Bresser Everest (ED) 8x42 (1 Viewer)

[FrankD]

Hi Frank, Very interesting thread! Yes Bresser is just on the cover, the body and focuser have Meade Montana on them no country of origin. There is number on it 0262.

This is way better than my 8x32SE.

I love sarcasm!8-P

I have owned the Montanas, twice, as well as the Bushnell Discoverers. They aren't as good as the SEs.

 

[brocknroller]

Any chance you have the link to that review? I could always google it but you would save me some time.

I am not really big on the 8.5x magnification, mostly because of the subsequent narrower true field of view, but I am willing to give any new model a fair shake. Considering the price, in the grand scheme of things, they aren't quite the value that the Everests are but if they do truly perform at the $2000+ level then $800 isn't a bad value at all. I did see in the description that they utilize Hoya glass.

True, but the resale value is going to suck, particularly in the U.S.

"What's a Bresser? Sounds German. Must be for that price, but I never heard of 'em. Hoya glass? I thought they made beans?"

I wonder if they have those elongated thumb grooves like the Minox. I've admired the Minox APOs for a long time, because I like the Volkswagen design, they get good reviews, and are very light for a full sized bin, but the price made them unobtainable. But if the Bresser clone costs $800, that might change the picture if the warranty is comparable. Who is going to service these in the U.S.? Meade?

Despite the clone aspect, I think they are going to be a tough sell with the Zeiss Conquest HD at the same price point.

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[Stet]

True, but the resale value is going to suck, particularly in the U.S.

"What's a Bresser? Sounds German. Must be for that price, but I never heard of 'em. Hoya glass? I thought they made beans?"

I wonder if they have those elongated thumb grooves like the Minox. I've admired the Minox APOs for a long time, because I like the Volkswagen design, they get good reviews, and are very light for a full sized bin, but the price made them unobtainable. But if the Bresser clone costs $800, that might change the picture if the warranty is comparable. Who is going to service these in the U.S.? Meade?

Despite the clone aspect, I think they are going to be a tough sell with the Zeiss Conquest HD at the same price point.

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People that are into photography will recognize the Hoya name. They make excellent multi-coated filters that handle glare very well.

 

[mayoayo]

People that are into photography will recognize the Hoya name. They make excellent multi-coated filters that handle glare very well.

They also own Pentax........

 

[eitanaltman]

Looking forward to your thoughts on the Zeiss Terra ED, Frank...

 

[FrankD]

Eitan,

My impressions tend to mirror yours Eitan. I think you mentioned that it wasn't a "game changer" but they certainly are competitive with others in their price range. They were smaller than I expected. The overall impression I received from them were along the lines of "bright" and sharp. They definitely have the Zeiss-blend of antireflective coatings as the color rendition was neutral to ever-so-slightly cold. I compared them with the Bressers and also with the HTs. I thought it was very obvious that they were "of the same mold" as the HTs.

Speaking of which, this was my first time with the HTs and I have to say that I can see why everyone is commenting about the HT ergonomics. Unique and comfortable are the two words that come to mind about them. Different feel altogether compared with just about anything else I have handled. I am going to post some more comments about the HTs in the HT thread.

I do want to share some pics of my current excursion as I am attending an Optics Sale down in Cape May New Jersey. After looking at quite a few optics I did a little birding down at the Lighthouse area. Beautiful area and I highly recommend that folks visit if they are anywhere near close.

Now, to relate this to the topic of this thread. I know I am going to p*^* a lot of people off with this next statement but I really did not feel that the Bresser was outclassed by either binocular. Dennis will appreciate my saying that I thought the apparent centerfield sharpness equaled that of not only the Terra ED but dare I say the Conquest HD? Unless my eyes have really gone south in the last year or so I can honestly say that I saw practically no difference in this area. Furthermore, I preferred the warmer color bias/contrast of the Bresser. CA control within the sweetspot was just as good in the Bresser as either of the Zeiss glasses.

Another note for those keeping tabs on various nitpick issues, the Bresser's focus does not stiffen up in colder temperatures. Though the temps haven't dipped much below the mid 20s (F), I can say that it is just as smooth and precise under those conditions as it is at room temperature.

Lastly, I did not handle a single binocular today that had better ergonomic appeal than the Bresser.

Does it sound like I am really talking these bins up? Maybe, but then the other two bird forum contributors that have purchased them at this point had much the same experiences.

 

[[email protected]ast.n]

Even the Conquest HD? I tried the Bresser's focus in the cold in Colorado and it doesn't stiffen up at all. Great! They must have used the correct grease or no grease like Leica. I think the Bresser is as good ergo wise as the Swaro EL.

 

[ceasar]

Eitan,

My impressions tend to mirror yours Eitan. I think you mentioned that it wasn't a "game changer" but they certainly are competitive with others in their price range. They were smaller than I expected. The overall impression I received from them were along the lines of "bright" and sharp. They definitely have the Zeiss-blend of antireflective coatings as the color rendition was neutral to ever-so-slightly cold. I compared them with the Bressers and also with the HTs. I thought it was very obvious that they were "of the same mold" as the HTs.

Speaking of which, this was my first time with the HTs and I have to say that I can see why everyone is commenting about the HT ergonomics. Unique and comfortable are the two words that come to mind about them. Different feel altogether compared with just about anything else I have handled. I am going to post some more comments about the HTs in the HT thread.

I do want to share some pics of my current excursion as I am attending an Optics Sale down in Cape May New Jersey. After looking at quite a few optics I did a little birding down at the Lighthouse area. Beautiful area and I highly recommend that folks visit if they are anywhere near close.

Now, to relate this to the topic of this thread. I know I am going to p*^* a lot of people off with this next statement but I really did not feel that the Bresser was outclassed by either binocular. Dennis will appreciate my saying that I thought the apparent centerfield sharpness equaled that of not only the Terra ED but dare I say the Conquest HD? Unless my eyes have really gone south in the last year or so I can honestly say that I saw practically no difference in this area. Furthermore, I preferred the warmer color bias/contrast of the Bresser. CA control within the sweetspot was just as good in the Bresser as either of the Zeiss glasses.

Another note for those keeping tabs on various nitpick issues, the Bresser's focus does not stiffen up in colder temperatures. Though the temps haven't dipped much below the mid 20s (F), I can say that it is just as smooth and precise under those conditions as it is at room temperature.

Lastly, I did not handle a single binocular today that had better ergonomic appeal than the Bresser.

Does it sound like I am really talking these bins up? Maybe, but then the other two bird forum contributors that have purchased them at this point had much the same experiences.

By coincidence today I ran into an old friend who showed me an old, inexpensive porro prism Brunton 10/30 x 60 Zoom binocular he has owned for years. It looks exactly like the (inexpensive) Bresser Hunter Porro series of binoculars shown at the bottom of the link below.

www.bresser.com

Bob

 

[FrankD]

Wow, I wonder how long that model has been produced....in anyone's lineup. Either it is relatively inexpensive to produce or very popular. That does give me the idea of starting another thread on "Name a current production model that has been in production the longest...."

Nikon Action? If you discount the various versions that have come and gone throughout the years. Of course it was just replaced, or should I say "renamed" under the Aculon title. Well, that is a topic for another thread.

Back to the Bresser....

I used it again this morning to bird another small patch here in Cape May. I did note CA outside of the sweetspot when I went to look for it and/or when a fast moving, high-contrast bird flew through my field of view. In other conditions I did not note it and at no time did I note it inside of the sweetspot.

Focus tension continues to remain smooth and precise under all conditions. Temps were again in the mid-20s this morning so I think that speaks well of usability with the focus. No complaints about apparent sharpness, brightness or contrast. It has performed flawlessly for a variety of birds under a variety of conditions.

Definitely recommend it if you are under a tight-budget.

 

[[email protected]]

Cape May looks quite nice. You have some nice birding areas in Easter PA. At the binocular sale they have there are there some good buys?

 

[FrankD]

Dennis,

Cape May is actually on the southern tip of New Jersey...the eastern edge of the Cheseapeake Bay.

As for the optics sale, it was basically 10-15% of all products (Kowa, Zeiss, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski and Opticron) with some higher percentages on products from those companies plus some others on products that may have been in the store for some time.

So, for example, the Swaro 8.5x42 usually sells for around $2300. At the store this weekend it was selling for $2030.

 

[lilcrazy2]

Dennis,

Cape May is actually on the southern tip of New Jersey...the eastern edge of the Cheseapeake Bay.

It's the eastern edge of the Delaware Bay as the Chesapeake Bay is farther down in Maryland.

You ought to take the Cape May/ Lewes car ferry over to Lewes Delaware and cruise around Herring Point and Gordon Pond coatal areas which are famous in Delaware for the sheer variety of birds. There are a zillion costal marshes running from the Northern part of Delaware all the way down the Delaware Bay to the Atlantic Ocean at Lewes. All the surf fishermen (me included) get pissed every May when they close a lot of the beaches for the red knot migration, as well as other nesting shore birds.

Ironic how little press Delaware gets for it's birding populations, although it is one of the main East Coast flyways. Guess that's why our license plates used to read - "Delaware - Small Wonder"

 

[FrankD]

My apologies Tom. You are of course correct. As is happening more often as I get older, I mean one thing but type another.

Coincidentally, I did research the ferry as the future Mrs was cconsidering shopping in Lewes while I was birding.

I will have to make a birding trip down to Delaware at some point. Thank you for bringing the area to light on the forums.

 

[eitanaltman]

Eitan,

My impressions tend to mirror yours Eitan. I think you mentioned that it wasn't a "game changer" but they certainly are competitive with others in their price range. They were smaller than I expected. The overall impression I received from them were along the lines of "bright" and sharp. They definitely have the Zeiss-blend of antireflective coatings as the color rendition was neutral to ever-so-slightly cold. I compared them with the Bressers and also with the HTs. I thought it was very obvious that they were "of the same mold" as the HTs.

Yes, they were surprisingly compact for a 42mm roof. In a way they were like the Zeiss version of Nikon Monarchs; although obviously different in many respects they have that similar "feel in the hand" in the sense of being relatively short and compact for 42mm roofs with those nice tapered barrels.

I also picked up that "Zeiss feel" to the image, it felt very bright and natural. I actually liked the color balance a lot. I also REALLY liked the ergonomics, and curious what you thought. They were really comfy to hold and the focus knob was much better than what you typically find on cheaper roofs, very smooth and fast. But I have a subjective preference for fast, light and smooth focus.

Like I mentioned in my review, they didn't crush the other $300-400 competition, but they don't HAVE to. Because they have one monstrous competitive advantage in that blue "Zeiss" label. They don't have to be the best sub $400 roof optically, they just have to be *among* the best, because the intangible advantages of the brand aura are going to be huge.

That's why I feel like they will be such a winner for Zeiss... if the typical buyer is thinking about spending $300ish for a Nikon Monarch, or "worse" some "no name" brand like Bresser or Vanguard or Carson or Zen-Ray, now they can buy a ZEISS with comparable performance. In addition to the feel good jollies of seeing that blue label, they are certain to have much better resale value down the road.

 

[NDhunter]

Yes, they were surprisingly compact for a 42mm roof. In a way they were like the Zeiss version of Nikon Monarchs; although obviously different in many respects they have that similar "feel in the hand" in the sense of being relatively short and compact for 42mm roofs with those nice tapered barrels.

I also picked up that "Zeiss feel" to the image, it felt very bright and natural. I actually liked the color balance a lot. I also REALLY liked the ergonomics, and curious what you thought. They were really comfy to hold and the focus knob was much better than what you typically find on cheaper roofs, very smooth and fast. But I have a subjective preference for fast, light and smooth focus.

Like I mentioned in my review, they didn't crush the other $300-400 competition, but they don't HAVE to. Because they have one monstrous competitive advantage in that blue "Zeiss" label. They don't have to be the best sub $400 roof optically, they just have to be *among* the best, because the intangible advantages of the brand aura are going to be huge.

That's why I feel like they will be such a winner for Zeiss... if the typical buyer is thinking about spending $300ish for a Nikon Monarch, or "worse" some "no name" brand like Bresser or Vanguard or Carson or Zen-Ray, now they can buy a ZEISS with comparable performance. In addition to the feel good jollies of seeing that blue label, they are certain to have much better resale value down the road.

Eiten:

So many binoculars mentioned, are you referring to the Bresser or to the
Zeiss Terra or Conquest ?

Jerry

 

[eitanaltman]

Sorry, I am specifically talking about the Zeiss Terra ED.

 

[NDhunter]

Sorry, I am specifically talking about the Zeiss Terra ED.

Thanks, that is what I thought, but now it is clear.

Jerry

 

[brocknroller]

My apologies Tom. You are of course correct. As is happening more often as I get older, I mean one thing but type another.

Coincidentally, I did research the ferry as the future Mrs was cconsidering shopping in Lewes while I was birding.

I will have to make a birding trip down to Delaware at some point. Thank you for bringing the area to light on the forums.

Frank,

No fair feigning senility when you're only in your 30s! Wait until you hit the Big Hawaii 5-0 and go into a room twice in the same day and can't remember why you went in there, then you can use it as an excuse. Until then, "Book 'em, Dano” :-C

The Delaware Memorial Bridge is the coolest suspension bridge I've been on. It's like a roller coaster ride, you go up and up and up until you hit the crest and then put it in low as you roll downhill. It's also nice that it has two spans, so all the traffic is moving in the same direction.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Del_Mem_Br.jpg

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[FrankD]

40 Brock...40.

 

[[email protected]]

40 Brock...40.

I got the Kowa Genesis's 8x32 and they are very high quality and their optics are very good . I would say slightly better than the Bresser's but I did my CA test and I still see CA at the top of my black smokestack against a white sky as I do with all my binoculars. No different and no better. The sweetspot is smallish on the Kowa's I think for their price. Although the mechanics and ergonomics are very good on them I don't think they are worth $1200.00. They are not worth 6x the price of the Bresser's and they are not quite up to alpha level optics. Perhaps a rung below. Then I am trying my Bresser's and I go to screw out the eyecups and one of the eyecups FALLS off in my hand. OH GREAT! It looks like they are glued on with maybe two little spots of glue. I swear I am not buying any more Chinese POS binoculars no matter how much Frank rants and raves about them. The optics are very good on them but the build quality is crap. I have hardly used them! That would be great if you have these things in Costa Rica on an expensive birding trip and they let you down like this. Stick with your alpha's. Sorry Frank they just lost my recommendation!