Talon HD 10X32? (1 Viewer)

Ive been looking again for a good pair of 8X32 in the price range of anything under $500. There are tons to choose from. But I was at the sportsman's store near me and they have the Vortex Talons in 10X32 on sale for 40% off. They are only $269 vs their normal price of 450.
I used to own a pair of the Talons in 8X42 and they were very nice. If these were the 8X32 I wouldn't even think twice for that price but Im wondering how a 10X is with the 32mm objective? I have the monarch 7 in 10X42 and they are wonderful, but anyone have any words of wisdom on 10X32?
Im really considering just going down there tomorrow and getting them (they only have 2 left) since the price is so good and I like the Talon/zen ray design.

The Talon has a bit of a yellowish cast to them, but they do handle nicely, and they are backed by a company that is reputed to have excellent customer service. I'm sure you already know that configuration is the most useful in bright situations only, but as you are in AZ, you would make more use of a 10x32 than most others. Although I would buy a Cabela's Guide Series before a Talon, I would say "go for it!". You can't have too many binoculars, after all.......

PhilR. said:

The Talon has a bit of a yellowish cast to them, but they do handle nicely, and they are backed by a company that is reputed to have excellent customer service. I'm sure you already know that configuration is the most useful in bright situations only, but as you are in AZ, you would make more use of a 10x32 than most others. Although I would buy a Cabela's Guide Series before a Talon, I would say "go for it!". You can't have too many binoculars, after all.......

Click to expand...

Ya I think I will go for it. If it wasn't on sale for such a discounted price I would pass but its just too good of a deal in my opinion to pass up.
I don't remember a yellowish tint with my 8X42 Talons I used to have, now Ill be looking for it in these new ones...so thanks a lot for that! lol

I made a comment on the Forum several years ago that I was reluctant to purchase a 10X32 because of the small exit pupil. A very experienced member suggested that I reconsider that position as a 10X32 can do an excellent job if it is from a quality manufacturer. The 10X32 format can be a difficult design to execute properly and it is one of those models where you generally get what you pay for.

After much hesitation, I ended up buying a Nikon EDG I 10X32 from Louie at the Glendale, AZ Sportsman about three years ago. It was on closeout for over a year. I looked at it about three or four times in the store and never had a problem with it. The good advice above encouraged me to go for it and it has turned out to be an excellent binocular. My two main concerns with a 10X32 are brightness and eye placement. The Nikon handles both of these well.

I have tried a few other 10X32 models and the advice about getting a higher end brand has proved to be true for what I have tried. As expected, the Swaro EL SV 10X32 is excellent with no problems. The least expensive model I have looked at without any issues is the Zeiss Conquest HD 10X32, so it would be one I would consider.

Two less expensive models that I passed on were the Nikon Monarch 7 10X30 and just last week, the Leupold Mojave (Cabela's Guide) 10X32. The eye placement for the Nikon was very difficult and the glare of the store lights was excessive. The Mojave in the store was noticeably darker than what I was expecting. The Talon may be an exception, but the general rule that you get what you pay for has so far proven true for me as far as 10X30/32 models go.

Most of the reviews of the Talon 32mm line are on the 8X32 and the response was mixed. Because of that, I was never motivated to look at one so I have no first hand experience. I do have a Zen-Ray 7X36 which appears to be out of the same factory. It is not perfect, but the wide FOV is unique and I like it. Things I would be checking out on the Talon would be the quality of the focus mechanism, excessive pin cushioning, percent of the center view before sharpness starts to drop, ease of eye placement, brightness, color cast (especially yellow as mentioned by Phil and a couple of reviews) and eye cup function, length and comfort. If you wear eye glasses, then check to see if you can get the full FOV since the eye relief is listed as only 14.5mm. Also check out what you think about the weight since it is on the higher side at almost 20 oz.

The Vortex Talon 10X32 is s discontinued model, but here is a link to the Vortex web page with the specs.....

http://www.vortexoptics.com/discontinued/vortex-talon-hd-10x32-binocular

The Talon could be an excellent buy, just check it out carefully. The best way to check out a binocular is to compare to another model so have them pull out the best 10X32 in the case, such as the Swaro EL SV. The Talon will not be as good as the Swaro, but it will point out possible issues and then you can decide if they are significant or not.

You also mentioned a 8X32. I was a little confused if you are looking for both a 8X32 and a 10X32 or were looking for a 8X32 but are willing to go for the 10X32 instead if it turns out to be a good deal.

If you first choice is a 8X32, then I would suggest you consider the Cabela's Guide 8X32. I bought one last week and can not really find anything to dislike about it. It is on sale right now for $149.88 (closeout?). Cabela's has a $10 off plus free shipping promotion right now (code 16BONUS10).

The Glendale store does not have any in stock right now because I got the last one. :king: However they do have them back in stock online. If you want to see what they look like, then look at the Leupold Mojave 8X32, it is the same binocular other than labeling. I would pass on buying the Mojave because of the much higher price of $350 and instead would order it online for $139.88 (after coupon) plus tax.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo..._SEQ_104217480?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU

A couple of other 8X32 models that come to mind in the under $500 price are the Zeiss Terra and of course the Sightron Blue Sky. Going by memory, the Guide is at least as good and can not be beat for the price right now.

Please let me know if I can be of any help.

Bruce. Im mainly looking for an 8x32 but the 10x32 Talons on sale at sportsman's warehouse for only $269 is making want to try them out. I remember comparing the Mojave 8x32 with the Cabelas copy of the guide model about a year ago and there was something about the guide that seemed a little different to me if I remember right. I wanted to like the mojave 8x32 (and I still do want to like these) but when looking through the Nikon monarch 7 8X30 it blew away the mojave in my eyes. I like the construction of the mojaves much better than the Nikons but the view is the main thing for me and the nikons have it beat...but I REALLY want to like those Leupold Mojaves for some reason. I just like the way they look and feel. They feel very solid.
Anyhow, I may go back to looking for a good 8x32 that isn't too expensive if I don't buy the Talon 10x32.
I know you get what you pay for, but there is no way Im going to spend that kind of money for the Alphas.
So Im back to choosing between:
Nikon M7 8x30
Vanguard Endeavor ED2 8x32
Vortex Viper 8x32 (if I can find them on sale somewhere or a good deal on a used pair)
Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x32
Id also consider poros like the Swifts, Vixen, Steiner..etc
If I get a poro Id actually like something in the 7X50.
I may just get the Nikon M7 8x30 and then later on get a pair of 7X50 poros

Although I'm not Bruce, I thought I would put up a reply since I have used most on your list of possibles. I would still pick the M7 over all of your possible picks, and whether or not price is a factor in the decision. The Viper is a competent binocular that provides a likeable bright and sharp view, but it's FOV is noticeably narrower, it's focus wheel is not as smooth, and it weighs a lot more than the M7 (around 33% more). Costs more than the M7 too. The ED2 is also a very likeable bino that fits my personal handling preference better than the Viper, but it is also heavier than the M7, and with a much narrower FOV. I haven't tried the EO, but as it costs about as much as an M7 but yet is heavier in weight and narrower in view, I would not pick this either.

BTW - if you still want a good 10x32 and would consider buying used, I have a nice example of a Leupold Mojave 10x32 I would be willing to sell at a much lower price than the new Talon you were/are/possibly considering. Just PM me if interested.

Phil

Timmay ..... You are right on about the Nikon Monarch 7 8X30 giving an impressive view. I have had one for a couple of years now. It has all the good stuff as in di-electric prism coatings and ED glass. The Mojave/Guide has silver coated prisms and the glass is not specified. The Mojave is part of the Leupold BX-3 line, which is high end, so it may be ED glass, but I do not know for sure.

The paper specs indicate that the Nikon should be noticeably superior to the Mojave/Guide but I do not see that much of a difference. I think the Nikon view is a slightly better, but only after doing a lot of back an forth viewing. The Guide has a slightly more pink tinge to the color balance, most likely a result of the silver coatings, however it is much closer to neutral than what I was expecting. As an end result, the Nikon to me has just a little bit more apparent brightness. Actual transmission of the Nikon according to Allbinos is about 85%, which seems low considering the ED glass and di-electric coatings

The Nikon may a little bit better at handling CA, but I am a poor judge of that.

The exceptionally wide 435 ft FOV of the Nikon gives a nice visual first impression but the Guide is not that far off at 420 ft. Both have a good center view. It looks like the Guide goes a little bit closer to the edge before drop off. The Nikon counters this with the wider FOV. Both are sharp well within my center viewing area.

The quality of the view is close enough to not be a factor for me in choosing between them.

I am not sure why you are seeing a larger difference than what I am observing. I think it would be worth while to take another look. Be sure and take the time to adjust the diopter setting of each.

Build quality seems about the same to me and both are good. The focus on my Nikon is slightly smoother than the Guide, but the Guide is very good and is not an issue. The focus on the Mojave/Guide had a lot of sticking when they first came out so hopefully Leupold has addressed the issue.

One noticeable difference between the two is there are many more false pupils in the Monarch. Hold the binocular about a foot away from your face with the objectives pointed toward a light source. Look at the eye piece and notice how the Nikon eye piece lights up. The good news is it is away from the exit pupil. The Nikon has a reputation of having glare issues and I have run into this once. The viewing conditions were extreme and I easily resolved it by shielding the objective lenses with my hand. I have not used the Guide enough yet to have detail knowledge on how it hands glare, but so far, the results have been excellent.

Another noticeable difference between the two is the size and weight with the Nikon being somewhat smaller and lighter. The Nikon is great for hiking and packing, but it is right on the edge of having some of the usability issues of compact binoculars.

The biggest difference for me between the two models is ease of eye placement. I find the little Nikon to be very touchy in this area. First, it has a smaller exit pupil, second it has smaller eye cups and most significantly for viewing without glasses, the eye cups are way to short for the eye relief. I do not have any problems with eye placement when using the Guide. That is important if doing a lot of viewing, but not so much if the goal is to have a light weight binocular for hiking to be used occasionally.

Overall, I view the Nikon Monarch 7 8X30 more as a specialty glass ideal for hiking when wanting a binocular for the occasional view. I consider the Leupold/Guide the better choice for general use. The Guide is a tremendous bargain right now with the current Cabela's $139.88 price.

As far as the 8X32 models you listed, I go along with Phil. My first choice would be either the Nikon or Guide, depending on personal preferences. I like the Viper but it seems expensive at the normal selling price and as I recall, the eye cups were on the short side. I personally would pass on the Vanguard because of the 378 ft FOV which is small for a 32 mm binocular. I have not seen the Ranger. If you want to see an impressive 8X small porro, check out the Nikon 8X30 EII. It is incredible under the right viewing conditions.

BruceH said:

The Guide is a tremendous bargain right now with the current Cabela's $139.88 price.

Click to expand...

As is often seen when great minds think alike*, I would agree that the current price of a Guide Series 8x32 is a great bargain. And although I would still prefer the much more expensive M7 as they are just so darn, well.... useable, the G.S. is certainly the best buy in a low-priced 8x32 right now.

*ok, ok - don't laugh so hard......:king: