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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kevin Conville" data-source="post: 1584905" data-attributes="member: 63161">If the consensus of BF members is to bestow the alpha moniker on Zeiss, I would not argue, but not for historical reasons. Though I agree that Zeiss has been innovative, at the time I bought my first pair of full size Leicas (1991) Zeiss models were not waterproof, had fold down rubber eyecups, and a non-locking diopter. The Trinovids I bought were waterproof to 5 meters, had pop out eyecups, and the much copied center locking diopter. Leica also had/have a unique focus system that didn't gum up in cold weather. Oh yeah, they also had very effective hard, scratch resistant coatings. Even my 1982 10x25 Trinovids had pop out eyecups.Anyway, that was then and this now. By sheer vote of hands I'd guess Zeiss wins the prize today, here on Bird Forum, for alpha bin 2009. I don't happen to agree necessarily, but hey, viva la difference!</blockquote>