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Is there a difference

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bowhunter01 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bowhunter01 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Is there a difference
    Posted: November/12/2013 at 11:04
I am brand new to this forum and this is my first post. I am researching to purchase a new pair of binoculars soon and was wondering a couple of things. I'm not going to name brands just yet will do that later if someone asks me. Say I have two sets of binoculars and both have the same features listed, i.e,  Phase coated Bak-4 prism, FMC lenses, water/fog proof, etc. One set is $120 and the other is $199. Is there going to be any difference in the quality of them and if so what is it or what could it be. Again if you need the brand names I will reveal them. I'm just curious. My thought process is that they should be the same, a phase coated bak-4 prism is a phase coated bak-4 prism, but again I'm not very knowledgeable with optics so please be kind, I am trying to learn here. 
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3_tens View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/12/2013 at 15:54
1. There may or may not be a difference between the two binoculars. Not all optics companies are ethical.
2. Each company will have their own recipe for optics coating. Some coating combinations are better than others.
3. Quality will depend on who they are outsourcing production to, and how closely they are monitoring to see that the specifications ordered are being met.
4. Last but far from least are they using quality materials to begin with.
The lower end is normally( but not always) where you will see the most increase in quality for $ spent. When reaching the AAA companies, the laws of diminishing returns show the most effect.
To get the most bang for your buck the balance point trends in the $400-$700 price range. A company's background will determine the quality binoculars. This is not to say that a $200 pair of binoculars can't get the job done. It all depends on what you are expecting. My first grab kitchen table binoculars are under $150. They tend to be sticky from jelly, Gravy or greasy fingers. Not the place for high end binoculars. Shocked


Edited by 3_tens - November/12/2013 at 16:01
Folks ain't got a sense of humor no more. They don't laugh they just get sore.

Need to follow the rules. Just hard to determine which set of rules to follow
Now the rules have changed again.
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bowhunter01 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bowhunter01 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/13/2013 at 08:15
Ok thanks for the info!! I was contemplating replacing my bushnell 10x42 h20 roof prism binocs cause after i dropped them I was seeing double. Well not knowing I could fix it, I saw something on collimating the binocs because the prism is off on cloudy nights and I gave it a shot. They are back like they are supposed to be, I'm still gonna get a new pair, just not right now, now that I have extended the life of them to get me through the hunting season. Now I will be able to get a pair that I want and not have to just settle for something else.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/13/2013 at 10:02
Originally posted by 3_tens 3_tens wrote:

1. There may or may not be a difference between the two binoculars. Not all optics companies are ethical.
2. Each company will have their own recipe for optics coating. Some coating combinations are better than others.
3. Quality will depend on who they are outsourcing production to, and how closely they are monitoring to see that the specifications ordered are being met.
4. Last but far from least are they using quality materials to begin with.
The lower end is normally( but not always) where you will see the most increase in quality for $ spent. When reaching the AAA companies, the laws of diminishing returns show the most effect.
To get the most bang for your buck the balance point trends in the $400-$700 price range. A company's background will determine the quality binoculars. This is not to say that a $200 pair of binoculars can't get the job done. It all depends on what you are expecting. My first grab kitchen table binoculars are under $150. They tend to be sticky from jelly, Gravy or greasy fingers. Not the place for high end binoculars. Shocked




That is an excellent response tens.
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RifleDude View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/13/2013 at 12:27
To add to what 3_tens said...

It also depends on the overall optical design each mfg uses -- # of lens elements, lens placement, eyepiece design, lens alignment precision, prism design, objective and ocular focal lengths, focusing system precision, internal baffling design, etc. etc.

Then, image quality also depends on the precision of lens parabola grinds, surface finish, overall process controls and tolerances.

So, in summary, even if 2 different manufacturers use the same general specs, there can still be noticeable differences in observable image quality.
Ted


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Losthwy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Losthwy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/29/2013 at 09:02
What they said.
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