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Just ordered a set of Vortex binoculars and I'm pretty excited to try them out.
Was going to go with the "Diamondback" series and actually looked at them and then looked at the lower end model "Crossfire" and couldn't tell any difference really.
Saved some money and ordered the "Crossfire" 8X42 and if I don't care for them...I'll return them.
Mostly use them for falconry and trapping raptors - tired of the old cheap pairs.
I like that they are manufactured here in WI as well as the lifetime warranty on them as well. Best price was at B&H Photo out of New York. Ordered from them before with great results!
Their price was even better than the Military/Law Enforcement discount I receive from Vortex. (by about 5 bucks).
Any Vortex customers out there?
I have used Vortex for a number of years (3 -4 maybe, ??) and feel they meet my needs well. I don't think I need some of the very pricey binos and I certainly am not a bino snob. Besides these old eyes probably could not tell the difference between a $200 pair and a $900 pair! Good luck with them, I think you will like them.
They do work great. I have a pair of 10x28's that I use in Wisconsin & a pair of 10x40's for out West that I hope I can use again some day. I had a pair of Nikon Monarchs but in my eyes I could see a difference so I gave those to my Wife for bird watching. I once lost a lens cover & Cabelas replaced it even though I didn't take them in.
I looked at those models, BT, and ended up going with Nikon Monarch 5’s. They were a smidge cheaper, and I felt I could see a tad bit better in low light. All of the options discussed thus far are great glass!
Well I'm going to give them a spin and check them out. Mostly going to be high lighted situations, BUT, still take them on stand with me, so it'll be interesting.
Maybe someday I can afford a 1000.00 dollar piece of glass!
I'll look at those Monarchs!
I bought mine for an elk hunt in Wyoming. I don’t have a lot of stands here where I thought I could use them. Boy I was wrong. The stuff you can see and pick is amazing!
One of my sons has Diamondbacks and I have a set as well. Also have Monarchs for dashboard set. I like both, but give the edge to Diamondbacks as they are just more comfortable on my eyes. Both are good bang for the $.
I don't have any Vortex binocs but do have 3 of their monoculars. I really like them, and they are built well.
I bought a pair of the 10x Diamondbacks for use on a family vacation. I didn't want my kids (or wife) playing with my Swarovski binos.
I also got the discount through an affiliate program.
My impression is you get what you pay for. I did a side by side test and there is no comparison. The lower end vortex glass is not good. But I am used to looking through binos that are 10 times more expensive.
I love my Diamondbacks - This will be my 3rd season with them - I have had no issues and they are comparable to my Nikon Monarchs which I keep in the truck. Warranty is outstanding - Friend broke his (completely his fault) and they replaced. Great WI company
I have two pair of Diamondbacks, a pair of 10X42's and a pair of 8X32's. Both excellent. My brother borrowed the 10's for his stag hunt in New Zealand and loved them. Great product. Great warranty.
Must be like a bow. They all feel different to someone else. I'll sell my Nikon Monarch 10x40's for 200.00 if anyone wants them. Like new. I have an old pair of Bushnell Custom Compacts sitting in a drawer that were the go to banocs back in the day for picking out a piece of a critter or horn in the brush but not distance. I think they are 8x32's. Worked well out West.
Much of this is personal preference as well. The warranty which I have always been a good one is replacement for life - regardless how the binoculars are damaged.
That's huge in my book!
Good to hear reviews on the bino's. I'm still ashamed in myself that living 20 minutes away from them I haven't gone to look at them yet. They're suppose to be very good as a company and offer optics that are fantastic for a good price. Based on listening to Steve Rinella (http://www.themeateater.com/) when he had the Vortex guys on, the higher end really shows its abilities when you're out west. Doesn't sound like it would be worth it hunting here in the midwest.
Makes some sense BW...choppin to find out!
They are also very generous when donating their product & I don't remember ever not seeing them at a show......Bloodtrail, I was confused also but then I re read it slowly & it made sense. lol
I have the Talons great bino .They have a great warranty . One of my customers dropped mine bending the eye piece . Sent them in they fixed them and had them back to me in about a week like new . Only cost me freight to get them to them .
I have the Vortex "Crossfire" and I have to tell you I am very pleased with them so far!
The neck strap is a little cheap but never use one anyways - also came with a "free" gift from B&H Photo out of New Jersey - a "rechargeable" key chain light - 45 lumens!
Looks pretty good so far!
Certainly not in the same class as top end glass costing thousands, but for the money, a pretty good value.
Styrkas , then there is everything else, but if you are happy, that is all that matters
styrkas are better than my 20 year old Zeiss, but it could be my eyes,,,, ha ha