TruGlo binoculars? (1 Viewer)

[FrankD]

Has anyone here actually taken the plunge and ordered one of the Tru Glo Tru Brite binoculars? From some of my other interests I am familiar with Tru Glo the company as they produce sights and other fiber optic devices for archery. They expanded their product offering by adding a simple looking binocular with flared eyecups a couple of years ago. I have heard next to nothing about it and it doesn't really appeal to me from an aesthetic perspective.

However, I was just surfing the net and found a new model from them. It is an 8x42 with an open bridge design and some darn sexy contours to the barrels. It looks like it would be extremely ergonomic.

After surfing a bit more I ran into a Vixen Foresta model that bears a striking resemblance to the Tru-Glo model. The difference though in price is fairly substantial. All of the popular specs are present....fullymulticoated, silver/phasecoated prisms, dirt resistent coatings, etc... I cannot find the field of view, weight or eye relief specs so I emailed them.

Thoughts?

 

[lilcrazy2]

Not sure which one you were looking for the specs on but heres the links:

http://www.vixenoptics.com/binoculars/HRforesta.html

http://www.truglo.com/IW_Products.m4p.pvx?;item?ItemCode=5700-00-090842G?company=TGI

there is a link to click on for the Tru Glo specs

Tom

 

[FrankD]

Thanks Tom.

Comparing the specs it appears both models are identical superficially. I wonder about the quality of the coatings and/or the glass.

Will be sure to comment on it once it arrives.

 

[normjackson]

Familiar look. Check out this thread you contributed to Frank (three years ago :eek!: ):
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=123973

This link shows the said Optisan bins which Birdnet appear to no longer stock :
http://www.birdnet.co.uk/binoculars/optisan.html

 

[FrankD]

Thanks Norm. With all the bins on the market it is hard keeping track of all of them. Those bins you listed do look strikingly familiar to the two models I listed above.

The Tru Glo unit is due in today. I will comment on it as I get the chance.

 

[FrankD]

The Tru Glo 8x42 bins showed up yesterday afternoon. I had some time to compare them with the Zen Ray ED3s, the Nikon SE 8x32s, the Dakota Elite 8x32s and a few others.

Lets start out with what everyone likes to hear about first...optical performance. At 7.4 degrees (approximately 390 feet) they offer an average field of view for an 8x42 binocular. I am comparing this number with the field of view average across the entire price range. These bins sell for $190. Comparing them to other bins in this price point and slightly above they would have been above average as most of the typical $300 roof prisms have hovered around 330 feet. With the introduction of several revamped $300 roof prism models and several less expensive $200 roof prisms with similar characteristics they now fall into the average category. This 7.4 degree field of view produces an apparent field of view (quick method) of just under 60 degrees. From past personal experience I have found a preference for binoculars that displayed an apparent field of view just at or above 60 degrees. The larger the apparent field of view then the more of a "walk in" image one typically experiences assuming the eye relief numbers are fairly large. These binoculars definitely have an "easy image" because of the listed 18 mm of eye relief and the relatively large ocular diameter.

The image itself is relatively bright and flat. I note no noticeable field curvature around the edge of the image. There is astigmatism present but the size of the sweet spot is above average. Because of these two characteristics the image appears very comfortable and natural. Contrast is very good but not excellent. Color representation is a little on the warm side with a bit of a yellow/orange tint to the image. Just to clarify, this is extremely subtle and only noticeable in direct comparison to other binoculars with a more neutral color representation. The positive aspect of this color representation is that certain objects of a certain color (red and brown for example) come across as extremely saturated. The effect is subtle but noticeable once you start looking for it.

Chromatic Aberration is surprisingly well controlled in the sweet spot and noticeable to a degree in the area of the image out of perfect focus. It was not distracting under adverse conditions.

Ergonomically I am very please with this model. Not only are the contours excellent for my grip but the physical weight of the binocular coupled with the ergonomics make it feel much lighter than it actually is. Fit and finish is also excellent with no slop in the focus, exposed parts, excessive glue, etc... The eyecups twist up and down precisely and the diopter adjustment (located inside the focusing knob) is of the locking design. Probably my only "complaint" from an ergonomic perspective is the location of the neckstrap lugs. If they would be about a half of an inch closer to the eyepieces then I wouldn't even know that they were there. In their current position they do sit under my hands as I grip the binocular and therefore take away from that "like a glove" feeling.

...and, not to dismiss an issue important to many individuals, the warranty is only 1 year.

All for my initial impressions for the moment. More to follow.....