Cameras and Lenses
Best bang for the buck tightwads.
How many of you as myself do not buy unless a product has been discontinued or a demo? I realize I could buy used and receive even deeper savings, but there's more chance of buying a pig in a poke dependent on the source.
My latest buy was the Discontinued Viper 8.5x50 @ $299. That's about half price of the new Viper HD in 8x42 as it isn't available in 8.5x50 anymore. Earlier in the year I could've bought the discontinued Razor in 8.5x50 for $479. The new HD in that configuration is now $1280.
I'm sure the new models are better and the old Razor had 358' FOV where my old Viper has 305'. Though I don't know how optically different the Razor and Viper were in resolution and contrast I wouldn't have spent another 180 clams on top of three bills for only 53'.
At the high entry level or low mid-range I'm a happy clam and I've decided that being a cheapskate dictates that I spend no more than three bills and in order to achieve the highest return. I must buy what was hot a year a two ago/demo/discontinued, more or less.
Also, through reading here I understand that binos as the Vipers are more expensive than they could be due in part to the warranty. No free lunch. I didn't buy them for the warranty, but if needed it'll come in handy.
I'm not saying that I'll never spend more than $300, but I'll use that as a temporary benchmark. I can see the potential need in buying good/used to further my return. Even then I'm looking at glass that sold new for under a grand.
Thanks to one and all that have given advice, posted reviews and links to deals. A fella as myself needs all the help he can muster. I'll never own an Alpha and that's OK. If nothing else I'm thankful for them as others try to emulate quality at a lower price.
Nix,
I do think that I fall into the category of your title...now. If you would have "known" me a few years ago then you wouldn't get that impression as I have owned all of the more expensive models at one time or another. Nowadays money is a lot tighter so I am certainly always on the lookout for excellent optical performance for the least expensive price.
I do keep an eye out for demos/discontinued products as they are an excellent option for folks in our position. Having said that I also keep an eye out for new products that still fall in the relatively inexpensive price range while still producing very good to excellent optical performance. This latter group offers excellent value even before they are put on the discontinued/demo list. The fun part is finding them. I have found a few over the last 6 or 7 months and have posted about them here as I know there are others out there that do much the same thing.
Good luck in your future purchases. There are some really gems out there. You just have to find 'em.
I'm long on time and short on cash, but I do enjoy researching. The hunt so to speak. I see the oft vaunted Nixon Premier SE 8x32 porros circa 2004 for a twenty spot under six bills delivered. Not waterproof or w/latest coatings, but a classic as I understand.
Now I ponder whether this old horse is up to the challenge of the more recent fare of the roofs.
Of course within my budget are the Nixon 6/7x15 grand old opry glasses also circa 2004. Howevah, as cute as they are I do not see a 6 & 7/15 combined having the same value as the SE.