In my opinion, the best option to the alpha binoculars is the Nikon Premier 8x42
or 10x42.
Amazing "alpha" like optics and build quality, Japanese made, and over $1400.00
less than Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss! And probably 95% close optically and fit and
finish.
I find it odd how these Nikon Premier roofs are not selling well at all.....any ideas why?
Perhaps disappointment is the key.
Nikon is a truly superior optics producer. Their cameras and industrial optics are legend.
So people expect a comparably outstanding product, but instead just get something very good.
The savings achieved are not an equivalent offset, being really beside the point.
Of course, this theory may be all wet.
I'm still astonished at the poor uptake of the, imho, vastly superior Canon 10x42ISL by the birding community.
It is streets ahead of any non stabilized glass for viewing birds in flight or at longer range, but nobody noticed. Canon would probably love to have Nikon's binocular sales figures.
[QUOTE=raptorbfl;2141949]In my opinion, the best option to the alpha binoculars is the Nikon Premier 8x42
or 10x42.
Amazing "alpha" like optics and build quality, Japanese made, and over $1400.00
less than Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss! And probably 95% close optically and fit and
finish.
I find it odd how these Nikon Premier roofs are not selling well at all.....any ideas why?[/QUOTE]
The Nikon Premier is hindered by CA. It has some of the worst CA of the near alpha binoculars. That is why it doesn't sell well especially to birders. IMO the Chinese ED's because of the lack of CA provide a better view at less cost than the Nikon's especially the Zen Ray 8x42 EDII. I would also say the Nikon's Premiers have not kept up with optical advancements and to me they are quite a bit behind say the Swarovision 8.5x42.