Bino question

[Dirtlaw]

So awhile back I got a deal on a Vortex Diamondback binocular 10 x 42. But I think Vortex later came out with a HD version. Does anyone know or have an opinion regarding the differences between the two? Is the HD a major upgrade from the earlier model?

[Dirtlaw]

I'm trying to figure out whether keeping the Vortex binos as a backup makes sense or whether I just need to get rid of them. Just purchased a Leupold.

[theLBC]

Originally Posted by Dirtlaw

So awhile back I got a deal on a Vortex Diamondback binocular 10 x 42. But I think Vortex later came out with a HD version. Does anyone know or have an opinion regarding the differences between the two? Is the HD a major upgrade from the earlier model?

if nobody knows, call doug at camerlandny.com and he can give you advice since he can actually look through all the high dollar stuff.

[Dirtlaw]

Thanks LBC!

[Trapper]

I shifted from an older pair Leupold binoculars to a pair of Zeiss HD binoculars and the difference was huge. Much more clarity and contrast. Your best bet would be to look through several pair under different light conditions and decide if the extra clarity is worth the investment.

[tony270]

It's a marketing deal, sell those and step up to the next level or two.

Resolution
The most important aspect of a binocular is how well it lets you see, right? So we tested that. With a standard optical resolution chart as the target, we placed an 8x42 Diamondback and a new 8x42 HD Diamondback side by side on a heavy-duty tripod, supported by a stone floor. Then we compared how much detail we could see with each binocular.

The result was not ambiguous, and it was not close. The new HD showed a significantly sharper image, with better brightness, contrast, and resolution. We saw more and better with the new version.

The field of view is unchanged from the earlier version, 393 feet at 1000 yards. The close focus is still 7 feet. In short, the new HD Diamondback is the same binocular, except better.

[middleofnowhere]

I’ve been upgrading glass to the point where I’m now at Swarovski. The percentage of improvement you get in glass steadily decreases the more you spend.

I would avoid all “Made in China” optics out of principal.

[JamesY]

Get a set of Leica binos and forget about everything else.

[Buymoreguns]

Seen a lot of bino threads and rarely ever do i see someone recommend an image stabilized binos. Ok if its a range finder bino then sure, but regular binos for hunting and other applications, why not recommend OIS? I have looked through OIS binos and it is sooo steady i would refuse a regular binos now.

[Full Clip]

I can't afford Leica or Swarovski, so I went with Steiner.
Very happy.

[deckhandmike]

I’ve used them side by side in the field. Not really noticeable. With those binos I can spot bobcats at a mile with a steady rest. They do great for the money.

[Epaphroditus]

Why no one just publishes photos taken through bios of standard optical targets? USAF 1951 tells plenty about resolution and contrast.

[MJB]

Originally Posted by Buymoreguns

Seen a lot of bino threads and rarely ever do i see someone recommend an image stabilized binos. Ok if its a range finder bino then sure, but regular binos for hunting and other applications, why not recommend OIS? I have looked through OIS binos and it is sooo steady i would refuse a regular binos now.

Because they are heavy and don't really help while sitting still and glassing.
Now on the water big difference

[180ls1]

Jumping from $200 binos to $600 dollar ones will give you a significant improvement. Jumping the next level to $1000 ones will be less pronounced.

In my opinion, there is a big difference between the $200 to the $600 pair and I would recommend it.

[lewdogg21]

This past weekend I was in Santa Cruz and able to make out individual trees (they were big tbh) in Pacific Grove. According to google it's 25 miles across the open water. I was using Zeiss Conquests 8x42.

[duckman1]

The older I get the more I appreciate better glass.

[Divernhunter]

^^^ Same here and would have been money ahead if I had not bought all the cheaper ones over the years

[sonofeugene]

Originally Posted by Divernhunter

^^^ Same here and would have been money ahead if I had not bought all the cheaper ones over the years

Yep. I bought a Leupold binocular from n the 600 dollar range and haven't found the reason for a more expensive model.

Of course, I didn't pay 600 for it.

[sd joe]

I had the same question a year ago so I called Vortex. The guy on the phone said there wouldn’t be a noticeable difference and to go with the best deal.

[Juniork5]

I just purchased the vortex diamondback 12x50hd on sale very clear glass couldn’t see the difference from the $1000 steiner 10x56hd.