Hi all,
As a user of a pair of Vortex Viper 8 x 42 bins I am left wondering just how much difference there is between the bins such as I have and a pair of say, £1200 ones. Does anyone have any experience of such matters? I have often wondered what the difference is between the less expensive ones and the top class ones, I mean, are they really 4 times better if they are 4 times more expensive and if so, in what way ?
Any thoughts ?
Cheers guys.
Dave.
Simmo, a good read in relation to your query can be found here:- http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=135248
Basically it gives various users comments (including mine) around the direct comparisons you are looking for. I have two pairs of Hawke Frontier ED's and despite trying various Alpha bins I have yet to find a pair that offer a better image quality, 4 times the cost or not. Some interesting reading there, hope it helps.
You pay brand premium with the traditionally alpha glasses. They are good. Maybe 20% better than your Viper or 4 times better, depending on who you ask. A birding friend of mine claim he could not see anything unless he uses his Leica.