First I'd like to say HI to everyone, I've been lurking around enjoying all your advice for quite awhile!
Here's my sad saga. I had been in the maket for a pair of binoculars, trouble was finding a store that I could actually see a variety of models. The first pair I purchased was the Nikon Action 8x40 (was the only Nikon model), I had major problems with the eye relief being a glasses wearer, returned them.
Found the Eagle brand which was recommended for the longer eye relief. The store was out of stock on the Ranger models and only had the Denali's. Off I went a happy camper with the 8x42's until..... When I got home and was checking them out in the bright light I noticed problems with vignetting, as areas of the view would become black, either blinking or repositioning the binoculars seemed to help but it was always there. Then as I was focusing I noticed a sudden looseness and when I turned the focus wheel the wheel turned but no longer changed the focus. Seems like the wheel came unscrewed too far, tried tightening it back but no luck.
Is this indicitive of this binocular? The vignetting and the mechanical problem? Also, the merchant said they would give me a ring when the Ranger's came in and I could come in and take a look, if I liked those better I could exchange the Denali's for those. Would that be a better option? My price range is around $300, but I'm hesitant to order online without actually looking thru the glasses. I do not know a whole lot about other brands out there as the local selection is limited and so is my knowledge. Thank you in advance for you advice!
Your experience with the Denalis does not surprise me. I ordered a pair last year when they were one of the first of the phase coated roofs offered under $200. Their optical quality was quite poor in my opinion but, admittedly, I did not have any issues with their build. The EO RPC or new SRTs are definitely a step up from the Denalis both in terms of build and optical performance. I would highly recommend you return the Denalis and get one of the other two models in question.
There are, ofcourse, a variety of other models at the $300 price point and under that you may consider. I do not know if the merchant in question carries the Nikon Monarchs or Bushnell legends but both models offer very good image quality with very good build quality at the $300 price point. They are both entirely comparable to the EO models mentioned.
Thanks for the reply Frank. Today I swaped the Denali's for another pair, same kind. I really wanted to give these a try until the Rangers come in on Monday or Tuesday. Besides we had an ice storm and the trees and birds are beautiful... had to have something to play with! The EO RPC and SRT's you mention are those the Ranger Plantinums? I do have to say that these are much much sharper than the Nikon Action 8x40, but I really have nothing better to compare them too. The wild bird store only carries the Eagle Optics, while the store I got the Nikon's at was geared more for hunting and had the Bushnell Power View 10x42 which on the 10's I had problems holding them steady, I think they had the 6x Travelites. They didn't have any of the newer Nikon models. I'll give these a go over the weekend and wait for the Rangers to come in. I'm scared to look thru those Lecia's I've heard about for fear of getting spoiled and not liking anything after that!!