Image Stabilization BInos : Sig Zulu 6 vs. Canon IS vs. Kite/APC

[Hungry like the Wolf]

I'm looking to get a new pair of image stabilized binos . I currently have the gen 1 Sig Zulu6 16x42 . They are fantastic , I love them . A real game changer . I was looking at the new gen Zulus and in the 18x50 model . In doing so I came across a couple of other IS binos made by companies less in the hunting space and more geared towards bird watchers etc.
2 questions :
1) Anybody have any experience with the Kite Optics APC 18x50 or the Canon IS 18x50 ?

2) Is it worth the upgrade from the gen 1 Zulu 6 16x42 to the new Sig Zulu 6 HDX Pro 18x50 ?

Thanks Fellas

 

[swavescatter]

You've read my rant about HDX Pro's being total POS's, but don't believe anyone - try them yourself. Buy all the optics from Cabela's or another big box store and return the ones you don't like. My experience with the Pro's was that QC was all over the place; you may get a good set or a trash set, but Sig will tell you "they meet spec".

The Canons or Kites are going to be harder to buy with a return option, but maybe Amazon?

 

[Hungry like the Wolf]

You've read my rant about HDX Pro's being total POS's, but don't believe anyone - try them yourself. Buy all the optics from Cabela's or another big box store and return the ones you don't like. My experience with the Pro's was that QC was all over the place; you may get a good set or a trash set, but Sig will tell you "they meet spec".

The Canons or Kites are going to be harder to buy with a return option, but maybe Amazon?

Thats a good idea , buy all 3 and see which ones are the best . Thanks

 

[JJ_whitetailhunter]

You've read my rant about HDX Pro's being total POS's, but don't believe anyone - try them yourself. Buy all the optics from Cabela's or another big box store and return the ones you don't like. My experience with the Pro's was that QC was all over the place; you may get a good set or a trash set, but Sig will tell you "they meet spec".

The Canons or Kites are going to be harder to buy with a return option, but maybe Amazon?

Have you ever looked through the zulu 14x50 pros or know anyone that has?

 

[swavescatter]

Have you ever looked through the zulu 14x50 pros or know anyone that has?

No sorry. Though I’m guessing all my complaints will hold with all pros compared to regular hdx.

 

[JDZ3]

I've got the kites - 16s and 12s and love them

 

[Javavirtualenv]

I’m considering to buy 16x or 14x anyone know if kite optic binos are a good bang for the buck?

 

[birdhunter17]

Kite has a new 42mm ed coming out wit a little wider field of view that looks interesting, but they list the functional temp from 68-131 witch would make them useless in cold.

 

[wysongdog]

Have you ever looked through the zulu 14x50 pros or know anyone that has?

I’ve demoed a pair this week and they are solid enough that I’m paying for them today and keeping them. I may prefer them over my pures. Guess time will tell but off horseback it’s a no brainer.

 

[Javavirtualenv]

I’ve demoed a pair this week and they are solid enough that I’m paying for them today and keeping them. I may prefer them over my pures. Guess time will tell but off horseback it’s a no brainer.

There are cheaper brads that have electrical stabilization as well, how do those compare?

 

[Javavirtualenv]

will the higher zoom cause the binos to be too dark, like during sunset or night time, anyone know?

 

[swavescatter]

will the higher zoom cause the binos to be too dark, like during sunset or night time, anyone know?

None of these are very good at first/last light. I have tried 3 pairs of the pros and own 2 pairs of the Gen 2 HDX. Stick with the Gen 2's in your preferred zoom and save $600 to use towards decent binos for tripod glassing or rangefinding.

 

[alexnelon]

So first off, they all kind of suck.

But Sig, Kite, Alpen, Cateye, Sirius, etc. are all made by the same little Chinese kids in the same place.

The only noticeable step up is going to the Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 1640 or 2040, because they're actually made in Japan and have ED glass. Ironically the Fujis are also way cheaper than Sig.

 

[White Mamba]

I've used the cannon 18x50s for over 20yrs, they have been great

 

[Cervid]

So first off, they all kind of suck.

But Sig, Kite, Alpen, Cateye, Sirius, etc. are all made by the same little Chinese kids in the same place.

The only noticeable step up is going to the Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 1640 or 2040, because they're actually made in Japan and have ED glass. Ironically the Fujis are also way cheaper than Sig.

Can you discuss the Fujinons more? I tried the Sigs but didn’t like them and cannot find much on the Fujinon models you mention online. What non stabilized binoculars is the glass quality comparable to? Does the stabilization system sacrifice clarity like it does in the Sigs?

 

[alexnelon]

Can you discuss the Fujinons more? I tried the Sigs but didn’t like them and cannot find much on the Fujinon models you mention online. What non stabilized binoculars is the glass quality comparable to? Does the stabilization system sacrifice clarity like it does in the Sigs?

I'd say optically they're roughly in the Razor/Maven B ballpark but with better color rendition. They are darker and have a more narrow FoV than any decent non-IS binos though. FoV is more fairly compared to a small spotting scope.

It's physically impossible to get a perfectly flat field with IS binos as they exist today so the edges will always be a little softer, but they focus much more finely than the chinese models. The center does get tack sharp.

I didn't buy them because I don't need them, but if I were looking to get IS binos they would be Fujis for sure.