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A New Brand in USA and Canada

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/14/2017 at 04:09
The Murski group has a large portfolio. I'm not familiar with the other group.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/17/2017 at 11:49
The web site of the German company has gone live now.

Lee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/18/2017 at 21:11
Originally posted by gunut gunut wrote:

Originally posted by WJC WJC wrote:

JGRaider wrote:

"Not hardly.  Ever heard of the law of diminishing returns?  I own several "alpha" binoculars, and a handful that give you 90-95% of the performance at fractions of the cost......Vortex Razor Hd, Conquest HD, Toric HD, Meostar HD are all superb."

Everyone is different, but the average practical observer can carve that in stone; it's not likely to change.

like I said on the first page.....just another no name wannabe trying to carve out a spot in the middle of the road.....all the big boys already serve that clientele...and have a trusted reputation to maintain...and stand behind their products even the less than alpha models...and Zeiss even is doing a pretty good job with its low middle class offerings .........the new guy had better have a real good product, at a steal of a price, and some long term financial backing in order to get established....


The thing about evaluating optics is to be sure to evaluate them for what they are.  Don't trash them out of the gate before anyone has seen them simply based on what they are not.  Our perceptions are key drivers of what serves to ultimately determine satisfaction, or lack of it.   Be prepared to see greatness, that is what you see when you look through the mighty alpha.  Be prepared to see a lesser instrument that is probably what you will see.  Objective analysis of an optic is not easy.

The mid range stuff has gotten so much better that there is precious little difference in optical specifications.  The difference is often less than the eye can see, but there are a lot of eyes that claim to see it.

You see a lot of new optics arrivals being started by people with prior optics experience.  There seems to be a decent history with the GPO folks.  Another new kid, Maven has, particularly in its bigger B2 model an alpha quality glass at $1,000.  They knew they had to aim big.  I bet GPO has that idea too.  Tract has good field use reports too.

Nice to see Lee here.  Welcome to OT Big Smile

Cheers

Steve C
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2017 at 02:37
The thing about evaluating optics is to be sure to evaluate them for what they are.  Don't trash them out of the gate before anyone has seen them simply based on what they are not.  Our perceptions are key drivers of what serves to ultimately determine satisfaction, or lack of it.   Be prepared to see greatness, that is what you see when you look through the mighty alpha.  Be prepared to see a lesser instrument that is probably what you will see.  Objective analysis of an optic is not easy.

The mid range stuff has gotten so much better that there is precious little difference in optical specifications.  The difference is often less than the eye can see, but there are a lot of eyes that claim to see it.

You see a lot of new optics arrivals being started by people with prior optics experience.  There seems to be a decent history with the GPO folks.  Another new kid, Maven has, particularly in its bigger B2 model an alpha quality glass at $1,000.  They knew they had to aim big.  I bet GPO has that idea too.  Tract has good field use reports too.

Nice to see Lee here.  Welcome to OT Big Smile

Cheers

Steve C
[/QUOTE]


Hi Steve
Many thanks for your greeting, its great to be here.  I can only echo what you have said. The middle ground of sports optics has been upping its game for a while now and this can only be good for us.
Just learned that one of the other members of the management team of GPO Germany (which, we should remind ourselves, is a separate company from GPO, USA) is ex-Meopta. Sounds like they have a strong foundation.

Lee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2017 at 05:15

I have a Nikon Monarch 10x42 binocular... have had it for at least 10 years.  My assessment of it is, it is OK, certainly not great.  A very moderately priced binocular.  I've had "hands on" on much of the "alpha" glass and they are certainly better optically.  My biggest complaint with the Nikon is low light performance.  It is just adequate, I've seen much better.  In "broad daylight" it is just fine.  My wife has a Canon 8x motion stabilized that is very good, but once again, a little lacking for low light observation.  Glass could be better... it's not bad, but it "ain't Swaro or Zeiss" (It isn't Meopta, either).  One of the programs I worked a while back used high end Fujinon.  I liked all the ones we had available.  Some 10x, some variables... very nice. 

I'm not a big binocular fan, sometimes carry because I just have to.  However, in the thick wooded areas I hunt in Alabama, mostly stalking, I don't find a binocular very useful.  Stand hunting or glassing in big open areas with cover... I have to grudgingly admit that a binocular is a friend.  I already carry pretty much anything I need for any situation in the woods/fields... a binocular is an added inconvenience to me, for the most part.  I pick carefully where I think I will need a binocular, use it when I must.  A couple of times, I've guessed wrong... needed it, didn't have it... lived over it. 

Some day, I will settle on something in the alpha range... just have not found the one that really tweaked me, yet.  I watch the commentaries here and in a couple of birdwatching places... I have some ideas, just not strong enough to push me to a final decision, yet.  When I choose one, I expect it to be the last one I ever buy. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2017 at 06:41
Originally posted by Peddler Peddler wrote:

The Murski group has a large portfolio. I'm not familiar with the other group.

I'm familiar with these folks. Mike was my host for the Texas trip I took a couple of years ago. Stayed at their ranch. It was awesome. Mike was super nice too. Excellent
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2017 at 11:50
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

I have a Nikon Monarch 10x42 binocular... have had it for at least 10 years.  My assessment of it is, it is OK, certainly not great.  A very moderately priced binocular.  I've had "hands on" on much of the "alpha" glass and they are certainly better optically.  My biggest complaint with the Nikon is low light performance.  It is just adequate, I've seen much better.  In "broad daylight" it is just fine.  My wife has a Canon 8x motion stabilized that is very good, but once again, a little lacking for low light observation.  Glass could be better... it's not bad, but it "ain't Swaro or Zeiss" (It isn't Meopta, either).  One of the programs I worked a while back used high end Fujinon.  I liked all the ones we had available.  Some 10x, some variables... very nice. 

I'm not a big binocular fan, sometimes carry because I just have to.  However, in the thick wooded areas I hunt in Alabama, mostly stalking, I don't find a binocular very useful.  Stand hunting or glassing in big open areas with cover... I have to grudgingly admit that a binocular is a friend.  I already carry pretty much anything I need for any situation in the woods/fields... a binocular is an added inconvenience to me, for the most part.  I pick carefully where I think I will need a binocular, use it when I must.  A couple of times, I've guessed wrong... needed it, didn't have it... lived over it. 

Some day, I will settle on something in the alpha range... just have not found the one that really tweaked me, yet.  I watch the commentaries here and in a couple of birdwatching places... I have some ideas, just not strong enough to push me to a final decision, yet.  When I choose one, I expect it to be the last one I ever buy. 



There are plenty of great bins out there and you don't have to buy an alpha to get a good view but if you want to stretch that far then Zeiss's HT takes some beating. My preference for nature observation is to swap between the big FOV SF 8x42 or fast-focusing Conquest HD 8x32, but for all round versatility especially in dull conditions or dusk then HT is one good way to go.
Lee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2017 at 23:03
 That's Daniel Boone!
Originally posted by Skylar McMahon Skylar McMahon wrote:

Originally posted by WJC WJC wrote:

Originally posted by Skylar McMahon Skylar McMahon wrote:

I may have jumped the gun. However, historically introductory posts like this on the OT have clouded several sections of the forum with undesired commentary, urls, and other potentially malicious content.

I have no doubt that he's probably knowledgeable and would make contributions to the forum. However we diligently work to keep this place clean from links to foreign and potentially malicious website to protect its members. I didn't follow the link, however it was flagged by a fellow member and upon seeing and the minimal post count thus far, lead me to the conclusion to warn him and remove the outgoing url.

I hope that you gentlemen may understand the position I am in. I meant no ill will towards Lee and would like to see more from him.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2017 at 11:21
Originally posted by Troubador Troubador wrote:

Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

I have a Nikon Monarch 10x42 binocular... have had it for at least 10 years.  My assessment of it is, it is OK, certainly not great.  A very moderately priced binocular.  I've had "hands on" on much of the "alpha" glass and they are certainly better optically.  My biggest complaint with the Nikon is low light performance.  It is just adequate, I've seen much better.  In "broad daylight" it is just fine.  My wife has a Canon 8x motion stabilized that is very good, but once again, a little lacking for low light observation.  Glass could be better... it's not bad, but it "ain't Swaro or Zeiss" (It isn't Meopta, either).  One of the programs I worked a while back used high end Fujinon.  I liked all the ones we had available.  Some 10x, some variables... very nice. 

I'm not a big binocular fan, sometimes carry because I just have to.  However, in the thick wooded areas I hunt in Alabama, mostly stalking, I don't find a binocular very useful.  Stand hunting or glassing in big open areas with cover... I have to grudgingly admit that a binocular is a friend.  I already carry pretty much anything I need for any situation in the woods/fields... a binocular is an added inconvenience to me, for the most part.  I pick carefully where I think I will need a binocular, use it when I must.  A couple of times, I've guessed wrong... needed it, didn't have it... lived over it. 

Some day, I will settle on something in the alpha range... just have not found the one that really tweaked me, yet.  I watch the commentaries here and in a couple of birdwatching places... I have some ideas, just not strong enough to push me to a final decision, yet.  When I choose one, I expect it to be the last one I ever buy. 



There are plenty of great bins out there and you don't have to buy an alpha to get a good view but if you want to stretch that far then Zeiss's HT takes some beating. My preference for nature observation is to swap between the big FOV SF 8x42 or fast-focusing Conquest HD 8x32, but for all round versatility especially in dull conditions or dusk then HT is one good way to go.
Lee

I tried to meet Mike Jensen at SHOT, but it did not pan out.  I guess he was too busy.

As far as binos go, I never warmed up to the Conquest HD.  I'll take the Meostar over it any day.  The SF is a nice piece of glass though.

With all that, roaming around SHOT, I stumbled onto Leica Noctivid and was hugely impressed.  Going back and forth between Leica, Swaro and Zeiss booths, I thought that Swaro and Leica pulled away from Zeiss a bit.  I should probably do a side by side one of these days.  Based on what I saw so far, I think I'll pick up 8x42 Noctivids. 

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2017 at 14:18
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:


As far as binos go, I never warmed up to the Conquest HD.  I'll take the Meostar over it any day.  The SF is a nice piece of glass though.

With all that, roaming around SHOT, I stumbled onto Leica Noctivid and was hugely impressed.  Going back and forth between Leica, Swaro and Zeiss booths, I thought that Swaro and Leica pulled away from Zeiss a bit.  I should probably do a side by side one of these days.  Based on what I saw so far, I think I'll pick up 8x42 Noctivids. 

ILya


MeoStars are great bins. I reviewed the 8x32 and liked it a lot. However the stiff focuser (designed to not move inadvertantly) means it is unsuitable for the purpose that I find the Conquest HD excels at and that is working an insect rich habitat. The little Conquest's focus speed is about double that of HT and SF so is perfect for places with lots of butterflies and dragonflies etc but which also have distant birds popping up too. So in the south of France I work the Conquest really hard. I tried Nvids at British Bird Fair and liked them but I find SF 8x42's huge field of view compelling in the Western Isles of Scotland when scanning for stuff that dives under water and you haven't a clue where they will re-surface. So stuff like Otters and Seals and diving birds like Loons and Mergansers and so on.

Lee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2017 at 22:47
Originally posted by Troubador Troubador wrote:

Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:


As far as binos go, I never warmed up to the Conquest HD.  I'll take the Meostar over it any day.  The SF is a nice piece of glass though.

With all that, roaming around SHOT, I stumbled onto Leica Noctivid and was hugely impressed.  Going back and forth between Leica, Swaro and Zeiss booths, I thought that Swaro and Leica pulled away from Zeiss a bit.  I should probably do a side by side one of these days.  Based on what I saw so far, I think I'll pick up 8x42 Noctivids. 

ILya


MeoStars are great bins. I reviewed the 8x32 and liked it a lot. However the stiff focuser (designed to not move inadvertantly) means it is unsuitable for the purpose that I find the Conquest HD excels at and that is working an insect rich habitat. The little Conquest's focus speed is about double that of HT and SF so is perfect for places with lots of butterflies and dragonflies etc but which also have distant birds popping up too. So in the south of France I work the Conquest really hard. I tried Nvids at British Bird Fair and liked them but I find SF 8x42's huge field of view compelling in the Western Isles of Scotland when scanning for stuff that dives under water and you haven't a clue where they will re-surface. So stuff like Otters and Seals and diving birds like Loons and Mergansers and so on.

Lee

That makes sense.  I am not a birder, so my use is different.  I did not like the focuser on the Conquest HD and every pair I have seen to date gave me a headache, so I suspect a collimation issue.  Meopta focuser, on the other hand was smooth and almost perfect for my use.

With the Noctivid vs SF, until I do a proper comparison, it is hard to tell for sure, but it seemed to handles flare and high dynamic range scenes better.  It is the same effect as I see with Leica photographic lenses: color rendering just outside bright spots is superior to everything else I have seen to date.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/29/2017 at 09:44
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Originally posted by Troubador Troubador wrote:

Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:


As far as binos go, I never warmed up to the Conquest HD.  I'll take the Meostar over it any day.  The SF is a nice piece of glass though.

With all that, roaming around SHOT, I stumbled onto Leica Noctivid and was hugely impressed.  Going back and forth between Leica, Swaro and Zeiss booths, I thought that Swaro and Leica pulled away from Zeiss a bit.  I should probably do a side by side one of these days.  Based on what I saw so far, I think I'll pick up 8x42 Noctivids. 

ILya


MeoStars are great bins. I reviewed the 8x32 and liked it a lot. However the stiff focuser (designed to not move inadvertantly) means it is unsuitable for the purpose that I find the Conquest HD excels at and that is working an insect rich habitat. The little Conquest's focus speed is about double that of HT and SF so is perfect for places with lots of butterflies and dragonflies etc but which also have distant birds popping up too. So in the south of France I work the Conquest really hard. I tried Nvids at British Bird Fair and liked them but I find SF 8x42's huge field of view compelling in the Western Isles of Scotland when scanning for stuff that dives under water and you haven't a clue where they will re-surface. So stuff like Otters and Seals and diving birds like Loons and Mergansers and so on.

Lee

That makes sense.  I am not a birder, so my use is different.  I did not like the focuser on the Conquest HD and every pair I have seen to date gave me a headache, so I suspect a collimation issue.  Meopta focuser, on the other hand was smooth and almost perfect for my use.

With the Noctivid vs SF, until I do a proper comparison, it is hard to tell for sure, but it seemed to handles flare and high dynamic range scenes better.  It is the same effect as I see with Leica photographic lenses: color rendering just outside bright spots is superior to everything else I have seen to date.

ILya


ILya

Well, I am not a birder either, hence my references to butterflies, dragonflies, seals and otters, as well as birds.

Sorry to hear you have trouble with Conquests and suspect collimation to be the cause. I presume you mean collimation of your eyes, but don't lose hope, its amazing what they can do with laser surgery and a thwack on the back of the head. Big Grin

Cheers Lee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/29/2017 at 09:45
ILya

Just joking pal

Lee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/29/2017 at 15:27
Originally posted by Troubador Troubador wrote:

ILya

Just joking pal

Lee

No worries.  Besides, if thwack on the head counted as a positive, I would be well ahead of the curve...

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/30/2017 at 14:21
Those Noctivids sound impressive. Out of curiosity, do SHOT vendors arrange outdoor viewing sessions? Or how do you get to really evaluate optics there? 
Reaction time is a factor...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/30/2017 at 14:38
Can't really do it inside as Ilya said he would like to do a comparison. All you can do at the show is see how they appear to work under those conditions. Looking at signs, dark areas etc.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/30/2017 at 21:24
Originally posted by jonoMT jonoMT wrote:

Those Noctivids sound impressive. Out of curiosity, do SHOT vendors arrange outdoor viewing sessions? Or how do you get to really evaluate optics there? 

There is a limited number of things you can do indoors, so it is a very incomplete evaluation.  They have these weird lights that cause purple flair in everything.  With Noctivids, I could comfortably resolve the facets on the inner facets on the reflector surfaces of the lamp without inducing flair, CA, etc.  And I could stills the shadow detail in the dark area to the side of the lamp.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/07/2017 at 11:34
Just learned from GPO, USA that they will have HD bins in stock on around March 1st as well as the first rifle scopes, with the ED models and more rifle scopes arriving one month later.

Lee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote perterra Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/21/2017 at 09:06
Hey Lee, good to see you, hows it going?


I'm anxious to see their offerings, Jensen says their offering will stand toe to toe with any of the big boys at a very competitive price. Knowing his history with Swaro and Zeiss, I suspect it will. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Troubador Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2017 at 11:04
Hi Gerald

Sorry for the delay in replying. Like you I think Jensen is too canny to stake his reputation on product that is less than solid. I hope to get a chance to try out the product at an early date but since he is just starting out and dealers will be looking for deliveries too, I can imagine his first shipment of HDs (due soon) will not touch the floor before they go out of the door.

Good to hear from you

Lee
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