poverty wagon
Well-known member
Hello,
First time posting although I’ve been a troll here for almost a year. I find the information here very valuable and somewhat addictive for someone who likes to shop for and buy new equipment.
On to my question. Can a mid priced 8x32 roof replace an entry level priced 8x42 roof for general birding? Specifically, is the Leupold Mojave 8x32 or Nikon M7 8x30 equal to or better than a Vanguard Endevor 8x42 as a primary glass?
Background:
My wife and I just started birding this last summer and we’ve really been enjoying it. We currently have three sets of binos: Vortex Diamondback 8x32 (impulse buy, demoted to back up), Zen Ray ZRS 8x42 (wife’s primary) and Vanguard Endevor ED 8x42 (my primary). Being the equipment obsessed geek of the family, I’m always looking for something better out there that I would be happier with. I am not (yet) at the point of investing in alpha level optics, but if I sell one of our current binos and add some cash, I could upgrade to something in the $300 to $400 range. My current thoughts are to sell the Diamondbacks, buy the Mojave or M7 as my primary, and demote the Endevor to back up/low light use. My wife is quite happy with her Zen Ray’s so no change there.
What I’ve discovered about myself and binos:
• I like a closed bridge more than an open bridge. The Vanguards are nice optically, especially considering the closeout pricing on Amazon. But when I grip it, there isn’t enough space between the barrels to comfortably wrap my fingers.
• I like a short, compact roofs. This sounds silly, but more compact binos look a little less “over the top” when at non birding events like sporting events or concerts.
• I really like the form factor of the 8x32 diamondbacks. Big enough for a full grip and decent size exit pupil, but small enough to be convenient for travel and easier to carry. They are a very good bino for the price, but I would like something a little more refined optically.
• I would like a flatter field. The pincushion in the Diamondbacks is acceptable in the field, but it is bothersome in man-made environments. Watching my nephew’s choir concert, the kids in the middle of the view appeared normal, but the kids further away from the center of view got more bendy.
• I’m not a fan of field flatteners. I looked through a Leupold BX-4 and I was more bothered by rolling ball than I ever was from pincushion of my current binos.
• I love the idea of a lifetime no questions asked warranty (vortex and Vanguard), but realistically I will probably go my entire life without taking advantage of it so it is not a deal breaker.
Sorry for the long post, but it’s probably better than the open ended “what’s the best 8x42 out there?” kind of question. I also realize that binoculars are kind of like shoes. What fits and works for one person may not work for another. But I’m still interested general thoughts on mid level 8x32 vs entry level 8x42.
Thanks everyone.
First time posting although I’ve been a troll here for almost a year. I find the information here very valuable and somewhat addictive for someone who likes to shop for and buy new equipment.
On to my question. Can a mid priced 8x32 roof replace an entry level priced 8x42 roof for general birding? Specifically, is the Leupold Mojave 8x32 or Nikon M7 8x30 equal to or better than a Vanguard Endevor 8x42 as a primary glass?
Background:
My wife and I just started birding this last summer and we’ve really been enjoying it. We currently have three sets of binos: Vortex Diamondback 8x32 (impulse buy, demoted to back up), Zen Ray ZRS 8x42 (wife’s primary) and Vanguard Endevor ED 8x42 (my primary). Being the equipment obsessed geek of the family, I’m always looking for something better out there that I would be happier with. I am not (yet) at the point of investing in alpha level optics, but if I sell one of our current binos and add some cash, I could upgrade to something in the $300 to $400 range. My current thoughts are to sell the Diamondbacks, buy the Mojave or M7 as my primary, and demote the Endevor to back up/low light use. My wife is quite happy with her Zen Ray’s so no change there.
What I’ve discovered about myself and binos:
• I like a closed bridge more than an open bridge. The Vanguards are nice optically, especially considering the closeout pricing on Amazon. But when I grip it, there isn’t enough space between the barrels to comfortably wrap my fingers.
• I like a short, compact roofs. This sounds silly, but more compact binos look a little less “over the top” when at non birding events like sporting events or concerts.
• I really like the form factor of the 8x32 diamondbacks. Big enough for a full grip and decent size exit pupil, but small enough to be convenient for travel and easier to carry. They are a very good bino for the price, but I would like something a little more refined optically.
• I would like a flatter field. The pincushion in the Diamondbacks is acceptable in the field, but it is bothersome in man-made environments. Watching my nephew’s choir concert, the kids in the middle of the view appeared normal, but the kids further away from the center of view got more bendy.
• I’m not a fan of field flatteners. I looked through a Leupold BX-4 and I was more bothered by rolling ball than I ever was from pincushion of my current binos.
• I love the idea of a lifetime no questions asked warranty (vortex and Vanguard), but realistically I will probably go my entire life without taking advantage of it so it is not a deal breaker.
Sorry for the long post, but it’s probably better than the open ended “what’s the best 8x42 out there?” kind of question. I also realize that binoculars are kind of like shoes. What fits and works for one person may not work for another. But I’m still interested general thoughts on mid level 8x32 vs entry level 8x42.
Thanks everyone.