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Message: <blockquote data-quote="typo" data-source="post: 3566441" data-attributes="member: 83808">RP,I don't know the Kruger or Leupold but from your original list I would suggest the Bushnell is probably the best of the rest for size of sweetspot and colour neutrality, but maybe the warmer colour of the Vanguard would cut through the haze and give you a clearer view at long range. As for build quality, the Vanguard seems to be put together quite well. I've on tried the Bushnell briefly on three occasions and it seemed OK, but there has been at least one report on the forum about dioptre mechanism problems. I should point out that I found the eye positioning on the Vanguard 10x42 more critical with glasses than the 8x42.I have no particular reason to doubt the engineering quallity of the more expensive Chinese made models, but the Japanese manufacturers have a longer track record of quality control and reliability and can have longer warranties, and tend to be a little higher priced. The Vortex Viper HD has been made in Japan for many years but it's been said that assembly may have switched to China. If the parts are still Japanese I would guess it's unlikely to be a problem. Opticron, based in the UK and Kite based in Belgium carry Japanese made models in your price range. These tend not have the flat field technology of the Vanguard and Bushnell but I don't find that an issue. The Opticron Countryman HD, I rather like. A comparatively simple design with good ergonomics. The Kite Petrel has been around for a while and is a little pricier. The field of view is not impressive but I think the x50s in particular offer a nice window on the world and are still fairly light. The new Opticron Imagic BGA VHD has the ED glass and more up to date coatings and the x42s are supposed to be same design as the Tract Toric. They obviously also share some common elements of design with the older Kite Petrel and I'm looking forward to trying the x50s when I get a chance. As a hiking model I'd personally choose something rather more compact. The Chinese made Nikon Monarch 7 and, in my opinion, the slightly better Japanese made Kite Lynx HD 8x30 are both popular on the forum. The new Opticron Traveller ED 8x32 is obviously from the same family and has more friendly eye relief for those who wear glasses. I've not had a chance to see how they compare to the Nikon and Kite though.Good luck,David</blockquote>

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