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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:04:50 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I need a new pair for deer hunting. Former pair were Zeiss Conquest 8x. I was thinking of going to 10x. I'd like them somewhat compact (i.e. not to big to stalk with). What does the hive think about Vortex Viper line? Vortex Razor HD |
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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:06:45 PM EDT
[#2]
I ....
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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:12:05 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I .... Huh? |
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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:18:41 PM EDT
[#4]
Vortex was a good choice.
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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:23:50 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Vortex was a good choice. Yessir a bargain all things considered. |
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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:39:28 PM EDT
[#6]
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry.
Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. |
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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:48:34 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry. Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. Great info, thanks. I mostly hunt whitetail from a stand , most of which are enclosed. |
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Posted: 11/21/2016 8:58:53 PM EDT
[#8]
So excited to get a look through these. I hope they blow me away. If they do I may sell a brand new ACOG with an RMR to fund a Vortex upgrade for my 300 win mag (Zeiss glass) or my 450 Bushmaster (Bushnell elite 4200 that I got a smoking deal on in Cabelas bargain cave.) The field of view on that scope on 3 or 9 power just blows.
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Posted: 11/21/2016 9:25:23 PM EDT
[#9]
How do the GI M24s stack up against commercial binos?
I've been using M24s and am curious if I am missing out . |
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Posted: 11/21/2016 10:42:52 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How do the GI M24s stack up against commercial binos? I've been using M24s and am curious if I am missing out . I've never looked thru a pair of those, but I'd hope the .mil would get the absolute best for the troops. I have my doubts, though. |
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Posted: 11/22/2016 12:43:30 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry. Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. Dust, leaves, etc is why I want to try a pouch. It's a hassle keeping my eyepieces clean. Not unusual for me to wade through head high weeds occasionally. My Vortex aren't as hard to clean as the Bushnells I used before. Just haven't found a pouch that I really liked and wasn't ridiculously overpriced. |
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Posted: 11/22/2016 12:46:17 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryI picked up a pair of these a while back thanks to our Amazon thread. Got mine for $77 IIRC. They are great. |
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Posted: 11/22/2016 1:02:42 PM EDT
[#13]
I really like my Zeiss terra ed 10x
Mid size and easy on the eyes. My buddy that has vortex is jealous |
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Posted: 11/22/2016 1:06:42 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I went with 10x42 cabelas BASS PRO SHOP euro HD. They are made by meopta in Czech Republic. I liked them better than the vortex razor and much better than the zeiss conquest. I use a kuiu bino harness. I'll never not use a harness ever again. FIFY  . My problem with buying store branded expensive items. Will they stand by them in 10 years like Vortex would?
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Posted: 11/22/2016 1:14:39 PM EDT
[#15]
Tag, black friday
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Posted: 11/22/2016 7:54:04 PM EDT
[#16]
Looked side by side with my Zeiss 8x30 mc's. Conditions weren't great, but I gave it a quick try. Going to wait to adjust and fine tune the diopter in the next day or so.
Initially my thoughts are: Fit and finish is not perfect, but nice. Clarity and brightness are right there with the Zeiss (it seems, need to fine tune the diopter) If I remember correctly I paid around $350 for the Zeiss 7 years ago so I kind of expected a 'wow I'm blown away by the brightness and clarity ' kind of thing with the HD Vortex...I was not. Admittedly I may have been too excited and expectations may have been too high based on the reviews I read. Strap and case are much nicer than the Zeiss. Much heavier (to be expected due to the higher magnification, etc. ) Sturdy feeling. Adjustments to the eye cups and focus are smooth. Eye cups can't be compared because the Zeiss doesn't have adjustable cups. I hope I'll be happier after fine tuning the diopter, but I have a feeling that the extra $200 over the lower end Zeiss will not be worth it. I'll keep updating this if you all are interested. |
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Posted: 11/22/2016 8:01:05 PM EDT
[#17]
Buy once cry once when it comes to binoculars!
 Glad you found some you like!
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Posted: 11/22/2016 11:21:27 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Buy once cry once when it comes to binoculars! Glad you found some you like!I'm trying not to be too critical, but I think I may have to return these. I hope after dialing them it will change my mind . I really don't want to drop $1500 + on binoculars to be completely happy. |
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Posted: 11/23/2016 8:39:05 AM EDT
[#19]
I didn't care for the Vipers. Not $200 more than the Leupold BX-3 I ended up buying. Lots like them, but looking through them wasn't impressive to me.
The problem I made was breaking the number one rule of binocular shopping: Never look through binoculars that cost more than you can afford to spend. I looked through Swarovski, Lieca, high end Zeiss. Mistake. There is just no comparison. From what I understand there are Zeiss and Lieca models in the $1000 area that are phenomenal glass. Maybe order a couple and see what you think. I believe Camera land, NY will work with you to get a couple pairs into your hands, then return the ones you don't want. I looked at the bargain cave at Cabela's last weekend. Some great deals there. I just can't justify a change now. I see plenty with my current set, but they suck compared to European glass. |
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Posted: 11/23/2016 12:37:23 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
With binoculars, the difference between a $40 pair and a $200 pair is enormous. The difference between a $200 pair and a $2000 pair is noticeable, but nothing like stepping up to $200 from $40. I agree 100%. I would add that $100 to $350 is quite a jump, but $350 - $800 is not as noticeable. |
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Posted: 11/23/2016 1:06:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm trying not to be too critical, but I think I may have to return these. I hope after dialing them it will change my mind . I really don't want to drop $1500 + on binoculars to be completely happy. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Buy once cry once when it comes to binoculars! Glad you found some you like!I'm trying not to be too critical, but I think I may have to return these. I hope after dialing them it will change my mind . I really don't want to drop $1500 + on binoculars to be completely happy. I went through the same thing 20 years ago. I bought 4 different binoculars, only to have them break, give me headaches, or have other optical issues. I probably spent $1,200 on crap binoculars. Then, I saved some pennies and worked some extra shifts, and bought the swaros. They're beautiful, just plain SLC 10x42's. I've broken them twice-repaired free by Swarovski. I just last Christmas moved up to the EL 10x42. If it doesn't take food out of you family's mouths or put you in debt, just buy the damn binocular you really want the first time. You're wasting time and money trying to get "90% of the performance for half the price", because you're going to get Swaros eventually anyway. |
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Posted: 11/23/2016 1:47:22 PM EDT
[#22]
I didn't like the Vortex and went with Zeiss Conquest HD 10x.
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Posted: 11/23/2016 2:29:58 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I went through the same thing 20 years ago. I bought 4 different binoculars, only to have them break, give me headaches, or have other optical issues. I probably spent $1,200 on crap binoculars. Then, I saved some pennies and worked some extra shifts, and bought the swaros. They're beautiful, just plain SLC 10x42's. I've broken them twice-repaired free by Swarovski. I just last Christmas moved up to the EL 10x42. If it doesn't take food out of you family's mouths or put you in debt, just buy the damn binocular you really want the first time. You're wasting time and money trying to get "90% of the performance for half the price", because you're going to get Swaros eventually anyway. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy once cry once when it comes to binoculars! Glad you found some you like!I'm trying not to be too critical, but I think I may have to return these. I hope after dialing them it will change my mind . I really don't want to drop $1500 + on binoculars to be completely happy. I went through the same thing 20 years ago. I bought 4 different binoculars, only to have them break, give me headaches, or have other optical issues. I probably spent $1,200 on crap binoculars. Then, I saved some pennies and worked some extra shifts, and bought the swaros. They're beautiful, just plain SLC 10x42's. I've broken them twice-repaired free by Swarovski. I just last Christmas moved up to the EL 10x42. If it doesn't take food out of you family's mouths or put you in debt, just buy the damn binocular you really want the first time. You're wasting time and money trying to get "90% of the performance for half the price", because you're going to get Swaros eventually anyway. I'm really starting to lean this way. Just a bitter pill to swallow and I know i'll have a really bad case of buyers remorse. |
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Posted: 11/23/2016 2:35:23 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Swarovski EL 10x42 If you have the cash, they are the best you can buy. Glass is amazingly bright. Had the viper HDs before the Swaros, nice but not in the same class as the EL's Buy once cry once, I went from cheap Nikon to Leopold to viper HDs to Zeiss then finally opened up the wallet for some Swarovski. FWIW; I own some Steiners that are way above toy level. There is no comparison. In fact; if I get a decent enough bonus, I may just be able to justify the purchase. |
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Posted: 11/24/2016 10:41:26 PM EDT
[#26]
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me.
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Posted: 11/24/2016 10:51:09 PM EDT
[#27]
Not even in the same category. Good for you, OP.
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Posted: 11/24/2016 10:57:40 PM EDT
[#28]
Only experience I've had with binos has been with a pair of Sig Zulu9s and Zulu5s that I've got on demo. Both are very very nice (I'm almost positive they are identical to similarly priced Vortex models) and if I had to pay for them I'd get the Zulu5. Since I don't, I'll continue to enjoy the slight edge the 9's offer for double the cost.
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Posted: 11/24/2016 11:04:55 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry. Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. who makes a good chest rig that will fit 10X40? sorry for the highjack OP....
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Posted: 11/24/2016 11:10:40 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
who makes a good chest rig that will fit 10X40? sorry for the highjack OP.... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry. Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. who makes a good chest rig that will fit 10X40? sorry for the highjack OP.... Kuiu |
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Posted: 11/24/2016 11:17:31 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Kuiu Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry. Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. who makes a good chest rig that will fit 10X40? sorry for the highjack OP.... Kuiu I have the Kuiu bino harness as well. Love it. Very comfortable. For 10x40, get the Large size. Only the 12x50 and larger will need the XL size. |
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Posted: 11/24/2016 11:55:45 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
FHF makes a nice chest pouch. I just use an inexpensive chest harness. The FHF pouch is good shit. |
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Posted: 11/25/2016 12:21:24 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. I priced them just right now...YIKES!! $2300 at Amazon. |
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Posted: 11/25/2016 12:24:41 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. Nice! Congrats, you made the right choice. Now you don't need to buy 3 pairs to be disappointed in, so you actually just saved money! Mine in the woods a couple weeks back.  |
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Posted: 11/25/2016 12:29:26 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nice! Congrats, you made the right choice. Now you don't need to buy 3 pairs to be disappointed in, so you actually just saved money! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. Nice! Congrats, you made the right choice. Now you don't need to buy 3 pairs to be disappointed in, so you actually just saved money! That's what I wanted, but I went with the Conquest HD instead. But I did get the Swaro ATS 65 this last season. 
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Posted: 11/25/2016 6:07:39 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have the Kuiu bino harness as well. Love it. Very comfortable. For 10x40, get the Large size. Only the 12x50 and larger will need the XL size. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry. Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. who makes a good chest rig that will fit 10X40? sorry for the highjack OP.... Kuiu I have the Kuiu bino harness as well. Love it. Very comfortable. For 10x40, get the Large size. Only the 12x50 and larger will need the XL size. I have the first generation in vias pattern... barely fits the Swarovkis... 
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Posted: 11/25/2016 11:24:41 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. Strong work. You will be pleased, and you won't ever have to buy another binocular. See? You just saved money. I use the large KUIU harness, it fits the 10x42 EL snugly. I have to fold them slightly to get them in and out smoothly. |
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Posted: 11/25/2016 4:19:30 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
who makes a good chest rig that will fit 10X40? sorry for the highjack OP.... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
As far as harness vs. pouch it really comes down to preference. No way to know until you try them. My wife dislikes the pouch I bought her. I agree it is more of a hassle, but does a much better job protecting the glass. Keeping caps on is a huge hassle, and in the rain and snow the pouch does a nice job keeping them dry. Good news is if you buy a quality pouch and don't like it you can get most of your money back. A small chest rig with binoculars, rangefinder, GPS, wind bottle, and spot for tags is something I would like to try this winter. who makes a good chest rig that will fit 10X40? sorry for the highjack OP.... No worries. |
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Posted: 11/25/2016 4:21:16 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I priced them just right now...YIKES!! $2300 at Amazon. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. I priced them just right now...YIKES!! $2300 at Amazon. I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet.
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Posted: 11/25/2016 4:51:54 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. I priced them just right now...YIKES!! $2300 at Amazon. I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet. Let us know what you think. I'm shopping binos, and would be interested to know if you think the swarovskis are truly worth it in the end. |
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Posted: 11/25/2016 5:00:40 PM EDT
[#41]
once you take a look through them, that remorse will fade away...
there is a reason hunters and birdwatchers both use them. the color correction and clarity are perfect. Zeiss and Leica make good products but I think the swarovskis have the X factor...
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Posted: 11/25/2016 6:11:06 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. I priced them just right now...YIKES!! $2300 at Amazon. I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet. Hey, I spent that much on a watch for a big out-of-town wedding a few months ago, then forgot it at home. I might wear it again for the first time next year. 
You're doing fine. |
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Posted: 11/26/2016 11:34:29 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Let us know what you think. I'm shopping binos, and would be interested to know if you think the swarovskis are truly worth it in the end. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. I priced them just right now...YIKES!! $2300 at Amazon. I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet. Let us know what you think. I'm shopping binos, and would be interested to know if you think the swarovskis are truly worth it in the end. Will do. |
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Posted: 11/26/2016 11:38:19 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
once you take a look through them, that remorse will fade away... there is a reason hunters and birdwatchers both use them. the color correction and clarity are perfect. Zeiss and Leica make good products but I think the swarovskis have the X factor... I sure hope so. They are sitting in my house while I'm on a fishing trip. |
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Posted: 11/26/2016 11:47:45 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Ordered the Swarovski 10x42 EL . Man oh man does that price tag hurt, but the Vortex just didn't impress me. I priced them just right now...YIKES!! $2300 at Amazon. I know. I have buyers remorse already and haven't even received them yet. I bought a pair of those binos last year (in AK). I have absolutely zeroed regrets about my purchase). In fact I'm considering buying a second smaller set to carry with me in the field (my 10x42s are heavy). Congrats! |
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Posted: 11/27/2016 10:20:36 PM EDT
[#46]
My initial thoughts:
Edge to edge clarity are awesome. Brightness is great. Glass clarity is awesome. Heavy. I only had 30 minutes or so to work with them , but my initial thoughts are they are not $1900 better than the Vortex vipers. I'll play with them more tomorrow. |
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Posted: 11/28/2016 12:04:33 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My initial thoughts: Edge to edge clarity are awesome. Brightness is great. Glass clarity is awesome. Heavy. I only had 30 minutes or so to work with them , but my initial thoughts are they are not $1900 better than the Vortex vipers. I'll play with them more tomorrow. I would think that low light performance is where they earn their keep. Side by side they would blow the Vortex away at dusk. |
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Posted: 11/28/2016 5:00:46 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would think that low light performance is where they earn their keep. Side by side they would blow the Vortex away at dusk. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
My initial thoughts: Edge to edge clarity are awesome. Brightness is great. Glass clarity is awesome. Heavy. I only had 30 minutes or so to work with them , but my initial thoughts are they are not $1900 better than the Vortex vipers. I'll play with them more tomorrow. I would think that low light performance is where they earn their keep. Side by side they would blow the Vortex away at dusk. I've got rainy nasty conditions to test email out just for that. |
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Posted: 11/28/2016 5:06:12 PM EDT
[#49]
I have to wonder if it's just me. For example, I bought an ACOG RMR combo 2 years ago. When I looked through it for the 1st time I was excited and expecting to be absolutely blown away...I wasn't. In fact, it's still sitting in the case in the safe. I think the same is true in this case. I was expecting to be floored given the price point and I'm not.
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Posted: 11/28/2016 5:18:24 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have to wonder if it's just me. For example, I bought an ACOG RMR combo 2 years ago. When I looked through it for the 1st time I was excited and expecting to be absolutely blown away...I wasn't. In fact, it's still sitting in the case in the safe. I think the same is true in this case. I was expecting to be floored given the price point and I'm not. In real world use, I could barely discern the difference between the Vortex Razor HD nockers and the Swaros. The Swaros were certainly better in a few aspects, but It certainly wasn't enough difference for me to shell out $1k+ MORE for the EL. (Note that I'm in no way saying the Swaro's aren't fantastic nockers, as they absolutely are.) |
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