Post by: yakimanoob on May 16, 2018, 09:44:35 AM
I'm in the market for a proper 10x42 bino this year, and have had my sights (pun intended) set on the Vortex Viper HD 10x42. I'm hoping to find a good deal on one, but if I can't find a deal before late summer I'll spend up to $500.
My question is: what other/competing binos should I be watching? Leupold BX-3? BX-4? Something else? A rock-solid no-questions-asked warranty is vital, so that limits the brands I'm willing to spend $$ on.
What do you think?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 16, 2018, 10:09:16 AM
I ordered mine through the company, but when I was deciding I stopped at Sportco in Fife and looked through a set (along with Leupy Golden Rings and some Vortex offerings). I don't know if Sportco still carries them.
:twocents:
Post by: yakimanoob on May 16, 2018, 10:27:36 AM
????
Post by: Bucks2Ducks on May 16, 2018, 10:32:17 AM
If I was to buy a pair now cabelas has them for 499$ and you can usually find a cabelas coupon. Plus you can buy 100$ cabelas gift cards for 80$ on eBay. Meaning you cou could probably have a brand new pair for 400$.
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 16, 2018, 11:36:33 AM
Post by: firepin on May 16, 2018, 12:15:09 PM
Post by: JeffRaines on May 16, 2018, 12:52:56 PM
In all honesty, I love my Swaro SLCs, but I can't lie - I've considered selling them and picking up a pair of these to be money ahead.
Post by: addicted on May 16, 2018, 02:11:51 PM
Zeiss terra.+1 for Terra. Comparible to razors. Buddy just dropped my terras tumbling Dow 20 feet of Rocky slope, still good
Post by: yakimanoob on May 16, 2018, 02:27:55 PM
Zeiss terra.
+1 for Terra. Comparible to razors. Buddy just dropped my terras tumbling Dow 20 feet of Rocky slope, still good
Does Zeiss have the same warranty as Vortex/Leupold though?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 16, 2018, 04:25:39 PM
If you buy a pair you should get them at a bargain basement price considering there is no one to fix or replace them anymore.
Post by: chiwawadan on May 16, 2018, 04:38:04 PM
Small company out of Wyoming witht he same Vortex-style no-fault warranty.
You can order a "Demo unit" from their website for $315 + $15 shipping, they send it to you with a return label and you can try it out for a week or two. If you don't like within their allotted time, send it back and you get refunded less the $15 for shipping. Or you keep the glass for cheaper than new.
I just recently did the C.1 demo and decided to keep them. Originally wanted the Vortex Viper HDs, but after looking at reviews decided to demo the Maven C.1. Took them into Cabela's and side-by-side tested with the Vipers (and everything else). They are on par with the Vipers as far as optics is concerned. I preferred the Mavens, honestly. They don't stack up to the Razors or other $700+ binos, but for $330 all said and done they are fantastic. The demos get the same no-fault warranty, with the only exception being if they had to replace an entire unit they would give you another demo unit. My demo unit looked like new. You just don't get a fancy box.
Post by: JeffRaines on May 16, 2018, 05:22:38 PM
Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.
Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.
Post by: wildwood on May 16, 2018, 07:36:01 PM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on May 17, 2018, 11:16:10 AM
I think that is the direction I am going to upgrade over my diamondback's and let those become truck spares.
Post by: yakimanoob on May 17, 2018, 11:40:15 AM
Surprisingly, I found the BX-4s to be substantially better. I think it had a lot more to do with the shape of my face and hands than the quality of the product per se, but they felt a lot more natural. There was also truer color in the BX-4 than the old/existing Viper and a little less color fringing. The new Vipers and the BX-4 seems about equal optically.
So I guess I'm in the market for a pair of BX-4s now!
Post by: yakimanoob on May 17, 2018, 11:41:08 AM
I’ve found that, for me, anything Vortex over the Diamondbacks lags behind other comparable glass. The Vipers weren’t worth the money, nor were the Razors when I was bino shopping awhile back.
Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.
Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.
You are obviously underestimating my clumsiness.
Post by: jmscon on May 17, 2018, 12:21:07 PM
Post by: JeffRaines on May 17, 2018, 03:28:26 PM
I’ve found that, for me, anything Vortex over the Diamondbacks lags behind other comparable glass. The Vipers weren’t worth the money, nor were the Razors when I was bino shopping awhile back.
Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.
Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.
You are obviously underestimating my clumsiness.
Maybe I am, but maybe you’re overcompensating for your clumsiness. ;)
Post by: jrebel on May 17, 2018, 03:43:05 PM
I went in to Cabelas last night and got to look at the Vipers, the new 2018 Vipers, and the BX-4.
Surprisingly, I found the BX-4s to be substantially better. I think it had a lot more to do with the shape of my face and hands than the quality of the product per se, but they felt a lot more natural. There was also truer color in the BX-4 than the old/existing Viper and a little less color fringing. The new Vipers and the BX-4 seems about equal optically.
So I guess I'm in the market for a pair of BX-4s now!
Leupold vs Vortex is a no brainer in my books. Vortex aren't even in the same class. I know a lot of people will argue this, but in my humble opinion vortex is a lesser product.
leupold all the way.....unless you want to shell out the money for swaro, leica, etc.
Post by: jackelope on May 17, 2018, 10:20:52 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 18, 2018, 07:39:01 AM
I’ve found that, for me, anything Vortex over the Diamondbacks lags behind other comparable glass. The Vipers weren’t worth the money, nor were the Razors when I was bino shopping awhile back.it's not the risk of damage from being clumsy, it's the rate of failure with vortex optics. Focus wheels, hinges, eye cups, etc. I like the optic that doesn't need a good warranty. Like was said, most all have solid warranties these days, you just hear about vortex because everyone has to actually use the warranty 🤣
Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.
Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.
My vote would be the Zeiss terra. I've heard goid things about mavens but have yet to get hands on some.
Post by: dc on May 18, 2018, 07:46:25 AM
Post by: rtspring on May 18, 2018, 11:43:24 AM
Ford, Chevy, Dodge.......
Post by: jmscon on May 18, 2018, 12:33:03 PM
Post by: GUHunter on May 18, 2018, 10:11:40 PM
Post by: Eric M on May 19, 2018, 07:05:22 AM
Check out Cameraland NY online for deals on optics. Give them a call. You’d be hard pressed to find better customer service and some smoking deals now and then.+1 on Cameraland. I got my Leopold 10x42s there for about 200 less than retail. Also bought a scope through them. Good deals just need to hit the deals right. Sign up for their emails so you know when there is a deal.
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 19, 2018, 03:11:45 PM
I hadn't heard of Zen-Ray. Any knowledge of their warranty? Also, I can't even find a website for them... They seem to be selling on adorama.com though, so I guess they're still in business?
????
Same warranty as Vortex - lifetime for any reason.
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 19, 2018, 03:19:56 PM
Looks like they went out of business, so there goes the warranty!
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 19, 2018, 03:21:26 PM
Uhhh.. I guess cancel what I said about Zen Rays. Looks like they are going (or have gone) out of business (from what I can tell on the internets... :dunno: ). Too bad. I really like mine and they were great with the warranty when I dropped a pair and dented the eyecup. I guess that warranty no longer exists... I'll have to be careful with mine.
If you buy a pair you should get them at a bargain basement price considering there is no one to fix or replace them anymore.
Pretty strange. I could find very little online about the company.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 19, 2018, 04:41:45 PM
70% off https://n.stuccu.com/s/Zen+Ray+Binoculars?drsm=5b00a1c4eba0c90c8816b19a
Looks like they went out of business, so there goes the warranty!
Funny... as I am writing this, I am staring at a banner at the top of this page advertising Zen Ray Vistas, EDs and HDs... :dunno:
Post by: Mtnwalker on May 19, 2018, 05:10:58 PM
Zeiss terra.
+1 for Terra. Comparible to razors. Buddy just dropped my terras tumbling Dow 20 feet of Rocky slope, still good
Does Zeiss have the same warranty as Vortex/Leupold though?
Zeiss is great with warranty stuff. Just sent in an old conquest 3-9 scope that I had a target turret added to, it wasn't tracking right. They sent me a brand new HD5 2-10 as a replacement no cost, then upgraded me to a 3-15 for super cheap at my request.
Post by: JeffRaines on May 19, 2018, 05:32:31 PM
Honestly, instead of us sitting here blowing smoke about this bino or that bino, why don't you get yourself some field time - not in-store time, but field time with some of these binos. Once you see the low light performance(or lack thereof) on some of these you'll change your mind.
Post by: yakimanoob on May 30, 2018, 12:31:12 PM
Leupold BX-4 10x42
Vortex tripod and bino mount
Also HOLY FREAKING HECK, I'm 100% sold on the whole binos-on-a-tripod thing. Now I'm thinking about selling my little bushnell spotter and saving up for a pair of 15x binos (probably going for the Vipers there, as I don't want to spend the $$ on the BX-5s).
It's not letting me post the photo I took of the binos for some reason...
Post by: 7mmfan on May 30, 2018, 12:34:05 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 30, 2018, 01:18:16 PM
Post by: wildwood on May 30, 2018, 07:56:01 PM
Post by: BLR 243 on May 30, 2018, 09:05:49 PM
Post by: yakimanoob on May 30, 2018, 09:34:07 PM
I ended up with the vipers myself between the bx4s and Terra’s had a hell of a time focusing the bx4 and keeping them focused for some reason:tup:
The Vipers seemed like a great product overall. They just didn't "fit" my face and hands nearly as well as the BX-4s. I'm 100% sure I would not dislike the Vipers if I had them.
My first day review: The BX-4s are many leagues ahead of my other binos (Nikon Trailblazer 10x28), and the ability to put them on a tripod is a total game-changer. I've never really been able to see thermals well until today, nor have I ever been able to tell the subtle direction of wind through the leaves until today. I'm SUPER impressed with the optics and especially the glare-reduction of the BX-4s.
The only negatives I can come up with so far is that the field of focus isn't quite flat. If the center of the frame is in focus, the edges are soft, and vice-versa. I get how that could be $$$$$$ to fix and I'm sure the top-end Swaros/Leicas/etc are notably better in that regard. To their credit, I can also see how one would pick out more animals with the entire frame in focus, especially if using a tripod.
Main takeaway: I really really love my new binos, and if you're not putting your binos on a tripod you're just nuts. DO IT.
Post by: buglebrush on May 31, 2018, 01:31:02 AM
Post by: thinkingman on May 31, 2018, 07:29:14 AM
I'm shocked no one had mentioned Nikon's Monarch 7. Less money, but I'd take them all day every day over the vortex.IMHO, the best glass in that category.
Post by: yakimanoob on May 31, 2018, 08:48:45 AM
I love Nikon glass. My DSLR is a Nikon and when it dies, I'll get another one. My riflescope is a Nikon Prostaff 5 and I love it (for the price). I put the Monarch 7s against the BX-4s at Cabelas and found them to be about the same. I realize everyone's not on the same page with me on this, but the lifetime no-fault warranty means a lot to me. That, plus I got the BX-4s for less than I've seen the Monarch 7s going for made it a pretty easy choice for me :).I'm shocked no one had mentioned Nikon's Monarch 7. Less money, but I'd take them all day every day over the vortex.IMHO, the best glass in that category.
Post by: yakimanoob on May 31, 2018, 08:59:03 AM
After using them for several hunting seasons though, I realized that they're simply not the right product for the job. If I didn't have the $$ for the nicer binos I just bought, I would still have gotten a 10x42. Diamondback or something comparable. Although I am intrigued by the Diamondback 10x28s. I wonder how they compare to my Nikons, and I definitely appreciate that they fit on a tripod...
Anyway, thanks for the discussion everybody!