I spent an afternoon in (and outside) the optics tent at the Biggest Week
in American Birding last year, and compared my humble $360 Zeiss Terra EDs
with all of the big-name bins. The Zeiss Victory SF, Swarovski EL and Leica
Ultravids were all amazing, and I really didn't find much difference
between them. When I sat down on a nearby log (overlooking a bird-filled
pond) and thought about it, I decided that my existing bins worked just
fine and I would rather spend $2k-plus on traveling for birding. There are
a lot of good choices for under $500, including the Terras, but if cost is
no object, I'd look at the expensive glass. (I also have two pair of really
nice Vortex bins, including the incredible 8x28 Vipers that are my tiny
briefcase bins.)

Meanwhile, my Terras and I are off to SE Arizona tomorrow morning. :)

Rick Tyler

On Wed, Nov 7, 2018 at 9:28 AM Steve Loitz <steveloitz at gmail.com> wrote:


> EL 8.5x42 is excellent glass, but I suggest anyone thinking about spending

> $2K on bins look through them and competing alpha bins (e.g., Zeiss FL,

> Leica Ultravid) before buying. Specifically, check out the difference re

> Swaro's field flattening at the edges vs. Zeiss and Leica. Personally, my

> eyes prefer Zeiss FL. Also, to my eye Zeiss does a bit better with CA

> correction, although that is splitting hairs. All Big 3 alpha bins have

> excellent optics. Also, check out warranties and consumers' reports re

> warranties. (IME, Zeiss and Nikon are the best re warranties and customer

> service, Leica the worst.)

>

> Finally, check out the Cornell binocular tests and allbinos.com

>

> On Wed, Nov 7, 2018 at 9:12 AM James Ullrich <jimullrich at gmail.com> wrote:

>

>> Hello Tweets:

>> In reference to Eric's request, I recommend the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 as

>> the best on the market.

>> Arguably the last binocular you will ever need to buy again, it is so

>> good.

>> Only advice is to never buy online, but always go to a local reputable

>> dealer like Wild Birds Unlimited in Gardiner, WA. They have the EL 8.5x 42

>> and other Top End binocs in stock. Call 360-797-7100 on availability.

>> You always want to try out whatever you buy, put it to your face and work

>> with the ergonomics of the particular brand you are testing. If you buy

>> online, one never knows what may be shipped to you. Just ask USA Swarovski,

>> Zeiss or KOWA and they will educate you on the "grey market", of stolen or

>> remanufactured binocs on the web.

>> Yours for the Birds n' the Bees

>> Jim Ullrich

>>

>> Sent from my iPhone

>> _______________________________________________

>> Tweeters mailing list

>> Tweeters at u.washington.edu

>> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters

>>

>

>

> --

> Steve Loitz

> Ellensburg, WA

> steveloitz at gmail.com

> _______________________________________________

> Tweeters mailing list

> Tweeters at u.washington.edu

> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters

>



--
Rick Tyler
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