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  1. Spiral Horn

    Best Range Finders

    If we are talking compact rangefinders for hunting, Leica is hard to beat.
  2. Spiral Horn

    Tract Toric 8x42/10x42: Great Value?

    The Toric binoculars offer a lot of value. To me they are a bit of niche binocular in a very good price point. For just under $700 they offer great performance for those whose budgets just cannot stretch to that $1k or higher mark (and they compare well to many optics in that class). I’ve...
  3. Spiral Horn

    Bino decisions

    Sure. It wasn’t a comprehensive list. The HG is a wonderful binocular. But as I always say, there is no such thing as a perfect binocular. Each is a compromise of features to varying degrees. One may offer a smidge better resolution/crispness, but be much heavier or have less color...
  4. Spiral Horn

    Bino decisions

    Since the price quoted was $1999 let’s assume we are discussing the 10x42 EL SV. Let’s begin by saying as far as pure resolution is concerned the EL remains an exceptional binocular. When it first arrived on the scene a few decades ago it was completely revolutionary with many firsts - flat...
  5. Spiral Horn

    Bino decisions

    If the OP or anyone else posing this challenge will first post a detailed response as to why the Swarovski EL is the best deal going in binoculars then I’ll respond, as “no” was a complete response to the way the question was posed.
  6. Spiral Horn

    Bino decisions

    NO
  7. Spiral Horn

    Swarovski vs Zeiss

    If comparing the EL and SF primarily as a hand-held binocular, then hands-down the SF. I’ve compared these two extensively and prefer the SF image. In addition, the focus and handling of the SF is clearly superior. Also own both the NL and SF. They are very close in virtually all respects...
  8. Spiral Horn

    How to buy alpha spotter

    Many on BirdForum are also astronomers. Many involved in this hobby a have depth of optics expertise and experience leagues beyond that of most experienced hunters. Optics are a component of hunting, they are everything in astronomy. Is there sample variation between different specimens of...
  9. Spiral Horn

    How to buy alpha spotter

    At a minimum that practice is extremely unethical.
  10. Spiral Horn

    15x Glass

    The OP was very clear that he had a $1500 budget. With that in mind he can actually buy the B5. The $2400 SLC is much more than he said he can afford. Is the SLC a better binocular = yes, but for $900 more it should be, and even then the B5 isn’t put to shame by the SLC. The B5 is an...
  11. Spiral Horn

    15x Glass

    If my budget was $1500 the Maven B5 would be at the top of my list. They are a great value and a splendid optic.
  12. Spiral Horn

    15x binos or spotter?

    Either the 15x56 B5 or SLC would be solid choices and I personally wouldn’t buy anything of lower quality. With high magnification binoculars everything is magnified, including aberrations. Minor optical imperfections are very noticeable. I spent a bit of time with both the 15 and 18x Maven...
  13. Spiral Horn

    Maven binos

    If all components and material quality is equal an AK design will generally outperform an SP design in both light transmission and apparent resolution - that’s just simple physics. However, SP systems are preferred due their more compact design enables ever more compact yet high performing optics.
  14. Spiral Horn

    Which optics brands are “alpha”?

    The title “Alpha” in terms of binoculars has been around for quite some time. It traditionally meant those brands/models with their own in-house manufacturing operation producing product lines offering consistent optical excellence, exceptional build quality and the best materials, as well as...
  15. Spiral Horn

    Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 - best all around binocular?

    Although a premium 30-32mm objective binocular can produce spectacular image quality in full daylight a 42 or 50mm with the same optical design/components will always produce a more robust image. The advantages are always there but are more clearly noticeable in low light.
  16. Spiral Horn

    Zeiss Conquest HD Sale

    $200 off sale on all Zeiss Conquest HD Binoculars begins March 22.
  17. Spiral Horn

    EL 10x42 vs SFL 10x40

    HGs and B2s are night and day in size and handling. The views are also very different. Resolution is very close with maybe a slight edge to the B2; color saturation to the HG; ease of view - both are very good with a slight edge to the B2. The B2 has a slight optical advantage throughout as it...
  18. Spiral Horn

    EL 10x42 vs SFL 10x40

    I have both the HG and SFL. While the HG is a fine binocular the SFL is a noticeable step up in refinement. Personally I really don’t like the handling of the EL but can see its merits as a tripod mounted glass.
  19. Spiral Horn

    Zeiss "Lifetime" Warranty - refusal to stand behind its product

    To add to what Matt said. Zeiss Lotutec Lens Coating is exceptionally good and has certainly stood the test of time. Lotutec coated lenses would not be easy to scratch without subjecting the lens to some kind of serious abuse. But I managed to do it when I dropped my Zeiss SF on a rocky slope...
  20. Spiral Horn

    Zeiss "Lifetime" Warranty - refusal to stand behind its product

    Think you’ve missed the point entirely. A number of folks posted they were basing buying decisions on what was posted here, and at least one of those folks said they backed off on buying the Conquest due to this thread. That’s kind of silly. If folks have never had a warranty service issue...

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