Hi all.
I have finally got myself a proper job (start in a month) that pays an ok wage! Horrah!!! First thing I'm going to do with my first pay-check (or second...) is upgrade my bins. I currently own Bushnell Powerview 8x42s. There ok, but they're coming up to their last legs.
Basically, I've obviously had my eyes on the big 3 (Leica, Swaro and Nikon HGL), looking for good used deals (wouldn't really want to pay much more than £500-600) All very tempting, but before I take the plunge, I've got a Q.
What are the options regarding new bins at c£500 that ARENT in the big 3? Is there anything really good out there that wouldn't make me think, once I'd bought and used them, "I wish I'd gotten a pair of *insert big 3*"
Thanks
Jason
[quote=J Moss;1143307]
What are the options regarding new bins at c£500 that ARENT in the big 3? Is there anything really good out there that wouldn't make me think, once I'd bought and used them, "I wish I'd gotten a pair of *insert big 3*"[/quote]
Hi Jason,
Congratulations on the new job! I would recommend you take a look at the very well reviewed Vortex Vipers. I recently compared them side by side with some Zeiss Victory FLs. If I concentrated, I could see some minor differences. But, to my mind, no way was it worth paying more than 200% more!
And think about all the other things you could do with the money rather than spending so much for such small optical improvements. The difference is enough to buy a new computer, DSLR, top end scope or tripod, or overseas birding trip, for example. (Or even donate to a worthy cause). You will not get the prestige or bragging rights that comes with a big three name, but you will get some great optics for the money.
My two cents,
Jim
Thanks very much Jim, good advice. They look like good bins. I found a thread on this forum reviewing this pair and it got good comments. Also, they sell them at Cleyspy, so I'll be able to try them, which is what I want. I'd like to test them against some 'better' (more expensive, basically) bins and see if I can tell the difference. I often bird in bad weather, and also at dusk, watching LEO's, so low light performance is important to me. However, absolute marginal differences between bins wont worry me too much, especially if the difference means a massive hike in the price! Just as long as they're an improvement on the Bushnels, I'll be happy!
Jason