Greetings!
I probably should have posted something about this subject sooner, a LOT sooner. But nevertheless....here goes.
I've owned the ED II for about three years, the ED IV thirteen months. One reason for my extended time to really say anything about the ED iV is because of the word/rumor of quality issues with the new ED IV. I really like to have a binocular for a while and use it and see if any issues crop up. At this point I am happy to say no issues of any type have made their way to either of the two Vanguard specimens I have. These two binoculars have been perfect in terms of function and any other reason one can come up with. So as far as quality and /or any other issues there have been ZERO with mine.
So some facts and figures....
I weighed both binoculars naked...nothing but binocular and weighed on my digital scale:
ED II- 27.2 ounces
ED IV- 27.6 ounces
So essentially the same weight.
Close Focus:
I put down a tape measure and moved until ELO "Out of the Blue" CD case was in focus. Did this a couple of times.
ED II- Just over 5 feet
ED IV- Just under 6 feet
Close enough to not matter...
FOV...
Vanguard list both as 377ft @ 1000 yards. That's a little less than what a premium binocular offers. Both SEEM to have more.
Some new features of the ED IV:
1. Nicer case
2. Indents in each objective barrel to help with keeping the objective covers from sliding off
3. Central diopter adjustment
Function observations..
Focus..
Out in the field BOTH binoculars offer about as good of a focus adjustment as there is. In fact, either may be in fact the best there is. The ED II is a pretty fast focus, the ED IV is slightly slower AND lighter. When I say there is no slack or slop in either focus adjustment, you can BELIEVE it! Remember both aren't right out of the box....BOTH have been used a good bit and of course the ED II the most.
Hinge tension..
Both...PERFECT. I like hinge tension pretty tight and both of theses are but both will move and adjust with the perfect amount of effort.
Diopter adjustment..
A little difference here. ED II is conventional and under the eyepiece on the right barrel. The ED IV is centrally located and behind the front hinge. The ED II adjustment features "adjust/lock" collar that moves up and down to lock or unlock the diopter adjustment. This has been my most suspect part of the whole binocular. But you know what? After three years it's never been an issue. It's never moved or became "unlocked" when I've checked it. The diaper adjustment on the ED IV clicks forward for adjustment and back against the hinge to lock. Everything about the adjustment has been perfect. I would prefer a metal adjustment wheel to plastic BUT it has held up and works perfectly so far! Just the right about of effort to "click" forward for adjustment then click rearward to lock. Easy as can been and in overall function I'll give it an "A-."
Eyecups...
Ok....So IMO a Leica UVHD+ has the best adjusting eyecups in binocular land. Period. Everything else is not as good. Both of these binoculars have ALMOST the same eyecups. They both adjust to four positions including all the way in and all the way out. The ED IV SEEMS to have a slightly better feel and a more positive "stop" at each of the "out" positions. I use one up from the bottom on both and neither has ever collapsed during use. I'll give these eyecups a "B."
In the Field...
I like both of these binoculars...a LOT. When I think of the lowest priced binocular I can really recommend for even a SERIOUS birder, the Vanguard Endeavor ED II is it. When I bought mine I believe I paid about $360 as at the time it was one of the latest/greatest. Quite honestly, I felt a little stupid for buying a $400 made in China binocular. This has been one of the FEW binoculars that I felt was worth price paid and maybe more. It's a better binocular that the Vortex Viper HD I had at the same time and for sure gives the UVHD+ 8X42 a run for the money. I have no doubts about the optical ability and overall quality of this binocular.
So over the winter I used the ED IV and compared it to others in it's price class and even with some costing much more such as an EDG II 8X42. The view is VERY EDGish. Of course the EDG has more FOV the rest is more difficult to discern. When a binocular compares well with an EDG that certainly says something.
Comparing the Endeavor ED II to the IV..... Of course there are more similarities than differences. Upon casual observation the ED IV "looks" like a more expensive binocular. In the field I carried the ED IV front and center on a RYUL harness with the ED II at easy reach "bandolier style" under my arm using the OEM supplied strap. It was easy for me to swap between binoculars when I had a non moving bird or even flowers to check for color. I did this frequently and often! So YES I believe the ED IV is an optically superior instrument. Not by much but it's there. Both binoculars seem equally crisp from edge to edge. Not to the level of an EDG/SV but CLOSE....VERY close. So YES...EDGE to EDGE performance from the ED IV. Checking colors on morning glories is a GREAT test of color as they range from blue to violet... Blues are more blue with the ED IV....yellows are more yellow...and yes I do perceive an increase in brightness. So colors looks more vivid and brighter. Viewing tree limbs well exposed to sunlight the ED IV appeared to have less CA than the ED II. For ME, CA is not an issue whatsoever wth either binocular!
So which BINOCULAR do you buy?
Currently, the Endeavor ED II is about $320 after rebate or MAYBE even less depending on where one purchases it from. The Endeavor ED IV is available from about $441 with Labor Day discounts. So at least $120 difference. I think the ED IV is worth it. It's a better binocular with better features. I can recommend either without hesitation.
I probably should have posted something about this subject sooner, a LOT sooner. But nevertheless....here goes.
I've owned the ED II for about three years, the ED IV thirteen months. One reason for my extended time to really say anything about the ED iV is because of the word/rumor of quality issues with the new ED IV. I really like to have a binocular for a while and use it and see if any issues crop up. At this point I am happy to say no issues of any type have made their way to either of the two Vanguard specimens I have. These two binoculars have been perfect in terms of function and any other reason one can come up with. So as far as quality and /or any other issues there have been ZERO with mine.
So some facts and figures....
I weighed both binoculars naked...nothing but binocular and weighed on my digital scale:
ED II- 27.2 ounces
ED IV- 27.6 ounces
So essentially the same weight.
Close Focus:
I put down a tape measure and moved until ELO "Out of the Blue" CD case was in focus. Did this a couple of times.
ED II- Just over 5 feet
ED IV- Just under 6 feet
Close enough to not matter...
FOV...
Vanguard list both as 377ft @ 1000 yards. That's a little less than what a premium binocular offers. Both SEEM to have more.
Some new features of the ED IV:
1. Nicer case
2. Indents in each objective barrel to help with keeping the objective covers from sliding off
3. Central diopter adjustment
Function observations..
Focus..
Out in the field BOTH binoculars offer about as good of a focus adjustment as there is. In fact, either may be in fact the best there is. The ED II is a pretty fast focus, the ED IV is slightly slower AND lighter. When I say there is no slack or slop in either focus adjustment, you can BELIEVE it! Remember both aren't right out of the box....BOTH have been used a good bit and of course the ED II the most.
Hinge tension..
Both...PERFECT. I like hinge tension pretty tight and both of theses are but both will move and adjust with the perfect amount of effort.
Diopter adjustment..
A little difference here. ED II is conventional and under the eyepiece on the right barrel. The ED IV is centrally located and behind the front hinge. The ED II adjustment features "adjust/lock" collar that moves up and down to lock or unlock the diopter adjustment. This has been my most suspect part of the whole binocular. But you know what? After three years it's never been an issue. It's never moved or became "unlocked" when I've checked it. The diaper adjustment on the ED IV clicks forward for adjustment and back against the hinge to lock. Everything about the adjustment has been perfect. I would prefer a metal adjustment wheel to plastic BUT it has held up and works perfectly so far! Just the right about of effort to "click" forward for adjustment then click rearward to lock. Easy as can been and in overall function I'll give it an "A-."
Eyecups...
Ok....So IMO a Leica UVHD+ has the best adjusting eyecups in binocular land. Period. Everything else is not as good. Both of these binoculars have ALMOST the same eyecups. They both adjust to four positions including all the way in and all the way out. The ED IV SEEMS to have a slightly better feel and a more positive "stop" at each of the "out" positions. I use one up from the bottom on both and neither has ever collapsed during use. I'll give these eyecups a "B."
In the Field...
I like both of these binoculars...a LOT. When I think of the lowest priced binocular I can really recommend for even a SERIOUS birder, the Vanguard Endeavor ED II is it. When I bought mine I believe I paid about $360 as at the time it was one of the latest/greatest. Quite honestly, I felt a little stupid for buying a $400 made in China binocular. This has been one of the FEW binoculars that I felt was worth price paid and maybe more. It's a better binocular that the Vortex Viper HD I had at the same time and for sure gives the UVHD+ 8X42 a run for the money. I have no doubts about the optical ability and overall quality of this binocular.
So over the winter I used the ED IV and compared it to others in it's price class and even with some costing much more such as an EDG II 8X42. The view is VERY EDGish. Of course the EDG has more FOV the rest is more difficult to discern. When a binocular compares well with an EDG that certainly says something.
Comparing the Endeavor ED II to the IV..... Of course there are more similarities than differences. Upon casual observation the ED IV "looks" like a more expensive binocular. In the field I carried the ED IV front and center on a RYUL harness with the ED II at easy reach "bandolier style" under my arm using the OEM supplied strap. It was easy for me to swap between binoculars when I had a non moving bird or even flowers to check for color. I did this frequently and often! So YES I believe the ED IV is an optically superior instrument. Not by much but it's there. Both binoculars seem equally crisp from edge to edge. Not to the level of an EDG/SV but CLOSE....VERY close. So YES...EDGE to EDGE performance from the ED IV. Checking colors on morning glories is a GREAT test of color as they range from blue to violet... Blues are more blue with the ED IV....yellows are more yellow...and yes I do perceive an increase in brightness. So colors looks more vivid and brighter. Viewing tree limbs well exposed to sunlight the ED IV appeared to have less CA than the ED II. For ME, CA is not an issue whatsoever wth either binocular!
So which BINOCULAR do you buy?
Currently, the Endeavor ED II is about $320 after rebate or MAYBE even less depending on where one purchases it from. The Endeavor ED IV is available from about $441 with Labor Day discounts. So at least $120 difference. I think the ED IV is worth it. It's a better binocular with better features. I can recommend either without hesitation.