Posted accidentally in the product description by member Andrew_ca
Hello,
This is my first post (Hello all!). I feel as though I would post as I have spent countless hours trying to find good binocular for the past two months.
I started by looking over many reviews and my budget was low as I wanted a basic set for an upcoming Safari. I originally bought the Kowa YF 8x30 which has received a ton of great reviews however I had some problems with the fit for my face. As well I had the eyecups break within a day of using them.
My local store went above and beyond to ensure I was happy and I was just about to buy the Vortex Diamondback 8x32. Just as I was about to buy them I looked through the Kowa BD 8x32's and noticed that there was no chromic aberration. Once I saw the difference I couldn't un-see it.
The owner offered me the Kowa's at cost (or atleast that what he said, either way $200 off MSRP)
I bought them and I have to say I am so far very happy with them. As a perfectionist though I thought I would do my best to let you know what I love and dislike about them.
BUILD QUALITY 9
They are very sturdy and have the feel of something that is great quality. My only complaint, and this is true of 90% of the bino's I have tried is that the eye relief is a TINY bit sloppy. I wish companies would make this a very hard 'CLICK'.
It has nice objective lens covers but wish they were more like the Nikon Monarchs, as they are a touch loose (TINY bit loose but better then most).
I have eye shields so the rear covers are not needed and I won't comment as I left them with the store.
The strap is of great quality and very comfy.
The bag is your typical $2 pouch which I wish they just did not include as it makes the purchase seem cheap. I wish binocular companies sold these separate and of better quality as I am likely to throw it away.
The focus nob is 'backwards' but I like this as all the way left is for close and all the way right is infinity. (kind of like reading numbers left to right...it gets bigger to the right)
The diopter ring is extremely tight which is perfect IMHO, as you set it and forget it...would be nice if it locked but a minor issue.
Image Quality 10
I can't say enough good things about the image quality. I am not a 'Birder' but I am VERY picky. I was sold on these when I looked through them and lost my balance as I thought I was were I was looking! VERY clear and crisp.
The image quality is much improved with the eye shields from Field Optics.
Overall Impressions 8-10
For the price I paid ($400 CDN plus tax) I am extremely happy. At the MSRP of $550 I would be content but I would not have bought them as for the amount of time I will use ANY binocular I couldn't justify it. If you want a fantastic smaller sized bio for travelling this is definitely worth looking at. I just wish it carried the Vortex warrenty...having said that for Vortex to offer such a good warrenty you lose either some quality or pay for it-nothing is free.
Hope you enjoy my review and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Andrew
Hello,
This is my first post (Hello all!). I feel as though I would post as I have spent countless hours trying to find good binocular for the past two months.
I started by looking over many reviews and my budget was low as I wanted a basic set for an upcoming Safari. I originally bought the Kowa YF 8x30 which has received a ton of great reviews however I had some problems with the fit for my face. As well I had the eyecups break within a day of using them.
My local store went above and beyond to ensure I was happy and I was just about to buy the Vortex Diamondback 8x32. Just as I was about to buy them I looked through the Kowa BD 8x32's and noticed that there was no chromic aberration. Once I saw the difference I couldn't un-see it.
The owner offered me the Kowa's at cost (or atleast that what he said, either way $200 off MSRP)
I bought them and I have to say I am so far very happy with them. As a perfectionist though I thought I would do my best to let you know what I love and dislike about them.
BUILD QUALITY 9
They are very sturdy and have the feel of something that is great quality. My only complaint, and this is true of 90% of the bino's I have tried is that the eye relief is a TINY bit sloppy. I wish companies would make this a very hard 'CLICK'.
It has nice objective lens covers but wish they were more like the Nikon Monarchs, as they are a touch loose (TINY bit loose but better then most).
I have eye shields so the rear covers are not needed and I won't comment as I left them with the store.
The strap is of great quality and very comfy.
The bag is your typical $2 pouch which I wish they just did not include as it makes the purchase seem cheap. I wish binocular companies sold these separate and of better quality as I am likely to throw it away.
The focus nob is 'backwards' but I like this as all the way left is for close and all the way right is infinity. (kind of like reading numbers left to right...it gets bigger to the right)
The diopter ring is extremely tight which is perfect IMHO, as you set it and forget it...would be nice if it locked but a minor issue.
Image Quality 10
I can't say enough good things about the image quality. I am not a 'Birder' but I am VERY picky. I was sold on these when I looked through them and lost my balance as I thought I was were I was looking! VERY clear and crisp.
The image quality is much improved with the eye shields from Field Optics.
Overall Impressions 8-10
For the price I paid ($400 CDN plus tax) I am extremely happy. At the MSRP of $550 I would be content but I would not have bought them as for the amount of time I will use ANY binocular I couldn't justify it. If you want a fantastic smaller sized bio for travelling this is definitely worth looking at. I just wish it carried the Vortex warrenty...having said that for Vortex to offer such a good warrenty you lose either some quality or pay for it-nothing is free.
Hope you enjoy my review and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Andrew