Death Of The Alpha? (1 Viewer)

[Alexis Powell]

DEFINITION OF AN ALPHA BINOCULAR

IMO an alpha binocular is one that has excellent build quality, mechanically functions superbly and when you look through it you go "WOW"! To me alpha means exceptional PERFORMANCE not a big name. I don't have to have a Zeiss, Swarovski or Leica badge on my binocular for it to be an alpha. I don't care if the manufacturer has been around for 100 years making binoculars. If a newcomer like Tract or Maven can make a binocular that performs like the so-called alpha's for 1/2 the price it IS an alpha in my book.

Alpha is a status conferred by communities (not individuals, not even Trump). Many have wished it to mean something different, but the meaning of words is found in their use. Words can be used in new ways (can be "redefined"), but if that usage becomes widespread it just means that a new meaning has become more relevant to users of the language, not that the old meaning has new applications.

--AP

 

[Hermann]

DEFINITION OF AN ALPHA BINOCULAR

IMO an alpha binocular is one that has excellent build quality, mechanically functions superbly and when you look through it you go "WOW"! To me alpha means exceptional PERFORMANCE not a big name. I don't have to have a Zeiss, Swarovski or Leica badge on my binocular for it to be an alpha. I don't care if the manufacturer has been around for 100 years making binoculars. If a newcomer like Tract or Maven can make a binocular that performs like the so-called alpha's for 1/2 the price it IS an alpha in my book.

ad 1: Maybe you go "WOW" far too easily.

ad 2: If you persist in redefining words, you may become a very lonely person pretty quickly.

Or you'll end up like Humpty Dumpty.

Hermann

 

[SuperDuty]

SV, SF

Just what is the definition, or what criteria make up alpha glass?

 

[JerryLogan]

Alpha is a status conferred by communities (not individuals, not even Trump). Many have wished it to mean something different, but the meaning of words is found in their use. Words can be used in new ways (can be "redefined"), but if that usage becomes widespread it just means that a new meaning has become more relevant to users of the language, not that the old meaning has new applications.

--AP

Unless, of course, Dennis is directing us toward the common usage of "alpha" in the investment community. Where there is a well established convention which conforms very nicely to his definition. See here: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/alpha.asp

I suppose it's possible the entirety of the securities market represents a small fraction of value compared to high-end binocular sales 😁, but I think Dennis's definition may represent the more common usage of "alpha".

Best,
Jerry

 

[ceasar]

There is no need to bring in definitions of what "Alpha" means in other industries in order to further confuse the definition as we use it here on Bird Forum.

Here on Bird Forum "Alpha" has always been used as a "slang" term of convenience to refer to the top of the line binoculars that were manufactured by Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski and Nikon and it never covered their 2nd line binoculars if they had any. Zeiss and Nikon did have 2nd lines of binoculars. Until recently Leica and Swarovski did not have 2nd line binoculars.

Bob

 

[Iceberg slim]

That is whats called freedom of choice, but aint necessarily my choice, your parameters are yours, my badge of choice at the moment is a nice little red Dot, used to be a nice little inlayed metal Hawk, and these choices are built up over 20 yrs use of "Top Dog" binoculars....But if your Half price Alpha bins fulfil your needs, 'Happy days"

 

[NDhunter]

No threat to the Alphas.

There is no need to bring in definitions of what "Alpha" means in other industries in order to further confuse the definition as we use it here on Bird Forum.

Here on Bird Forum "Alpha" has always been used as a "slang" term of convenience to refer to the top of the line binoculars that were manufactured by Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski and Nikon and it never covered their 2nd line binoculars if they had any. Zeiss and Nikon did have 2nd lines of binoculars. Until recently Leica and Swarovski did not have 2nd line binoculars.

Bob

Bob:

I agree with your thoughts, this sums things up very well.

There is no threat to the alpha brands, and they will continue to
do things at the highest level.

Jerry

 

[SuperDuty]

When I started the quest for better optics I tried the Kowa Genesis and Nikon SE, the Kowa being touted as near Alpha, the SE as the equal of anything ever made, I was not satisfied by the view of either one. When I saw the 10X42 SV for the first time, I knew I was looking through something very different, something truly superb, is the top Maven or Tract at the same level, I can't say without looking for myself obviously, but to me the Genesis and SE are far behind SV and SF level. Chuck is the one fellow on here with pretty much EVERYTHING, and he says the Maven and Track are excellent but below the top, I've got a good idea he's right, but I may have to look for myself in order to actually find out.

 

[NDhunter]

When I started the quest for better optics I tried the Kowa Genesis and Nikon SE, the Kowa being touted as near Alpha, the SE as the equal of anything ever made, I was not satisfied by the view of either one. When I saw the 10X42 SV for the first time, I knew I was looking through something very different, something truly superb, is the top Maven or Tract at the same level, I can't say without looking for myself obviously, but to me the Genesis and SE are far behind SV and SF level. Chuck is the one fellow on here with pretty much EVERYTHING, and he says the Maven and Track are excellent but below the top, I've got a good idea he's right, but I may have to look for myself in order to actually find out.

Go ahead, I wish all branders well. Just make sure they have a liberal
return policy.

The intent of this entire thread, is just a troll.

Jerry

 

[[email protected]]

Unless, of course, Dennis is directing us toward the common usage of "alpha" in the investment community. Where there is a well established convention which conforms very nicely to his definition. See here: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/alpha.asp

I suppose it's possible the entirety of the securities market represents a small fraction of value compared to high-end binocular sales 😁, but I think Dennis's definition may represent the more common usage of "alpha".

Best,
Jerry

Exactly!

 

[[email protected]]

That is whats called freedom of choice, but aint necessarily my choice, your parameters are yours, my badge of choice at the moment is a nice little red Dot, used to be a nice little inlayed metal Hawk, and these choices are built up over 20 yrs use of "Top Dog" binoculars....But if your Half price Alpha bins fulfil your needs, 'Happy days"

I don't NEED the Dot or the Hawk anymore. I just have a good view unencumbered by any factory prestige symbols. I feel FREE!

 

[[email protected]]

When I started the quest for better optics I tried the Kowa Genesis and Nikon SE, the Kowa being touted as near Alpha, the SE as the equal of anything ever made, I was not satisfied by the view of either one. When I saw the 10X42 SV for the first time, I knew I was looking through something very different, something truly superb, is the top Maven or Tract at the same level, I can't say without looking for myself obviously, but to me the Genesis and SE are far behind SV and SF level. Chuck is the one fellow on here with pretty much EVERYTHING, and he says the Maven and Track are excellent but below the top, I've got a good idea he's right, but I may have to look for myself in order to actually find out.

Let us know what you think. Both the Maven's and Tract's have easy returns. Your feedback would be interesting.

 

[Troubador]

I don't think I have been tortured. I have had a lot of binoculars. Some alpha and some not. I enjoy trying different binoculars so really the journey has been quite enjoyable.

But Dennis you poor thing, all of those years of telling us your ELs were the best in the world while you were really bent in sorrow and despair due to the horrible focusers. Sounds like torture to me.

Lee

 

[Troubador]

Exactly!

Exactly what, exactly?

Lee

 

[SuperDuty]

It will be a while, if it ever happens. I've bought and sold several thousand dollars worth of binoculars in the last two years and I'm in a fairly happy place right now with the SF. Checking out every new paradigm shifting revelation on this forum will work you to death and I'm ready to give that a rest for now. That being said, my curiosity will more than likely get the best of me at some point in the future, maybe I'll jump over to the Maven website and have a quick look, and then there's the $999 Canon deal, DAMN. :-O

Let us know what you think. Both the Maven's and Tract's have easy returns. Your feedback would be interesting.

 

[james holdsworth]

Exactly what, exactly?

Lee

You have to realize, Lee, many of these conversations are with himself.

 

[[email protected]]

But Dennis you poor thing, all of those years of telling us your ELs were the best in the world while you were really bent in sorrow and despair due to the horrible focusers. Sounds like torture to me.

Lee

I did have many Zeiss in between those Swarovski EL's which helped me get through those rough and lonely times.

 

[[email protected]]

Exactly what, exactly?

Lee

"Dennis's definition may represent the more common usage of "alpha"."

That is exactly what I meant.

 

[[email protected]]

It will be a while, if it ever happens. I've bought and sold several thousand dollars worth of binoculars in the last two years and I'm in a fairly happy place right now with the SF. Checking out every new paradigm shifting revelation on this forum will work you to death and I'm ready to give that a rest for now. That being said, my curiosity will more than likely get the best of me at some point in the future, maybe I'll jump over to the Maven website and have a quick look, and then there's the $999 Canon deal, DAMN. :-O

Try the Maven B.2 9x45. It is a sweet binocular. That is a heck of a deal on the Canon 10x42 IS-L. Brand new for a $1K. Smoking! Those are my favorite 10x's. Canon could be coming out with a MKII though because the price keeps dropping on them. I would be first in line for a MKII Canon 10x42 IS-L.

 

[chill6x6]

When I started the quest for better optics I tried the Kowa Genesis and Nikon SE, the Kowa being touted as near Alpha, the SE as the equal of anything ever made, I was not satisfied by the view of either one. When I saw the 10X42 SV for the first time, I knew I was looking through something very different, something truly superb, is the top Maven or Tract at the same level, I can't say without looking for myself obviously, but to me the Genesis and SE are far behind SV and SF level. Chuck is the one fellow on here with pretty much EVERYTHING, and he says the Maven and Track are excellent but below the top, I've got a good idea he's right, but I may have to look for myself in order to actually find out.

Robert...
If you are going to get curiosity let the best of you, I'd go a different direction. Have been using my EDG 8X42 a lot lately and....pretty easy to tell the difference optically and operationally between it and the Tract and Maven 8X42s. In fact the EDG may be becoming one of my top two. It's quite the binocular. I don't know why I waited so long to purchase one. It took me a while to warm up to it. Objective covers are a joke, ocular adjustment completely strange, hinge-tension a little to light... Focus adjustment is IMO the ONLY 10 out there. It IS a 10. Relatively small frame for a 8X42 as well. Optics...VERY pleasing to the eye.

Tract vs Endeavor ED II...
I probably am Not going to keep the Tract 8X42 and the Vanguard Endeavor ED II is the reason why. This is the binocular I keep in the truck and it gets a LOT of usage! I can find NO situation where the Tract is a better binocular. FOV is exactly the same. ED II focus adjustment is smoother. ED II has a locking diopter adjustment, Tract does not. ED II comes with a nice case, Tract comes with no case. Optically the ED II is as good or better and certainly has a flatter field. Warranty-same. And if I were buying now...ED II is about $300?? No brainer....