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  1. L

    Swarovski Curio 7x21 versus Victory 8x25 and Ultravid 8x20

    Thanks. The size of the Curio is pretty compelling. I just worry the smaller size and exposed metal will make it tricky to handle. Might have to buy one to find out.
  2. L

    Swarovski Curio 7x21 versus Victory 8x25 and Ultravid 8x20

    Can someone post a photo of the Curio next to a Zeiss Victory Pocket?
  3. L

    Kowa Genesis 8,5x44 (Prominar) well worth it

    I'm a fan of the 8.5x44 Genesis also. Such a clean view and everything snaps into focus without any fiddling with the focus wheel. I wish it were a little lighter, I've been carrying 5 lbs of camera gear lately in addition to binoculars. I may have to try the 8x33.
  4. L

    Comprehensive test from Gijs of transmission of 8x30 and 8x32 models

    The GPO Passion ED 8x32 look impressive. Roughly the same transmission as the Victory SF and quite a bit lighter. Too bad the eye relief is only 13mm. I guess you can't have everything for 1/6 the price.
  5. L

    Sparrow like bird, San Jose CA

    Can anyone help ID this? The head looks like a sparrow but the pattern on the back is unusual. I didn't get a photo from the front but it had a lot of yellow.
  6. L

    Leica Monovid 8 X 20 vs. Swarovski NL Pure 8 X 32 For Bird Watching?

    You may be able to compare at Camera Land, Welcome to Camera Land NY They're a sponsor and I've had good experiences with them.
  7. L

    Kowa Genesis 10.5x44 or Maven B2 11x45

    I compared the Genesis 8.5x44 and Maven B2 9x45 side by side about a year ago. The main thing I noticed was that the Kowa had much less CA. I preferred the Maven for its larger AFOV, brightness and overall feel, but couldn't get past the CA in some conditions. I'd demo the Maven, I think you...
  8. L

    Kowa after sales support?

    I bought a 8.5x44 Genesis off eBay. After close to a year of use focusing got a little sticky. Kowa USA repaired if in a couple weeks for free. If it hadn't been covered by the warranty the cost would have been under $100.
  9. L

    Genesis Update

    Thanks for the info, I was wondering the same thing. I have the 8.5x44, tempting to get the 10.5x44 also at this price.
  10. L

    Interview with Jan van Daalen May 2020

    Interesting, I hadn't thought about the lack of options between $1000 and $2500. The only ~8x42 options in the US are the SLC, Kowa Genesis, and Vortex UHD. Hopefully we see more competition in this price range soon. An updated Meostar B2, Kowa Genesis, Nikon MHG, and Zeiss would be interesting.
  11. L

    The Kowa Genesis 33 the best kept secret in premium midsize binoculars.

    I'm a big fan of the 8.5x44. A little heavier than newer models, but no complaints about the view.
  12. L

    Maven offer is KILLING me!!

    I tried a B2 demo and ended up returning it. The combination of 9X and and a wide FOV gave the widest AFOV I've seen. Brightness was great too. The only things I didn't like were the eye cups, I had to set them between stops to get the best view with my glasses. Also, CA wasn't as good as my...
  13. L

    Review of Kowa BD II 6.5x32 XD

    Impressive transmission for the Kowa, 90%. Surprising it really measures 6x. Is that based on measuring the exit pupil diameter?
  14. L

    Passion 8x56?

    Amazon had a very good deal on the SLC 8x56 so I decided to give that a try. They've got the Conquest HD for $1065, almost ordered both to compare.
  15. L

    Passion 8x56?

    I see GPO is selling a demo for $559, quite tempting. https://gpo-usa.myshopify.com/products/demo-passion-8x56-charcoal-black-ser-41803163?_pos=1&_sid=fde7ee16a&_ss=r I'm sure I'd never regret getting the Conquest HD though.
  16. L

    Passion 8x56?

    Has anyone tried the Passion 8x56? The price is reasonable, $749, FOV is decent-389', they use an AK prism and claim 92% transmission. The weight of 40.9oz is pretty good for an 8x56 also. One concern is that they use high transmission glass instead of ED which GPO uses in higher end models...
    • lgguy
    • Thread
    • Replies: 5
    • Forum: GPO
  17. L

    Vortex Viper UHD beats Zeiss SF and Leica Noctivid!

    Nice review. I've been wondering what prevents new companies from matching or exceeding the alphas. Design, manufacturing, patents? I imagine prices would have to be in alpha territory which would lead most people to buy from an established company.
  18. L

    Kowa BDII-XD - september 2019

    This is exciting to see. I have the Genesis 8.5x44. No complaints about the image but smaller and less weight would be nice. If Kowa makes a similar update to the Genesis I'd have to trade up. Until then I was thinking about picking up the 8x42 Monarch HG but the BDII might be all I need.
  19. L

    Your Most Used Binoculars?

    Cabela's Euro HD 8x32 (Meopta Meostar)
  20. L

    Vanguard Endeavor ED II vs. IV..my take

    I had a similar experience with the 10x42 EDII. Great optics, but the eyecups were incredibly tight and difficult to extend. The focus wheel was also lightly rubbing on the barrel. I submitted a review on the Vanguard website but it was immediately deleted, apparently they only accept 5 star...
  21. L

    Dear Santa for Christmas I would like......

    Interesting thought experiment to consider what I'd get if money were no object. Likely an 8x42 with enough eye relief for glasses, light weight, not too fast focusing, and a big FOV. Perhaps the Zeiss SF or Monarch HG unless santa has better ideas.
  22. L

    Is there a a little more bright, wider FoVd & neutral color Toric for <=$1000?

    Excellent comparison. I've had my Schott Torics for a couple weeks but was debating between them and the Monarch HG due to lower weight and larger FOV. The Tracts are impressive, especially in build quality and veiling glare. They seem more sensitive to eye position than other binoculars I've...
  23. L

    Traveller BGA ED Finish Quality

    Mine looks very similar to that after 6 months of use, but there's no glue residue.
  24. L

    GPO Binocular Black Friday Sale Starts Today

    Those 8x42s are tempting. I've been looking for something light and compact like the Monarch HG. Any thoughts on how they compare? I realize the price points are very different.
  25. L

    Help deciding which pair to buy

    I agree about the Sightron. Just took a walk with them and didn't feel I was missing anything. I've also looked through the Kowa. They're not as compact as the sightron, but considering the price there's very little to complain about.
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