GPO Passion ED - same specs as Hawke Frontier ED X ? (1 Viewer)

[bins987]

Hi everyone, I'm in the market for a $500 8x42 binocular and reading this forum has been really useful so far

When I was reading specs on the following - Nikon M7, GPO Passion ED, Hawke Frontier ED X, Athlon Midas - I found a surprising similarity in the specs expect for the Nikon.

For eg, the GPO and Hawke are almost the same in every spec:

https://gpo-usa.com/product/passion-ed-8x42-charcoal-black/

https://us.hawkeoptics.com/frontier-ed-x-8x42-binocular-grey.html

Questions:
1. Reading through previous threads, GPO is mentioned to independently design their bins - why are they so similar to Hawke?
2. These models of GPO or Hawke - are they roughly in same ballpark on optical qualities?
3. Nikon is $100 more expensive - Is it best of the list? (sorry if this question is not appropriate for this sub-forum).

 

[jgraider]

I noticed the same thing when I was shopping for an inexpensive, high value 8x42, with the GPO, Hawke, and Midas. I doubt there's a nickle's worth of difference between any of them. I wound up with a $218 Athlon Midas and it is a stellar performer.

 

[bins987]

I see, thank you! I'll make a decision based on look and feel. And price.

Given these are clones, I'm not sure if there is any reason to spend about $150 more on GPO or Hawke compared to Athlon unless I am missing something.

 

[chartwell99]

I see, thank you! I'll make a decision based on look and feel. And price.

Given these are clones, I'm not sure if there is any reason to spend about $150 more on GPO or Hawke compared to Athlon unless I am missing something.

The Athlon I examined had noticeable slop in the focus mechanism with just so-so optics.