Tract Toric 12.5x50

[LongWayAround]

Anyone using these binoculars?

I picked up a pair with their recent sale and have played with them a little. The color and clarity are very good.

The issue i seem to have is that there is a very narrow window where I have a clear view. The image either tunnels or I get the figure-eight shape. If I have the eye cups adjusted perfectly, it's all good but if not, it's pretty bad.

For the last several years, my primary binocular has been a vortex viper 15x50. I'm waiting for these to come back from vortex for a side-by-side comparison (sent in for cleaning). My initial impression is that the viper is lighter in weight and generally feels more usable/comfortable while the tract has a better image when adjusted perfectly.

What have your experiences been? Anything similar?

 

[ropeup79]

My Tract 12.5 is noticeably better than my BIL’s 12x Vipers.

 

[LongWayAround]

My Tract 12.5 is noticeably better than my BIL’s 12x Vipers.

When you say "better," do you mean image, build, overall?

Have you used them on a tripod?

I haven't had a chance to put mine in a tripod yet, but it seems like I have to compress them tight enough that it would be challenging or impossible for me to get a good image with anything between the barrels.

I have used mine a little more since my original post. While the image quality is great, the mushy eyecup settings are annoying.

I might take them and my tripod out this afternoon and see how they fare.

 

[ropeup79]

The Tracts work well for me on a tripod with the Field Optics Research adapter. Your inter pupillary distance might be different though. To my eyes the Tract was very noticeably better in clarity, depth of field, and CA control. Build quality not as big of a difference but still better. After 3 seasons of use I did send them in to have the hinge tightened. They weren’t really loose but they would slowly fold on their own while on the tripod. Great service, got them back promptly cleaned and working like new.