New binos by mid June. (1 Viewer)

[AlphaFan]

i AlphaFan, I wish I could visit in person, but they're 4 hours away from me. NYC is just over 2 hours away and they have a B&H, plus Adorama. Do you think it's worth driving there, plus the higher sales tax (8.875% vs. 6.625% in NJ)? Or drive up to test out only, then do my purchase online (will have to discount the sample variation): EuroOptics for demo Zeiss Conquest binos ($750) or bid on Greentoe for the MHG? Unless, I find a different brand for "The One". LOL.

There is a saturation point for what folks can absorb from the experiences and expertise of others. After that, there really is no substitute for actually handling and viewing through the different models. Going in, be assured that there is no such thing as “the perfect binocular.” Each model is a compromise of features to varying degrees. My interpretation of your primary parameters are a high-performing, light weight, easy handling glass, capable of following fast action, that you will keep for many years and maximizes what can be had for ~$800. In this thread you’ve received some solid recommendations from folks with extensive hand-on experience.

Should you go to an NYC shop? It would help to handle and get a feel for each glass. The limitation being they are not likely to let you take them outside for viewing.

If interested in the MHG there is another discount purchase option — LL Bean carries them and gives a 15% discount off the first order when one gets their credit card — free shipping as well.

 

[twitcherf]

i AlphaFan, I wish I could visit in person, but they're 4 hours away from me. NYC is just over 2 hours away and they have a B&H, plus Adorama. Do you think it's worth driving there, plus the higher sales tax (8.875% vs. 6.625% in NJ)? Or drive up to test out only, then do my purchase online (will have to discount the sample variation): EuroOptics for demo Zeiss Conquest binos ($750) or bid on Greentoe for the MHG? Unless, I find a different brand for "The One". LOL.

There's a strong argument to view and test, make a decision as to what you want and then go online to find the best deal - this has worked for me in the past.

If I had an option to hold/test optics prior to purchase I would certainly avail of that - nothing beats having optics in hand - some just feel right in the hand and others dont

 

[ArchStanton]

i AlphaFan, I wish I could visit in person, but they're 4 hours away from me. NYC is just over 2 hours away and they have a B&H, plus Adorama. Do you think it's worth driving there, plus the higher sales tax (8.875% vs. 6.625% in NJ)? Or drive up to test out only, then do my purchase online (will have to discount the sample variation): EuroOptics for demo Zeiss Conquest binos ($750) or bid on Greentoe for the MHG? Unless, I find a different brand for "The One". LOL.

B&H has a large selection of binoculars, and there’s nothing like being able to compare them in person. I’ve ordered and returned several pairs of 8x and 10x binoculars ranging in price from $190-$1000, and the only ones I kept were the Opticron Oregon 8x42’s. I also compared several pairs at a local Audubon event and was most impressed with the Kowa BDII 8x42’s and if I didn’t already have the Oregons, I would have probably bought the Kowas. If you go to B&H, I’d check out the Opticron Auroras because they seem to check all the boxes for high quality optics for birding. If I ever see a good deal on a new pair Opticron Auroras, I’m going to buy them. There is a B&H Payboo credit card that supposedly gives you an instant sales tax rebate. Good luck with whatever you choose and have a great, safe trip!

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

If you are going to actually go to the Eurooptics store I’d suggest looking at the Nikon Monarch HG 8x42, Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 and maybe the Kowa Genesis 8x33 (currently on sale for $799). Any of these three will likely provide many years of enjoyment. Personally, I’d recommend staying at this level of optical performance as it is more likely to still satisfy for years to come. However, I really would go much beyond comparing 3x contenders otherwise it will get confusing.

Also, when comparing be sure to take them outside - focusing on distant objects and signs can give a general sense of resolution/crispness but also be sure to peer into shadowy areas as well. Although they will all be quality optics the view provided by each of these three binocular model will have its own character - here it is all about personal preference. Follow a few cars or flying birds (if around) to see if you get any blackouts or kidney-beaning. In addition, pay close attention to how they feel in you hands, the ergonomics and speed of the focus mechanism and how well they balance and physically fit you - it makes a difference.

My 2 cents.

Hi AlphaFan, I wish I could visit in person, but they're 4 hours away from me. NYC is just over 2 hours away and they have a B&H, plus Adorama. Do you think it's worth driving there, plus the higher sales tax (8.875% vs. 6.625% in NJ)? Or drive up to test out only, then do my purchase online: EuroOptics for demo Zeiss Conquest binos or Greentoe for the MHG?

If you are going to actually go to the Eurooptics store I’d suggest looking at the Nikon Monarch HG 8x42, Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 and maybe the Kowa Genesis 8x33 (currently on sale for $799). Any of these three will likely provide many years of enjoyment. Personally, I’d recommend staying at this level of optical performance as it is more likely to still satisfy for years to come. However, I really would go much beyond comparing 3x contenders otherwise it will get confusing.

Also, when comparing be sure to take them outside - focusing on distant objects and signs can give a general sense of resolution/crispness but also be sure to peer into shadowy areas as well. Although they will all be quality optics the view provided by each of these three binocular model will have its own character - here it is all about personal preference. Follow a few cars or flying birds (if around) to see if you get any blackouts or kidney-beaning. In addition, pay close attention to how they feel in you hands, the ergonomics and speed of the focus mechanism and how well they balance and physically fit you - it makes a difference.

My 2 cents.

There's a strong argument to view and test, make a decision as to what you want and then go online to find the best deal - this has worked for me in the past.

If I had an option to hold/test optics prior to purchase I would certainly avail of that - nothing beats having optics in hand - some just feel right in the hand and others dont

I agree. I'm going to B&H Photo in NYC. Four hours r/t, but will be worth it to ensure I'm happy w the fit, especially as I don't have time to do multiple exchanges & after I discovered the awkward lug points on the Kowa BD II (which I otherwise really liked and would've bought).
How did my budget blow up past $500-600? It's my daughter with the $800 budget! She's going w the $250 binos. Or at least until I return. Mwahahaha.
I'm currently a very casual birdwatcher who's hoping to see some unusual birds (listed prior) and other wildlife beyond the favored Big 5 on my dream safari trip to Botswana & Zimbabwe.

Fingers crossed for NYC!!
I'll turn on the data & check this thread for any extra info while I'm in NYC.

@[email protected] @normjackson @Binastro
@ArchStanton

 

[ArchStanton]

Hi AlphaFan, I wish I could visit in person, but they're 4 hours away from me. NYC is just over 2 hours away and they have a B&H, plus Adorama. Do you think it's worth driving there, plus the higher sales tax (8.875% vs. 6.625% in NJ)? Or drive up to test out only, then do my purchase online: EuroOptics for demo Zeiss Conquest binos or Greentoe for the MHG?



I agree. I'm going to B&H Photo in NYC. Four hours r/t, but will be worth it to ensure I'm happy w the fit, especially as I don't have time to do multiple exchanges & after I discovered the awkward lug points on the Kowa BD II (which I otherwise really liked and would've bought).
How did my budget blow up past $500-600? It's my daughter with the $800 budget! She's going w the $250 binos. Or at least until I return. Mwahahaha.
I'm currently a very casual birdwatcher who's hoping to see some unusual birds (listed prior) and other wildlife beyond the favored Big 5 on my dream safari trip to Botswana & Zimbabwe.

Fingers crossed for NYC!!
I'll turn on the data & check this thread for any extra info while I'm in NYC.

@[email protected] @normjackson @Binastro
@ArchStanton

If you have time to look at the Opticron Auroras, I’m interested to know what you think. Have a safe trip and good luck!

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

If you have time to look at the Opticron Auroras, I’m interested to know what you think. Have a safe trip and good luck!

Will do!
About to go in now that i enjoyed some delicious NYC pizza!

 

[ArchStanton]

Will do!
About to go in now that i enjoyed some delicious NYC pizza!

Great! Hopefully, you’ll find a good pair that suits you.

 

[AlphaFan]

Please keep us posted on how this all works out. Good luck!

 

[AlphaFan]

Since you are at B&H, they have listed a used 8x32 Zeiss Conquest HD (supposedly in “good as new” condition) for $654.95. That is an absolute steal on that glass in that condition; and it carries a fully transferable lifetime warranty.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/892051/Zeiss_523211_8x32_Conquest_HD_Binocular.html/qa

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

Since you are at B&H, they have listed a used 8x32 Zeiss Conquest HD (supposedly in “good as new” condition) for $654.95. That is an absolute steal on that glass in that condition; and it carries a fully transferable lifetime warranty.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/892051/Zeiss_523211_8x32_Conquest_HD_Binocular.html/qa

Thanks! I just tried it out based on your info. The ceiling in this huge building is sprayed black. The 8x32 seemed to lose too much detail further away, whereas the 8x42 MHG & Zeiss were crystal clear due to the increased size. I really liked the Zeiss optics, but it's 5 oz heavier. They also recommended the Vortex Razor HD for $779. At that price, I'd rather shop online for a MHG sale. Please let me know if you see anything for one!

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

Thanks! I just tried it out based on your info. The ceiling in this huge building is sprayed black. The 8x32 seemed to lose too much detail further away, whereas the 8x42 MHG & Zeiss were crystal clear due to the increased size. I really liked the Zeiss optics, but it's 5 oz heavier. They also recommended the Vortex Razor HD for $779. At that price, I'd rather shop online for a MHG sale. Please let me know if you see anything for one!

Just tried the Zeiss Terra ED 8x42. Seemed pretty good until I returned to the Vortex Razor HD.

 

[AlphaFan]

Great. Sounds like you’re zeroing in on a 42mm. That’s a great all-around glass. It will certainly be better in low light than the 32mm.

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

Great. Sounds like you’re zeroing in on a 42mm. That’s a great all-around glass. It will certainly be better in low light than the 32mm.

Yes! Now, I have to decide if I can get the 8x42 MHG at a price closer to the Vortex B&H price of $779 ($979 MSRP).
I have to learn good thumb placement. Definitely prefer feel of MHG. Like the Vortex warranty better!
Oops. Husband is ticked I'm in NYC just for binos.

 

[Binastro]

But, as I said before, you have to buy the binocular you actually test and not some remote binocular, as there is considerable sample variation.

Ask B and H if they will give a discount on either the demonstrator or a new one that you actually test.

In my opinion it is false economy to test in a shop and then buy online.

Regards,
B.

 

[AlphaFan]

As pointed out in my previous post 42mm Nikon MHG is available in either 8x or 10x for $841.69 with free shipping from LL Bean. All one has to do is sign up for their free credit card and they give 15% off your first purchase which will net the above deal. Also, if you want the 10x42 MHG Sportsman’s Warehouse has it for $799.99.

 

[Upland]

Last time I’ll post but the HG 8x30 gives you the best of both world. Amazing optics and super lightweight and compact. However if your daughter likes the diamondbacks they’re a great starter bino and no big deal if they are lost or stolen. I’m sure she’ll have an awesome time regardless of what she chooses!

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

But, as I said before, you have to buy the binocular you actually test and not some remote binocular, as there is considerable sample variation.

Ask B and H if they will give a discount on either the demonstrator or a new one that you actually test.

In my opinion it is false economy to test in a shop and then buy online.

Regards,
B.

I asked. They said they can't because the demos are owned by the manufacturer. They only sell used through a different B&H department.

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

Last time I’ll post but the HG 8x30 gives you the best of both world. Amazing optics and super lightweight and compact. However if your daughter likes the diamondbacks they’re a great starter bino and no big deal if they are lost or stolen. I’m sure she’ll have an awesome time regardless of what she chooses!

She declined to travel to NYC. I did try out the Vortex Diamondbacks at B&H. I had a problem with eliminating the floating black edges, no matter what I did. I don't recall that from when we were at BP.
Yes, she'll have quite an adventure this summer!

 

[Upland]

The blackouts are from the short eyecups which are prevalent in smaller format binos and even mid sizes. The band of my existence in binos lol

 

[Gabrielle 2.0]

The blackouts are from the short eyecups which are prevalent in smaller format binos and even mid sizes. The band of my existence in binos lol

Do you recommend eyeglass wearers who experience blackouts to dial the eye relief up?