I'm torn between the Swift Audubon 8.5x44 and the Nikon Monarch 8x42.
I like the Nikon warranty better and the fact that it's probably the best selling roof prism in the $300 price range. On the other hand I like the Swift 828's magnification being 8.5 over 8 and the history behind the model seems to be a well built bino.
Does anyone know what the change in the name from HHS to HCF had to do with and if there was anything changed in the materials or optics? I realize HHS was the initials of late owner of Swift Optics and supposedly the last binocular he designed. I have no idea who HCF is though...and if something changed in the design when the name change happened.
Nikon would be the "safe" bet but I'm leaning more towards the Swifts.
Which would you choose and why?
I have stayed away fron Swift mainly due to warranty and company future issues. And they do need to be repaired, it seems. Nice optics. I have 10x Monarchs, pretty good value for the money and light weight.
As long as Nikon makes cameras, they will be around.
[QUOTE=MikeT307;974367]I'm torn between the Swift Audubon 8.5x44 and the Nikon Monarch 8x42.
I like the Nikon warranty better and the fact that it's probably the best selling roof prism in the $300 price range. On the other hand I like the Swift 828's magnification being 8.5 over 8 and the history behind the model seems to be a well built bino.
Does anyone know what the change in the name from HHS to HCF had to do with and if there was anything changed in the materials or optics? I realize HHS was the initials of late owner of Swift Optics and supposedly the last binocular he designed. I have no idea who HCF is though...and if something changed in the design when the name change happened.
Nikon would be the "safe" bet but I'm leaning more towards the Swifts.
Which would you choose and why?[/QUOTE]
I bought the Swift 828s as I like things which are a bit unusual and not the obvious choice. I have been extremely pleased with them for the past three years.
Regarding the change of initials, I don't know but the Opticron site gives an explanation of some of the letters commonly used. According to that, 'H' denotes a roof binocular and 'CF' stands for centre focusing. I don't know whether that is correct. Possibly the HHS designation became a bit less relevant and confusing with the passing of time. Incidentally, on the latest Swift site they don't seem to mention any letters now and simply refer to them as 828.
http://www.swift-sportoptics.com/pr.../binoculars/828
Ron