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Message: <blockquote data-quote="perterra" data-source="post: 3254460" data-attributes="member: 103709">Was rhetorical but your post was the one that made me think about it.John I'm not sure it was a design flaw as much a design element, though it could be a design or casting flaw depending on your view of it. In the game of one upmanship I think there was a effort to say we have the lightest though that lightweight using thinner material uses less material thus lowering the cost. I know I love my Zen Ray Prime, but it's like holding a brick up to your eyes. I would think that the best way to lose weight would have been to switch to a polymer, but they caught hell when they tried that. It's similar I think to what is happening with the automotive industry, ever thinner window glass, ever thinner body panels, ever thinner castings. You get lighter and lighter, eventually you see issues. I think thats what we have, whether it's an out right flaw in design or execution, or it was a rush to market with a less than robust product, either way it is a problem in the eyes of those looking for a robust product. But if you want a light weight well balanced glass, it might be just the ticket. I think on the monkey see monkey do, when I see posts like why bother with Leica, I can see why there is a rush to change. Some folks want to see constant improvement, every year must be better than the last. I think that model is what wallstreet has chosen as well. Others, myself included think that if you bought a fine binocular in 1990 (or 1956 for that matter), and have maintained it well, it will be working today just as well as it did in 1990.Just because a new model comes out, doesnt mean the old model self destructs. To be honest with you, I dont see a vast improvement in optics from the 1960's era Topcon 7X50 porro and the new Zeiss Conquest HD. Not saying the Zeiss isnt a great product, it is, and it is in all repsects. But the Topcon holds it's on very well. But guys like me, you and swedpat have to face the facts, our economic market is based on making us think what we have is worthless when the new model comes out. :-O</blockquote>

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