Binocular Review 2023
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- **Raffle is sold out**
In this updated binocular review for 2023 I compare 6 different 10x42 binoculars; Swarovski NL Pure, Leica Noctivid, Leica Trinovid, Zeiss Conquest, Tract Toric and Athlon Cronus G2. I analyzed and tested 21 different categories across 5 classes: Descriptive, Construction, Optics, Performance & Operation. At the conclusion of the review, I give 3 recommendations for binoculars within premium, mid-range and low-range budget constraints.
I am raffling off the winning pair of binoculars. Please go to www.mindful-reviews.com/ for all the details. Once you are a member you will have access to the link to purchase tickets. Once the raffle is sold out I will update this section to indicate tickets are no longer available.
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Raffle Info
1:19 - Structure of Review
2:36 - Why I Chose These 6 Binos
3:12 - The Maven Story
6:42 - The Tract Story
10:41 - Emotional Marketing Disclaimer
11:40 - Scoring System
12:55 - Price
14:46 - Weight
16:19 - Length
17:32 - Origin
19:27 - Descriptive Totals
20:32 - Warranty
23:53 - Durability
25:26 - Weather Resistance
29:21 - Frame Material
30:08 - Gas Purging
31:49 - Construction Totals
32:07 - Prism Type
35:22 - Field of View
42:02 - Glass Quality
47:16 - Glass Coatings
49:24 - Eye Relief
51:32 - Close Focus Distance
52:03 - Light Transmission
55:11 - Interpupillary Distance
57:02 - Optics Totals
57:47 - Performance & Operation (Field Testing)
1:00:00 - Aziak Bino Clamp Giveaway
1:01:00 - Performance Testing Scores
1:03:29 - Operation Testing Scores
1:06:29 - Field Notes From Testing
1:13:56 - Final Scores and Ranking
1:14:39 - My recommendations and Caveats
1:19:23 - The Binos That Are Getting Raffled Off
Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
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Fantastic review. You put a lot of time into this review and it is much appreciated. I own a Athlon Midas 12x50 G2 UHD and totally happy with it. The Swaro is the best no doubt. OTD, they cost around $3,500. I paid $350 OTD for my Midas 12x50. I compared them side-by-side and Swaro won but not by a big margin. For a recreational user such as myself, the 10x difference in price is significant. I am a pro photographer and know good glass when I see it. Man, I wish I had your budget because those Swaros are a work of art!
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My first big glass was Athlon Cronus 15x56 and i was blown away with the quality at $700. I now run everything Athlon 15x56, 12x50, 10x50, and the new 20x60 86mm Cronus
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Solid review Jay. Thanks for putting in the time to create such detailed overviews for those of us contemplating new glass!
My pleasure! Appreciate the support!
I appreciate the time and planning you put into this review. You obviously put a lot of thought into this. Adding your personal thoughts and opinions, much of it from your notes, added some insight that most reviews don't contain. For years I've mostly used Canon 12x36 IS binoculars which were purchased for astronomy use, and very useful. When I realized I would benefit from a wider field for terrestrial use I bought a pair of Athlon Midas 8x42's and enjoyed using them. Then I decided to try an upgrade and bought a pair of Vortex Viper HD 8x42's and noticed an improvement in contrast, shadow detail and overall comfort on the eyes. With that experience I thought an upgrade to the Razor HD might be worth it (on sale) so I have now just received that pair but have yet to use them. My main use is searching for wildlife to photograph, both larger animals like deer as well as birds. The Razors will likely do everything well enough to keep me happy but if I decide on another upgrade it will likely be the Swaro EL's. I look forward to seeing more of your reviews.
Thanks!
Excellent review mate.
I honestly base all my purchases off these type of reviews. So in depth mate which not alot of people do.
Keep up the excellent work.
That was a great review.
This is obviously well thought out, and I am appreciative of the time and energy it took to compile this review.
Love your advice to socialize with other hobbyists. (No offense for calling hunting a hobby)
I've only recently gotten into birding, but the local community has been extremely welcoming and helpful.
Also, don't be afraid to stalk a trusted website for deals and demos.
Thanks again.
Thanks man! Appreciate the feedback.
I have nl-pure 12x42 and the aziak bino clamp. Killer of a combo. Don't even notice the aziak clamp is there until it's time to put it on a tripod! And for 35 bucks! That bino clamp can't be beaten. Also I got the Nl-pure on Facebook market place for $2500.... and still have the warranty. That's the only reason I could afford them! Definitely recommend buying them second hand! The used market is full of golden nuggets like that! Also thanks to Jay for the best gear review channel on TH-cam.
Thanks brother!
I like this class system a lot. Since I live in Tasmania, weather resistance is a massive factor when I purchase equipment since Tassie is pretty much a massive rainforest.
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@@MindfulHunterHey mate, what do you think about monoculars? Do you think they're a viable option for hunting?
Very thorough review and I appreciate the time you took on this. Just placed an order for Zeiss Conquest 10x42s.
Awesome. Let me know your thoughts!
Yes! Love how you put the emphasis on practicality and usability. I live in Canada and face the reality of purchasing online for quality equipment. Great review. Great ranking system. Also, thanks for the depth of field explanation. This element has become one of my main requirements for my next purchase. Finally someone included it in the review. 👍👍
My pleasure. Appreciate the detailed feedback!
New to the channel. Great reviews! When I say you know how to break things down to common sense and educate. You did that. Thank you. Solute👍🏾
Thanks for the feedback!
Im lucky that I live 30 min from Hummelstown Pa where Tract has a warehouse. I contacted Jon and will be making an appointment with the company to get down to the warehouse and give the binos a "drive" before I buy. Also they offer a great VET discount!
Great guys. Say hi to Jon for me.
I really like your detailed observations of the products you review! What was sold on swor’s whin a friend of mine said look at the deer on the opposite hill side under the trees! I said no. I don’t see anything over there! I was using Nicon binoculars! Unbelievable difference so I now own them!
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Man, this channel is the best I have found, I'm going down the rabbit hole of tossing up between the NL Pure and the EL Range TA- they both have their upsides. Hard to get the NLs in hand in New Zealand. Thanks for all the effort you put in Jay, makes it super handy before buying.
Have had dramas with companies not honouring warranties lately (namely a big name boot manufacturer) so knowing that Swaro are happy to help is a bonus.
Look forward to the next review- be interested to see you doing a tripod one with the new Aziak Tripod coming out and comparing that to the New Zealand company BACKLANZ tripod.
Cheers
I have the Aziak tripod and review is incoming 🙌
Honestly, I have heard many reviews but not as clear as explicit as detailed with facts and numbers very positive very balanced and very neutral even if I am a Swarovski persone indeed. excellent review I have listened to all of it and even read other comments and I totally agree. Thanks for so much information and so useful, just to mention that do I own one. Swarovski NL 12X42
Deeply appreciate it!
A very informative broadcast. It has helped to navigate through the several technicalities, and make an informed choice. Particularly thankful because recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. and making, and my tremors are problematic.
Glad it was helpful! Appreciate the feedback.
Rocking NL Pure 12x42's. Awesome review! "Praying to a variety of Gods" gave me a good laugh!
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Dude THANK YOU! I’ve been rocking Swaro SLC 10x42 for a very long time and bought my wife the Zeiss Conquest HD so it’s awesome to hear the Conquest rank so high. Question would you replace my old 2015 SLC with the NL pure or keep them?
The NL’s will be a significant improvement. If you got the budget do it. If not those SLC’s are still a very nice piece of glass.
Your reviews are so thorough and well thought out that I find myself watching again.
Sorry to nitpick, but my Leica Noctivids say that they're made in Germany.
Also, I had a chance to use a pair of Nikon Monarch HG's and think that they would do well on your comparison.
Enjoyed your thoughts on the Zeiss SFL's because sometimes when I travel, I don't want to think about replacing the Noctivids.
Thanks again.
GODSPEED.
(Always wanted to say that.)
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Yeah all Leica compact binos, trinovids and all Geovids are made in Portugal . The full size ultravids and Noctovids are made in Das Fatherland
Great review! Glad you added multiple price options. I hope Maven reaches back out. I’ve had stellar experience with them.
I agree. I almost don’t want to throw maven under the bus for actions their PR company took they may not support as well. 🤞
Been waiting for this one with bated breath! Will watch it this evening. Already got my raffle tickets.
Looking forward to your feedback! And good luck!
awesome video. Very well done.
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Another great effort Jay! Keep em coming man.
Will do!
Great review video. Looking to upgrade from my vortex and this video really helps
Glad it was helpful.
Another Top-Notch Review from Jay. Quality nonbiased and unsponsored content brother 🤙
That’s how we roll!
Thanks Jay, much appreciated. Cant wait for the raffle. Fingers crossed. John Allen from tract is awesome!
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Thanks for the honest and helpful information you provide!
Glad it was helpful!
great work. so details and i want to ask if i can apply the same learning for 8X42. How different it is ?
I’d think that’s fair. For the most part the results would be transferable.
Thank you for the ranking system - it helps a lot. Liked your Zeiss comments - hope they improve those eye cups. Question: what binos would fit better for those who wear glasses? Does one stand out more than another in this category?
You want to look for the ones with the greatest eye relief. Also some binos will specifically mention unscrewing the eyecups to work better for people with eyeglasses. I’ll try to do some research and work that info in to future reviews.
Jay - Love your reviews (refreshing change in the hunting industry), please keep them coming! My opinion- for hunting binos it seems that low light performance should get a heavier weight in scoring? I have Swaro EL 10x42 for the clamp. Thanks again!
Agreed. In a way it’s 90% of what you’re paying for when you move from beta to alpha glass. You’re buying yourself 20 more mins of useable daylight.
Speaking of Aziak…..the new Aziak Front Country Lite tripod with the Wiser Precision Nighthawk is the perfect glassing setup. If you take off the wider base of the tripod what’s underneath is a almost perfect match for the base of the Nighthawk.
Just got the front country. Looking forward to testing it oit
Great video!
Btw: have you tried the new(ish) Zeiss SFL's?
I have the 8x40 version and LOVE them! So lightweight compared to say Swarovski EL 8.5x42.
Much easier to handhold.
Also great contrast and clarity.
No I likely need to do a small bino review.
Is the position of the focus wheel OK? It looks low down like u have to hold the ends of the SFL's?
Another great one Jay! Swaro EL 8.5x42 for the Aziak. Appreciate it!
Thanks man!
Interested in bino clamp. I have the trinovids. Great detailed review by the way!
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Another great review. I have a pair of maven B2 9x45. I think they are awesome for the price and I'd love to give the aziak adapter a try
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Hey Jay. I'm a new viewer here after stumbling upon your channel.
Awesome video, you did an amazing job speaking clearly and making this a fun video to follow along with!
Also your logo is fu**ckin awesome!! Keep up the great work man.
Appreciate the support and the kind words. Fun fact the antlers in that logo are copied from my AZ muley that you see on the left hand side of my studio.
@@MindfulHunter That's awesome! Best of luck with everything and I can't wait to check out your upcoming videos🤘
The swaro are super nice and I really like the ergonomics, the slim feel they have. What I don't like is obv the price but also the weight. I ended up buying the Zeiss SFL 8x40s, mostly for the low light capability but also the super light weight. They're still pricey but not quite like the Swaro.
Shortly after purchasing Swaro came out with the atc 17-40x56 (or so, I think) and it really has me wondering if that could've been a good replacement for the bino/spotting scope combination. Maybe do a video on that sometime... Can a compact spotter replace the other optics? For weight and money that'd be super nice actually. Hope I can get my hands on one sometime...
Just did a review of the SFL’s. Fantastic choice.
Another excellent review. I’d have sent you the Tracts, which I have and like quite a bit for the price point. I now have the Leica Geovid LRF binos, which are probably one version behind, but you’re welcome to borrow if you do an LRF bino review Jay.
Appreciate that man!
Question here , i have been birding for a long time 15 years and use alpha binos , and have been all over the world to get my life list up , and if Kowa has some of the best glass then why have i never seen anyone with a pair of Kowa Binos ? Thanks
I spoke with kowa about this exact issue a few weeks ago at a trade show. They have always outsourced their bino manufacturing. It doesn’t even use the same glass. Let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised to see a new line of fluorite crystal Binos in the next couple years.
@@MindfulHunter, I’ve had the same question. Kowa scopes are legendary among birders. Even among the Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss representatives, Kowa Spotting Scopes are considered Alpha glass, but the binoculars are generally considered midrange. Would love to see Kowa join the Alpha glass club in binoculars.
Hi Jay, have you or any of your viewers have had experience with the GPO Passion HD’s? They are German made and seem really solid, what do you think? Thanks.
I have not. And be careful. Those are not made in Germany. They are designed in Germany and made in either Japan or China.
What a great review! Thank you!
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I watched up to the point where I learned that ,"if you can't find $500 to buy a pair of binoculars maybe you should find another sport." I will come finish the video after I get done selling all my hunting gear.
Sounds good 👍
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People have hunted without Binoculars or Scopes for thousands of years. The better hunter does not need fancy equipment. The Mackinaw Coat is still superior to a down puffy.
Cry harder.
$500 for binos isnt bad. Fortunately you get alot for $500 now days.
I’ve got Leica 3200’s and Swarovski EL range 10x42 Swarovski 95mm spotter and ZCO scopes. Also picked up a pair of leupold BX4 10x42 off the prize table and they are pretty good at $600 back then I think they are cheaper now.
Like I said You can get a-lot if performance for $500
My hunting boots were $400 kennetrack can’t beat them. Had them for years
Thank you for an excellent review. The depth and attention to detail was refreshing! Owning several Leica,Swarovski and Zeiss premium binoculars I can agree the the NL range is the best premium offering. I also have a conquest and would recommend these as the best pair for budget sensitive or persons looking for very good optical performance, robustness and for only 1k in my view they are unbeatable.
Thanks!
Damn these reviews are top notch.
I have a pretty wide selection of binos, EL, Mavens and some vortex. Everything has their place. My ELs are my go to, but Mavens are what I grab for things outside glassing game. Vortex are cheap enough I can toss them in glove boxes and spare bags and keep spares for buddies.
Being emotionally attached to a brand trips a lot of people up. Good job bringing people some objective information, sir.
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I run Vortex right now. But looking to upgrade. Great review!
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Excellent review. BTW, the more I analyze and compare the Lecia Trinovid HD (and I own one) the more the value jumps out at me. They just flat-out work for $900.00. Yes, the Noctivid gives a more startling, crisp, bright image, but enough to matter? Barely, if at all. My .02 worth. I have a pair of NL Pure 8 x 42s on the way for comparison....
Great point. I just ran the Zeiss SFL 10’s on a mule deer hunt and yes they’re not my NL’s but I was very pleased with the performance. The more glass I run the more I think there is to be said for that mid market glass.
A very extensive review! Thank you!
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Nice review. I'm currently using maven b.2's but definitely will be swaro next
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Are the Tract's worth the extra $300 over the Athlons?? (Using them for spotting up to 400 yards)
Tracts are only $200 more than Athlons and yes.
What are your thoughts between the Zeiss Victory SF vs Swarovski NL Pures?
NL pure all day. Love the colour profile of Zeiss but you can’t beat the fov and resolution on the NL’s
I went to the local camera store twice, compared the Conquest HD, Trinovid and (out of my budget) the Swarovski NL Pure, the last one just because it was there. Settled for the Conquest 10x42HD. What helped was the €200 cashback, so instead of €1145 they do cost me €945 (No dollars for me, I live in the Netherlands). However, once at home after unpacking the binoculairs, I fiddled with the right eyecup. I do not use glasses, so I need to turn them all the way up. The right eyecup would not click into a higher position, and unscrewed a little. Only after a little effort it clicked out. I turned it in and out all the way a dozen times, fastened the thread again with the cup in the lowest position, and now it clicks smoothly up and down. No difference between the left and right now. The demo model did not have the eye-cup stuck, I checked that because of the horror-stories on the internet. Had me worried a bit, but it's OK now.
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nice review. Suggestion -- some of us don't hunt, and don't glass at all at first or last light. If I'm looking off my balcony into the distance at a hillside, or lake, or ocean, for pleasure, I do it in good lighting. So .. would be good if you rank the quality of the view into two categories... ordinary lighting, and low lighting. I don't want to pay for low light performance, since it doesn't matter to me. I only want to know optical performance in ordinary light.
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Great video! I use the Zeiss conquests.
I can verify that 🤣
@@MindfulHunter I’m just trying to get me one of them bino clamps!😂
I'm so lucky to live a few miles from EuroOptics. A place where you can visit and experience $100,000 worth of scopes and binoculars next to each other. Take them outside at sunset and look at stuff across the street or 1200 yards up on the mountain side. And when you do this you sometimes are really let down by some of the high dollar stuff.
I wish man!
I currently run leupold bx4 guides, 8x42, I love the split bridge design. I find the split bridge easier to hold and focus one handed.
I really do want to review some more leupold stuff. I run the vx-5hd scope and for the price and weight you can’t beat it.
Enjoy the long form content. Is it possible to interweave some of the video of your experience? Some examples would help illustrate the ideas you're proposing. Also reminding us the audience of what all this is for, which is getting out and going on an adventure, is something I'd like. Looking forward to your next one.
It’s fair feedback. To be totally honest I’m leaving on vacation and was under the gun to get this video edited so kept it pretty simple. I can definitely work on including more b-roll in future videos. It’s definitely something I know a lot of people want to see more of.
So just off the top of your head, how was the view of the Leica Noctivid vs the Zeiss Victory SF you own?
My personal preference for optical quality alone, and colour profile has always been Zeiss. My eyes like them even better than swaro. That being said, I don’t think there is a difference in technical performance between the two. It all comes down to personal preference at that level of optic. But for me, I go to Zeiss sf’s every day.
@@MindfulHunterdo u prefer 10x42 SF's over 10x42 nl pure?
You are very good at what you do.
Thank you very much man. I love it.
I have NL Pure and they are great in all aspects!
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Another bad ass review man some great points nd always like the non bias you do nd some sweet glass, im Running vortex diamondback at the moment, hopefully can upgrade in the future 😂 also think its great u are definitely doing it right if they are starting to try nd buy you out lol
Thanks brother. Appreciate the support as always. And I feel ya. Diamondbacks were in my bino harness for quite some time too.
Great vid... :) I would love to see a GPO reviewed..
I just found out about them a few weeks ago. I’ll try and get my hands on some.
I got myself some conquest HD 10x42's and they are crazy sharp and bright. But my favorite thing is how easy the eyebox is on those binos. Leica ultravids, NL pures and appartently the zeiss sf's in the 32mm have serious eyebox issues which give you blackouts all the time unless perfectly aligned or used on a tripod. A trade off in eyepiece design for those large flat fields.
As a hunting binocular I'd find that incredibly annoying.
The meopta meostars are basically equally good to the swaro slc's they are so good and in my opinion much more ruggedly built...but heavy.
Your reviews might save me a few grand on a spotting scope so thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Great review… totally agree $500 and up is where you want to be.
Swarovski is a 368 billon dollar company they should be the best. Most feel they are.
$500 for binos isnt bad. Fortunately you get alot for $500 now days.
I’ve got Leica 3200’s and Swarovski EL range 10x42 Swarovski 95mm spotter and ZCO scopes. Also picked up a pair of leupold BX4 10x42 off the prize table and they are pretty good at $600 back then I think they are cheaper now.
Like I said You can get a-lot if performance for $500
My hunting boots were $400 kennetrack can’t beat them. Had them for years low them and I’ll buy another when these wear out.
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You say the athlon are porro prism but they are bak4 roof prism from all i can find. Ive never seen a straight tube bino that had porro prisms.
You are correct the athlons are clearly roof prisms. That’s a mistake on my part.
I’m running a pair of old school Steiner 10x50 👍
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What an exceptional video. I wish you would send me the NL Pures to field test to see if that is the best Bino for me.
Wish I had lots to send out.
But the Tract does not have the same number of Schott HT lenses as Zeiss---or the Noctivid for that matter, which has 8 Schott HT lenses in each barrel. I suspect the Tract only has one HT lense in each barrel which is consistent with the low price.
They also don’t use the same coatings. What’s your point? I only said they use the same glass.
I must be weird because I looked through Leica and they were blurry/dusty at 700 yards +. Whereas the swaros were incredibly better it was like pulling the views closer to you, almost as if there wasn't Binos in the way. I tried zeiss too and they were blurry. Only swaro is clear
If any pair of binoculars is ever blurry, then it’s either a manufacturer defect or you haven’t adjusted the diopter correctly.
Great review as always . I run the Leupold Mojave pro guide hd 8x42 so not top tier lol .
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Currently running the Vortex UHD 12x50
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Great review
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From everything that I have researched, which is a lot, Swarovski slc 15x56 are the best for low light which is what you need for hunting. I have never owned Swaro's but I have had several different Zeiss Binoculars, and the last pair I had were 10x32 Conquest HD'S, and then I purchased a pair of Steiner 8x42 HX Binoculars and they are so good that I sold the Zeiss. Granted, they are a little larger diameter but the glass is pretty equal, but the thing that makes the Steiner better to me is the eye cups. When you look through them the outside light does not enter, and this makes a huge difference and I don't see eye cups on any of the other top Binoculars, which makes no sense to me.
Couple things. Carrying a pair of 15’s as your primary binos is never gonna happen for the majority of hunters. They are simply too big and you can’t hand hold them. Secondly, there is a 30% difference in the objective size between your conquests and your Steiners. That’s like comparing a 65 mm spotter to an 85 mm spotter. They are optics in completely different categories. And as for your eyecups, the reason most manufacturers, don’t add those is that in order to receive the largest field of view possible, your eyes should actually be set back a few centimetres from the eye cups. However, if you wish to block out all the light, I suggest you look up a product called a bino bandit.
You do know that they also make a 10x56 if you are worried about hand holding them steadily?. And yes they are bigger and heavier, but the majority of Hunters and professional guides I have talked to prefer them.
The only reason that I don't own 15x56 slc is that I am a Photographer and choose to put my $2,500.00 on Camera equipment instead, but still may purchase later. We can argue on here forever, but when you say best, that means best, no excuses and I know that the 15x56 slc's are the best. Hunters have found Game with these where their partners could not even see what they were looking at with the smaller Binoculars. Some carry a Monopod to keep steady with. Still don't believe?, look at the reviews of people that have owned damn near every Binocular made and they will say these are the best, all categories aside, like best for the money, or best for carry. @@MindfulHunter
I’ve done quite a bit of research on the matter and often find it very difficult to find this on manufacturers websites from time to time. But I suspect that the noctovids and the nl pures are both abbe koenig prisms due to the longer and heavier frames and price. This style of roof prism allows more light through due to the construction. While the other roof prisms are Schmidt-pechan which are lighter and more compact. I’m a gear geek and I love the content!
Sounds reasonable to me. Appreciate the insight. I wish there was a standardized way manufacturers shared product details like this.
@@MindfulHunter it’s very strange frankly. Optics are one of the few products that is very difficult to find the hard data of what these products are made of and what makes them 500 vs 3000. It took a long time to figure out those details about the abbe koenig prism. And just why wouldn’t they share that? It’s not like its proprietary. A manufacturer is going to look at a competitors Binoculars and be pretty certain they are using this or that prism.
All my local (Mid-Michigan) shops carry and push Vortex stuff. None carry Ultra high-end gear, mainly because it just wouldn't sell very well. Not many places we can go put hands on quality glass.
I feel ya. Super tough here in Canada to put your hands on premium gear. Things like tents are impossible.
@MindfulHunter oh yes, top notch camping gear is internet order only. These reviews are essential for long range adventure hunters. I can't even begin to calculate all the money reviews like yours has saved me.
@@mikerobinson6606 Love hearing that man. That is 100% why I started this. Couldn't find any good footage of big guys inside tents to judge space lol.
I have the trinovids. They suit me fine.
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@@MindfulHunter but i wouldnt mind a pair of NL Pures😂
Another very thorough and unbiased review. Thanks for calling out companies with their slick marketing tactics and acknowledging good companies that are genuine and ethical. Been using a pair of Cabelas Alaskan Guide 10x42 binos from the bargain cave for about 15 years now. Time to upgrade so thanks again for the review.
Are those the ones Meopta made for Cabelas? And thank you man for the support and feedback. Lots more content on the way.
No they are the black ones. Made in Japan. Not sure who made them.
The Swarovski EL 10x42 is a great bargain
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Appriceate the oragin aspect, it also allows consumers to support countries that align with our personal view points.
Definitely a good bonus.
I wish the top optics companies would do a porro. If swaro improved the field of view in the habicht and the focus wheel they'd probably be unbeatable. And, they would sell a lot of them if they could keep them a similar price.
It’s an interesting point. I’d love to get some of the manufacturers on the podcast.
@@MindfulHunter I know they're not really as fashionable as a nice roof, but there are a lot of people who want the best optics, and porros can deliver that. Also at the other end of the market people could get some good porro optics without spending over 2k. A nice 8x40 or 10x40 with around 96% light transmission like the habicht, but better fov and focus wheel would be amazing.
Great review. Not sure if it makes a difference in your review but Portugal is a western European country.
Appreciate the clarification.
Vortex HD here looking for review of higher end glass
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Completely off topic, but I thought it was hilarious that youtube inserted an advertisement for ASPCA into your video. They must think that you’re really into birding!!!! 😂😂😂
Hahaha gotta love the power of the algorithms!
Also- I think you must’ve gotten an outlier as far as conquest eyecups. I know that people had troubles with the old ones, but the newer ones (especially with the longer eyecups (available for free from Zeiss)) work great. Mine adjust very precisely and lock into place without much hassle. Occasionally they’ll start to unscrew themselves, but I just crank them back down and adjust the cups as necessary.
@@zackw9292 “occasionally they start to unscrew themselves” I don’t consider that precise or acceptable. I have never had another pair of binos do that. Not even cheap shitty ones. Just my opinion. And I’ve had two pairs of conquests and the eyecups were identical.
Oh well, it doesn’t happen often enough to bother me. Until I can afford the top shelf stuff, the conquests are the best I found in that mid-tier range.
Correct: the Trinovids do not use HT glass, but they claim it is an ELD (extra-low dispersion) glass nonetheless and possibly Schott HD glass as you insightfully observe. I have all but begged Lecia to tell us what glass they are using in the Trinovid HD and they won't (been on the phone with them several times). The Ultravid HDs use Schott HT prisms which contain Flouride, but no other Schott lenses and they give a slightly sharper, crisper, brighter image than the Trinovid HDs, but barely, so that would be consistent with the Ultravid's using Schott HT prisms. I do know the Trinovids use Bak-4 prisms. The Kowa Genesis has one (1) Flouride lens element in each barrel and image quality is virtually identical to the Trinovid HD, in my opinion. Also, the GPO HD has two fluoride lenses cemented together in each barrel and they are ever so slightly sharper than the Trinovid HD (very, very little difference). I believe the Noctivid has 8 Schott HT lenses in each barrel and probably Schott HT prisms too.
Precisely. And neither eld or hd is HT. again, what is your point?
Nothing. No criticism intended at all, just commenting and trying to deduce the Trinovid secret sauce and essentially, I am agreeing with your deduction about the probable lens material in the Trinovid HDs. It makes sense.
@@henryware9440 my bad. Misunderstood. I appreciate the additional info. I wish there was more transparency in the optics industry. It makes it really hard to do objective reviews.
No worries at all. No offense taken. It was an excellent review and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into it. I thought your analysis and opinions were very credible and objective. I agree with you about transparency. It would be nice if they would be more willing to give us more information on the components they use. Sometimes you really have to scratch for it. Leica will give out info on the Ultravid HDs and the Noctivids (8 Schott HT lenses, for example) but guard the Trinovid HD lense composition like its top-secret. I don't understand it.
' if you can't find 500 bucks, go another sport ' !!!! ahaha !!!! Good one, dude ! 🤣
And thx for that really cool vid' and your work here !!
PS : Just a little regret here... the SFL should have had a place !
Just dropped a new video on the SFL. Couldn’t get them in time for this video. Excellent option.
@@MindfulHunter
Thx ! 😉
Yes, I saw that afterwards ! Their weight is impressively light !
NL Pure 10x42!
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If I could clarify what for folks what I think you mean regarding to sub $500 optics. I am a not wealthy at all so this is honest. If you are dumping money into your truck, bow, Gucci camouflage and all this other bs but can’t sink money into hood glass…. You’re priorities are a little convoluted. Glass is one place you should buy the best you can possibly afford. You can kill elk day in and day out with a pawn shop Mathews Q2 compound. But if you can’t see them to kill then with your $2k bow. You’ve chose wrong.
I think I’m still with you 🤙🏼
Yeah man you nailed it. Most people spend more on Starbucks in a few months. If you say you love something put your money where your mouth is.
@@MindfulHunter Starbucks.. man now you’re just coming out with sniper shots lol
Argon gas is heavier then nitrogen gas. That's probably why the higher end use nitrogen gas
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Zeiss SFL 10x40
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Any reason the best doesn't get the most points? Otherwise I love the forced ranking system
Just liked the idea of first place getting one point I guess. ;)
Sub $500? Nikon Monarch series are excellent especially M5 & M7.
Good to know.
At 14 minutes in, anyone who can't find at least $500 for a set of binoculars should find another sport. Wow.
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I think the Cannon gyro stabilized Binos are severely underrated for hunting.
I need to do some research on stabilized binos
Those Canons are the best binos period I have used in them in the salt water fishing environment for years.
It's seems like stabilized binoculars are working thoer way into the hunting world. Sig Zulu6 being the newest. I definitely think there is an application for them for higher powered binos as well as single had use with a bow.
"If you can't afford $500 binoculars, choose another sport" -MINDFUL hunter. c'mon man. try not to gatekeep hunting, and you are wrong here.
I killed lots of animals with $175 Vortex’s before I could afford better, the animals didn’t seem to care what I had.
I’m wrong all the time.
Same.
To much talk
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Hi! You make great reviews keep it up just want to know why you don't add Japanese binocularst in your review list??
Any particular ones you are interested in?
You could have added Nikon, Canon and Fujifilm they make great optics also 3 more European Steiner,Meopta and GPO optics
Hey! I missed Kowa please take a look how they are.
Also mention in your reviews that are these high end binoculars are fungus proof or not?? Because over period of time fungus starts damaging lenses and removes their coatings of lense and prism this is so important.
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Take notes on what an actual review is @GOHUNT
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I have the Maven B6 12x50s, I got them and 3 other binos including the 12x42 NL Pures to review and compare for myself.
And while the NL Pures are superior in every way EXCEPT for low light capability and color rendition (subjective to my eyes ofcourse) the Mavens were too good to return and I ended up keeping them as well as the NLs for my son who hunts with me.
I say to hell with the bs, good products is good products, should have included them for testing purposes.
You get too hung up on the marketing bs, yea, I get it, but look at it this way, you can objectively review stuff AND totally rip the products a new ahole if they are garbage and you can tell everyone exactly why.
Still love the content sir. 🫡
No argument. They make some good stuff. At the end of the day if you’re happy with your gear that’s all that matters. 🙌
Nice variety from top to bottom. Lots of good points for the objective minded.💪🏼