikon M7, but dread the day I have to have them serviced or repaired. Vortex, you just give them a call and they’ll send you a new pair.
dries1
Member
The problem with Nikon is with the older glass, but if one purchases a new Monarch they will either be replaced or repaired under Warranty. I never had a problem with the Monarch Line with respect to Warranty, however I always purchased them new. The problem with Vortex IMO, is one gets to use the Warranty frequently, so more trips to the post office.
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Andy has more experience than me. I’m just going by a few experiences with both. Twice I had to send in a brand new HG, both times were a hassle. With vortex I had a new diamondback replaced , they sent me a new one without receiving the old one and a return slip for the what I called defective, (tight focus wheel), no questions asked. Another time I damaged a used Razer I bought, I called them and they sent me a shipping label. The following week when I was going to call for follow up , that day a new pair showed up. Im very satisfied there customer service, Nikon not so much.
Pinewood
New York correspondent
Hello,
Yes, Fiske, who posts on Cloudy nights found that Nikon would not repair separation in the eyepiece of his Nikon SE 12x50, which were discontinued. He found the offer of a credit to be used on the Nikon web site to be insufficient. There was a discussion on BF about getting rubber eye cups for the SE from Nikon, USA, although they were available from Nikon, UK. I once got special fold down eye cups for a 1951 Leitz binocular, in about 2004, but they soon became unavailable.
Perhaps "lifetime guarantees," should be considered as having a short lifetime for some brands.
Stay safe,
Arthur
Ever heard of Athlon? They will too. Better glass for the same or less $$ than Vortex.
Paultricounty
Well-known member
Sure have, mainly similar optics to Vortex no better no worse. They have the low-end entry-level and they got some semi high-level as well , similar to Vortex. Vortex razer HD is some nice glass and UHD (MIJ) even better.
Im the one that had the issue with an out of production SE I sent to Nikon a few months ago. Couldn’t get a straight answer as to what was done on the service from three different departments. As far as replacement of the rubber eyecups cups, first it was my binoculars didn’t need them, then it was we don’t have any in stock, then it was they don’t make them anymore. After numerous phone calls and emails a brand new pair showed up ( after getting email tracking info from Nikon) in my mailbox in a package marked made in Japan. Again it’s not that I wouldn’t buy a Nikon product , I like some of there optics but I just am prepared for what I might have to go through.
dries1
Member
I was able to obtain used parts and replace a lens in a SE 12X50 (work done by Suddarth Optical). The flaw was in the adhesive holding a couplet together, it was an anomaly and I still use the Nikon SE in all formats with plenty of eyecups. I actually was the contact for Fiske on CN on what was going on with his SE 12X50 and the steps forward.
Sold - Viper 8x42
Selling a nice pair of Vortex Viper 8x42 HD binoculars. They have been very lightly used, basically sat in my camper as a backup pair. Are in next to new condition. They come with the (nicer) old style bino case, which I had purchased separately. $325 TYD via F&F.
www.rokslide.com
Always easy to find a good deal on a used pair of Vortex. Used in like new condition is the way to go since you also pick up the warranty. Thought about picking these up myself but I don’t Buy Vortex lol.
hahaha!Sold - Viper 8x42
Selling a nice pair of Vortex Viper 8x42 HD binoculars. They have been very lightly used, basically sat in my camper as a backup pair. Are in next to new condition. They come with the (nicer) old style bino case, which I had purchased separately. $325 TYD via F&F.
Always easy to find a good deal on a used pair of Vortex. Used in like new condition is the way to go since you also pick up the warranty. Thought about picking these up myself but I don’t Buy Vortex lol.
Anyway, that is surprising honestly. My thought was considering the transferable warranty the prices of used vortex binoculars would hold close to the market sales value...
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