I totally agree. I have ordered from ACE from here in the states. Fast shipping and their used rating of each item I have purchased were spot on, no surprises.Also, don't discount reputable second hand dealers such as ACE optics. Their rating system for second hand seems to be very fair, mint is mint.
Exc + is almost like new. Take a look at their site.
I had a great pair of mint condition Zeiss binos from them, they are as new, and saved quite a few quid. They had a great range of second hand stuff.
Well worth a look!!
I personally wouldn't do Ebay second hand, as there is no warranty, and although potentially you might get an even better bargain, I personally don't think it's worth the risk, and would rather pay a few quid more and get the dealer backing. Your choice of course.
Kowa Genesis, Meopta Meostar, Nikon EDG
I own a pair of the Opticron DBA VHD + 8x42 binocular and agree that they are a very good binocular which in my opinion provide an Alpha like view.The most impressive, as far as value for money goes, in my humble opinion, was the Opticron DBA vhd +
I couldn't believe how good they were. Not quite Alpha, but very close, and for the money, just astonishing.
I had some money to play with so went Zeiss, and pocket Swaro, but those Opticrons were very very good.
I'm sure that the alpha Zeiss FL is not 6x better than the BDII WD. But is it noticeably better?When I compare my Kowa 6.5x32 BDII WD at $350 to my Zeiss 8x32 FL at $2100 now
the Kowa is good enough for me at 1/6 the price, the Zeiss is not 6X better
edj
edj, do you have any other 8x32s that you have compared your Kowa BD2's with? I haven't looked through the Kowa's, but have heard good things about them. Just curious how they stack up against things like the Monarch 7 and Opticron Traveler and Maven B3 and such. -DrewWhen I compare my Kowa 6.5x32 BDII WD at $350 to my Zeiss 8x32 FL at $2100 now
the Kowa is good enough for me at 1/6 the price, the Zeiss is not 6X better
edj
Yes, the constant onslaught of photons will wear out the less pricey bins, no doubt....The reality is if you really use the glass, the Zeiss will last 6 times longer.
Due to the frequent/heavy use of the focusing mechanism, I presume?The reality is if you really use the glass, the Zeiss will last 6 times longer.
I have the Kowa 6.5x32s and sold my BDII 8x32s in favor of my MHGs. The Kowa are about equivalent to the M7. In 8x the Kowa are a bit brighter with a slightly wider FOV. Huge difference in ergonomics though. The contrast is superior in higher end binoculars like the MHG. The BDII is a very easy and relaxing view and I carry them regularly in the springedj, do you have any other 8x32s that you have compared your Kowa BD2's with? I haven't looked through the Kowa's, but have heard good things about them. Just curious how they stack up against things like the Monarch 7 and Opticron Traveler and Maven B3 and such. -Drew
A few months? Yeah... that would be crap quality, indeed, if it only lasts a few months before issues pop up.I do understand many do not want to drop $1000 on a binocular, and that is fine, however one should not be surprised if after a few months they have issues, we all get what we pay for no matter what it is.
Drewski... totally with you on the Conquest HD line. They're near-alpha and under a grand! Great choice, if 2-3x the price for alpha doesn't light your fire!I am extremely impressed with my new Nikon MHGs in 8x42. They are even a bit nicer to look through than my Conquests in 8x32, mostly notably a bit wider FOV. But I do enjoy the hand feel of the shorter and lighter Conquest. I'd throw them into the ring as legitimate competitors to the Big Three.