Audubon 8.5x44 ED Porro (820ED) (1 Viewer)

Hi all,

I've been looking for a sub-$500 bino recently since the catastrophic failure of my previous 8x model, and these have piqued my interest based on some (fairly old) but positive reviews. I was just wondering how the compared to some other ~$500 optics such as the Vortex Viper HD, Zen ED3, EO Ranger Ed/Vortex Talon HD. Durability and overall 'build quality' are almost as important to me as optical quality.

Thank you for the help,
Justin

j, ...... I reviewed the new model some time ago - the story starts here: http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=2569242&postcount=77

The upshot is that they are worth a physical inspection (check quality of manufacture as I detailed, and how the view /fit works for you) to see what you think, and how you get on with them. Especially at <$435 from Adorama http://www.adorama.com/SW820ED.html

I ended up returning mine for the reasons I outlined, but you might find a good one if you physically inspect enough of them ..... :cat:

They did suffer a bit from glare (contrast milkout) under challenging situations, but were in the ballpark with the Zen ED3 in that regard, as I wrote.

You should also check out the Zen / EO/Vortex's, and compare to the Vixen 8x42 Foresta porros for $319 (although, they lack ED glass as such) http://www.adorama.com/VX842ZWCF.html and,
the Zeiss Terra ED for $330 which has good reports at glare handling http://www.adorama.com/VX842ZWCF.html



Chosun :gh:

Chosun,

I appreciate the suggestion of the Forresta 8x42 Porro; I had actually been considering the 7x50 model as well because the huge exit pupil may be useful when trying to spot GRPC in low light conditions. I currently own a pair of 6x32 Viper HD and though they are amazing optics, I feel I need at least 7/8x magnification for my new job - in particular, I like the centerfield performance and build quality, particularly the focus knob, of the Viper.

I also appreciate your comments of the Swift ED and will take them into consideration.

EDIT: I'm also fairly interested in the Swift 8.5x44 828 Roof; it seems to have good reviews but I'm not sure if they are outdated.