My first impression on the Alpen Rainer HD ED 10x42 (1 Viewer)

[tazzilla]

Ok I waited over a week to get these to my door step and I was a bit concerned as too what I would think. I will give a break down of it all. First of All these are Alpens top of the line binoculars they are the Alpen Rainer HD ED 10x42
extra lowdispersion optical system
Extra large lenses and BAK-4 prisms
Magnesium body
SHR metallic prism coating
PXA phase correction coating
UBX fully multi-coated optics A-lock Diopter system and Unlimited warranty

mag 10x
objective 42mm
eyerelief 16mm I don't wear glasses so It is just fine for me
FOV 341 feet
close focus 6.5 feet
29.4 oz

Upon opening box I was impressed with the Alpen rainer box it is deep black with a slight gloss finish and silver print looks very sharp. The bino's came with a very nice leather carry case and a quick release adjustable neck strap. I will see how the quick release clips hold up over time as they are plastic but work fine.
First thing I noticed about the Rainers are the solid feel they have in my hands. The exterior coating feels very nice not slick at all and not really a rubber feeling either it just feels nice. The rear eyepeice cover in a solid one piece cover and the front caps are attached drop down style (these will never get lost) They are a bit stubborn to get back on as the fit is very tight but they do fit like a glove.

While holding the rainers they feel very well balanced in my hands and the A-locking diopter is very nice. I must say that the focus wheel is as smooth as a babys behind. and the multi-position twist-lock eyecups are a great feature, They are a bit odd to use at first because I have never ued locking eye cups before. To twist in you must first twist out to unlock then you can twist back in. They work great just took a second to figure out how to work them correctly.

Optics now this is what I was really concerned about and I must say I have been looking through them for about an hour. Today it is grey out as it snowed 1/2 the day and rained for many hrs after that. Now there in no sun in sight and now all the snow is gone. All I can say is wow talk about clear they are almost perfect edge to edge. They are as good as any of the Alphas I have looked through in that aspect up to the $2500 range. can't make comment to CA at this time will have better weather in the next couple days. as far as brightness again top notch they give my 7x43 Bausch & lombs a run for their money as far as brightness goesnot bad for some 10x42's. But I must say the Alpens are a bit brighter when looking at dark places

So far my over all impression is very good, Do I feel I have the best optics out there No but for $650 shipped to my door I am very very impressed. The funny thing is I am still impressed in the quality of my 7x43 bino's.
I will post some pics later on. Hope my review helps others here any questions please ask.
TAZ

The

 

[Steve C]

These look like a doppelganger for the recently discontinued Vortex Razor HD. Everything but label appears identical. When these first came out they were priced at $1,500.

The Razor had a terribly flimsy diopter adjustment so if i were in your shoes I'd be real careful about never taking it anywhere in a vehicle uncased. That is what I did and when I picked it up off the seat the focus knob fell off in my hand. I really hope yours is better. Yes, the optics are nice if they are like the Razor HD. I hope you enjoy them.

 

[tazzilla]

Second day of use. Got a chance to try out the Alpen Rainer's some more today. Got to say very impressed had a chance to check out some geese and a few ducks colors were great and noticed no CA that I could mention. Clearity and brightness are very good. Focus is very fine and easy to achive. The more I use these the more I like them they show details with the best of them. Best thing is they are made by a small company working on providing a great product at a fraction of the cost as the big names and it really has shown with these. If you ever get a chance to try out the Rainer HD ED do it you will be amazed at the quality and performance these provide. Alpen will let you try a pair out risk free trust me its worth it. Taz

 

[tazzilla]

Ok Day three. Took my Alpens to Cableas and got to really compare them side by side with some of the best Alphas out there as well as a few others. All were 10x42

The Vortex Viper HD very clear but not as bright but for $600 they are still a great deal.
The cabelas Euro HD were a solid toss up between them and the Rainers must say I could not see the Euro's being better in any aspect both very nice quality one note the euros were very stiff hard to move apart to fit my eyes and I do mean hard to move.
The Swaro's EL 10x42 Must say these are better but it really took a lot of viewing to pick up the differance better but not much.
Checked out the Leica and they were the clearest of the bunch talk about great colors but at $2600 it was just not worth paying $1500 more over the Rainers same with the Swaro's not worth $1400 more not at all and with the Alpen warranty that really sweetens the pot.

All in All I am very happy with my new purchase and as hard as it seems even for myself I have ended up with a pair of Binoculars I am 100% pleased with and see no reason to buy another pair of 10x42 My mission to seek out a new set of optics is now over and I could not be any happier.
Taz

 

[newfie ghost]

Congrats tazz, nice review and it sounds like you got a great deal. Glad to hear you are happy with them