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Message: <blockquote data-quote="scobrown" data-source="post: 3194678" data-attributes="member: 125873">I've posted a similar post to that below in another thread, with someone asking about the pair I reference below... but I thought I'd share here, as well.  Sooooooo -- I was trying out some Monarchs at the store as part of my quest, still planning to wait a bit per my earlier post... and then I saw something:I was in the local shop trying out the Monarch 7s, of which they had them all.  I tried all -- the 10x42 displayed very poor QC, compared to previous pairs I'd tried, the 8x30 was nice and bright, sharpish to the edge, but the eye relief was lacking for my bespectacled face, which meant the window-glass field of view was not so glorious for me.  On a whim, I saw a Vanguard box sitting lonely on a shelf.  Could I try?  Sure...From opening the box, I was taken quite a bit -- the heft was reassuring, not overweight, and reminded one that inside was metal, not resin.  The covering felt grippy, but less spongy than the Nikons.  The eye cups clicked into place with a slight detent at each stop, and were metal lined, not plastic.  The diopter locked in and out smoothly, allowing for exceptional precision.  The focus knob was fast, but buttery smooth (very Nikon like) and, due to the nice DOF in the 8x42, not "too" fast - just swift and crisp.  The field of view was average to above average, hovering between entry/mid level 'nocs and the $1000k pairs and, while less wide than the Nikons, the sharpness was stronger to the edge (I'd estimate 80-90% sweet spot, with no noticeable light fall-off and only minimal sharpness loss).  The contrast, brightness (in daylight), and overall color rendition reminded me of the Nikon Premiers -- perhaps due to the silver coatings.  What really sold me, however, is more ineffable -- I just really enjoyed using them and the view was relaxing.  No fussing, just lovely views.I figure I'll still keep an eye out here on the forums and such for a stray Alpha in need of a nice home, but I am exceptionally happy and look forward to just using my new pair, no longer obsessing over the next pair (which we are all too good at, aren't we, and which I'm sure will one day again lure me in with its siren's call)...Best wishes,ScottPS - Vanguard NAILS the accessories -- the strap is delightful, the case exceptional (zippered!)... and despite some claims otherwise, I think the customer service should prove high quality, if needed.  I've owned one of their high end tripods for years and had great service when I once needed it.  I am biased, since they are based about an hour from my home, but still believe they'll pull through if needed...</blockquote>

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