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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Steve C" data-source="post: 3376487" data-attributes="member: 56622">I agree with Lee here.  I have been saying for some time that ergonomics and handling are paramount in a users satisfaction with their binocular.  From my personal standpoint, there is adequate optical quality available starting with the ZEN Prime HD at about $750 (as an example).  It may well be taken to the $500 level with a number of excellent binoculars as well.  When you hit this optical quality level, I think the user is a lot better off with a well balanced, easy to handle binocular that has eye cups that fit the users eyes, and eye cup extension that matches the users needs.  The binocular has to be looked at as a holistic system that can operate symbiotically with the user.Ultimately the user needs to be able to shut off the little voices in their heads telling them there is something better and they need to upgrade.  A balanced system of the optics and mechanics of the binocular and the optical system of the user trumps a lot.  So we balance size and weight against optics.  We also have a lot of other things that need to find a balance too.  Just because it has decent size and weight for a particular users needs, it does not mean other ergonomics issues will not eliminate its use .Shutting off the little voices is largely where the personal preferences come to play.  Some can shut off those little voices far more easily than others.  A ZEN Prime HD or maybe a Vanguard Endeavor ED may do the trick.  Others value the subconscious knowledge of the superiority of their expensive alpha glass.  Those personal preferences are where the optics discussion that drive this place originate.  Where we each find a level of binocular where our subconscious will shut up and leave us alone to use the binocular is where we will find satisfaction.  I always say a binocular is a lot like any one of your friends.  They aren't your friends because they are perfect.  Your binocular is not perfect either.</blockquote>

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