jaymoynihan
Corvus brachyrhynchos watcher
Interested in any comments/mini reviews by folks that have used the 7x42 BX-2 Cascades Roof Prism, (Japanese made).
Thanks
Thanks
Noticed it awhile ago but, in the usual Leupold fashion, it has too narrow of a field of view. :-(
Check out marinemaster's latest post on...
Jay,
The problem with the CA in the Leupolds probably has to do with their coatings.
....
Bob
Brock,
As I recall, Henry recently stated, if my memory is correct, that he didn't think ED glass made a difference in CA but he was not inclined to spend the time debating the issue anymore. As you know, I am not bothered by CA and I am inclined to agree with Henry. So I just threw that out for Jay as a possible explanation of why he saw more CA in the Cascades than in the Yosemites. There must be a reason why some people have so much trouble with CA and others don't.
And it is curious that Leupold has so many MC binoculars as opposed to FMC.
Anyway, I decided to get the 7 x 42 Cascade BX II at EO's sale price and I am surprised at how much I like it. Especially at that price! I'll have a report on it soon.
Bob
Having tried and sent back the 7x42 cascades, here is my take on the CA. Nothing exotic, just the normal reason; the tolerances speced for the lense elements not providing enough correction of that abberation.
CA has to do with the failure of the different wavelengths of light to focus at practically speaking, the "same point". It is simply sloppy manufacture or sloppy design of the product.
IOW, cheap Chinese crap.
Japanese, actually. Printed on the binocular.
Me too. A nice glass.... Swift's Model #828 8.5 x 44 which I own. ...
The Leupold BX II 7 x 42 that I have is almost certainly made by the same Japanese Company that makes Swift's Model #828 8.5 x 44 which I own. The similarities in their construction are so obvious that it could not be otherwise. The size of their eye cups and their operation are the identical. The construction and appearance of their oculars are identical. Their focus wheels with the attached diopter adjustment are identical and work exactly the same. The raised stamping "Made In Japan" is in the same place although the size of the letters is slightly different and the Blind Cap for the Tripod Mount is the same except for the logo. The exterior appearance, of course is different, but that is cosmetic. The Swift's covering feels slightly harder and more substantial in the hand; the Leupold is more rubbery.
The Swift is stated to be "Fully Multi Coated" and the Leupold to be "Multi Coated." When compared, the differences in the coatings are evident.
Swift: http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/swift/swift-audubon-8-5x44-roof-prism-binocular
Leupold: http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/leupold/leupold-bx-2-cascades-8x42-binocular
The price differential seems to be based on the differences in coatings and the exterior construction. I would think that they both underwent a similar QC check.
When I registered my Swift I called the company and spoke to the manager. He told me that in the 4 years he had worked there that they had trouble keeping the 828 in stock and that they were practically never returned for problems.
Bob