69ChrisCraft
Lil-Rokslider
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2014
- Messages
- 277
I spent an hour or so at the Cabelas optics counter trying to pick out my next set of 10x42s. I'm no optics expert by any means and granted this was indoors, here are some of my thoughts.
Cabelas Euro HDs:
Edge to edge clarity was the most impressive of the group. I seemed to find focus very quickly. If I were to sit behind the 10x on a tripod all day I'd likely choose these. Hated the ergonomics, balance seemed front heavy for the way I hold binos.
Vortex Razor HD:
Ergonomics were perfect, they felt very natural and balanced well in hand. Image contrast was great but waned in the outer edges of the field of view. At times I had to search with the focus wheel. Felt like build quality was superb.
Zeiss Conquest HD
Wow. From a pure optical standpoint I was in love. Contrast and clarity was phenomenal. I was imagining myself behind this glass peering into shadows and dense brush like I never have before. Wasn't too fond of the hinge, I had to readjust every time I picked them back up (hoping this was unique to this pair).
Vortex Viper HD
I checked these out more for my brother who can't quite afford the next tier. I was very impressed with the optical quality but as expected I didn't feel the focus wheel and eye cups were as smooth and dependable in feel. As impressed as I was with these I've already budgeted for $1,000 glass and know id find myself regretting not dropping the extra coin.
The optics guy was very helpful and recommended I come back when I can view them outside at dusk. I run a 50 mm razor and had a 65 mm viper HD spotter that I'm very impressed with and for some goofy reason really wanted to stick with the same company for all my optics. Not likely to happen. I'm certainly leaning for the Zeiss Conquest HDs from Cameraland NY at their demo price.
Cabelas Euro HDs:
Edge to edge clarity was the most impressive of the group. I seemed to find focus very quickly. If I were to sit behind the 10x on a tripod all day I'd likely choose these. Hated the ergonomics, balance seemed front heavy for the way I hold binos.
Vortex Razor HD:
Ergonomics were perfect, they felt very natural and balanced well in hand. Image contrast was great but waned in the outer edges of the field of view. At times I had to search with the focus wheel. Felt like build quality was superb.
Zeiss Conquest HD
Wow. From a pure optical standpoint I was in love. Contrast and clarity was phenomenal. I was imagining myself behind this glass peering into shadows and dense brush like I never have before. Wasn't too fond of the hinge, I had to readjust every time I picked them back up (hoping this was unique to this pair).
Vortex Viper HD
I checked these out more for my brother who can't quite afford the next tier. I was very impressed with the optical quality but as expected I didn't feel the focus wheel and eye cups were as smooth and dependable in feel. As impressed as I was with these I've already budgeted for $1,000 glass and know id find myself regretting not dropping the extra coin.
The optics guy was very helpful and recommended I come back when I can view them outside at dusk. I run a 50 mm razor and had a 65 mm viper HD spotter that I'm very impressed with and for some goofy reason really wanted to stick with the same company for all my optics. Not likely to happen. I'm certainly leaning for the Zeiss Conquest HDs from Cameraland NY at their demo price.
