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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Steve C" data-source="post: 1388422" data-attributes="member: 56622">Fguo,Ok, I see a little better where you are coming from.  Stepping back in time a little, about the time the Viper came out, I had owned the 8x42 Monarch for several years and was looking for an upgrade.  One of the binoculars I had for awhile in this search was the 8x42 Viper.  So, in general, yes I would agree with you that the 8x42 Viper is sharper than the 8x42 Monarch.  I sold the 8x42 Viper when I got the 8x42 Promaster ELX ED.  So in general, I would say that when comparing equal magnifications, The ZEN/Promaster/Hawke binoculars are better instruments than the Vipers of equal magnifications.  But I didn't have the Viper 8x to compare to th ZEN ED 8x, nor a 10x Promaster to compare to the 10x ZEN ED.  Now as to the comparison between the 8x and 10x Vipers, I thought those I had were about equal in image characteristics.  But the comparison is 8x to 10x, so it is not an equal comparison.  Some people strongly prefer 8x, some 10x.  So I guess the opinion of the 8x vs the 10x Viper is that you will prefer whichever has the magnification you prefer.  So I do not think an assumption can be made, that in general the 10x Viper is worse than the 8x.  As another general comment, The Stokes DLS is a better glass than the Viper and is more directly comparable in image quality to these Chinese ED binoculars we are discussing.  SO, if you prefer the more traditional close hinge roof style, and value a fast focus, then you may prefere the Stokes.  But that is only my general impression, as I have not had a chance to compare the Stokes DLS to any of the Chinese ED's.There is some thought that in mid price binoculars, that since it is easier to make better quality with lesser magnification, that on average, the 8x may be better than the 10x.  That seems to hold more true for the Monarchs of 8x and 10x I have looked at. But, like I said, I thought my Vipers were pretty equal in terms of general optical characteristics.  That potential 8x vs 10x quality difference certainly has entered into the discussions of the 8x vs 10x ZEN class glass.  It appears that at least with whatever differences exist between my eyes and Kevins, the 10x ZEN ED seems equal to the task.</blockquote>

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