Whats as good as vector iv in terms of glass quality?

[chanrobi]

I use a set of these at work, and every time I look through them I think wow!

Can anyone who's used these recommend a "civilian" binocular with similar glass quality? Are a set of Canon 10x42L IS close?Crappier?

What else is out there (IS preferred, but not required, required)

 

[kthomas]

Best glass in binos is probably Swarovski EL/NL's or Leica Noctovid's.

I haven't looked through the Vector IV's, but I would be very surprised if the glass in those was better, or even comparable, to the above.

 

[robozebra]

I have Vector IVs and they aren’t even close to my Leica Geovids.

 

[chanrobi]

I have Vector IVs and they aren’t even close to my Leica Geovids.

Cool, also wanted to say that I don't need rangefinding capability in this unit, just straight up regular binocular glass quality

If I can get IS even better ...

 

[kthomas]

Cool, also wanted to say that I don't need rangefinding capability in this unit, just straight up regular binocular glass quality

If I can get IS even better ...

I imagine most decent binoculars would best any range finders, including those vectors.

The ones I posted are considered to be the best of the best.

 

[orkan]

I don't have any vector IV's... but those that I have looked through were quite nice.

I do have quite a lot of experience with Swarovski EL Range and other commercial binos. I have two sets here right now. I can tell you with zero hesitation that my Vector 23's are a LOT better than any Swaro's, Leica's, or Zeiss's I've looked through. Given a choice, I'd rather run my 7x 23's than a 10x swaro el. It isn't even a comparison.

 

[robozebra]

My Vector IVs stay in my safe room most of the time. When I need rangefinders, I always go for my Leica Geovid (HD-B and now 3200.com) units. I don’t think the glass in my Vectors is anywhere close to the Leica units. Never looked through the Vector 23 units. I would’ve guessed same glass. Maybe it’s just me though. Don’t know where you live, but if you are close to OKC, you can look through my units.

 

[Pbjunkiee]

Cool, also wanted to say that I don't need rangefinding capability in this unit, just straight up regular binocular glass quality

If I can get IS even better ...

Canon 10x42 L IS are some crazy glass with IS in a bombproof package.

 

[TheHebrewHammer]

I would be interested to compare them to the Steiner 1535nm M8x30r LRF Binos.

 

[chanrobi]

My Vector IVs stay in my safe room most of the time. When I need rangefinders, I always go for my Leica Geovid (HD-B and now 3200.com) units. I don’t think the glass in my Vectors is anywhere close to the Leica units. Never looked through the Vector 23 units. I would’ve guessed same glass. Maybe it’s just me though. Don’t know where you live, but if you are close to OKC, you can look through my units.

As in the vectors are worse or better? If worse which specific leica models?

Thanks for all the replies guys, i'm really interested in hearing from guys that have used vector iv's specifically as a base to compare to. I've spent a lot of time looking through those ...

 

[kthomas]

As in the vectors are worse or better? If worse which specific leica models?

Thanks for all the replies guys, i'm really interested in hearing from guys that have used vector iv's specifically as a base to compare to. I've spent a lot of time looking through those ...

If you want binos and glass is of critical importance, then why not get what's considered the best binos for optical quality?

Even if the vector has better glass (if that's true) you're still getting the best of the best in binos. You're not going to will something into existence.

 

[robozebra]

As in the vectors are worse or better? If worse which specific leica models?

Thanks for all the replies guys, i'm really interested in hearing from guys that have used vector iv's specifically as a base to compare to. I've spent a lot of time looking through those ...

There’s no doubt that Vector IVs have better ranging than Leica HD-B or 3200.com units. I don’t personally think the glass is as good in the Vector IV as my other units. When I need good binoculars, the Vector IVs stay in the safe room and I take the Geovid 3200.coms. I use the Vector IVs so rarely that I had them for sale last year. They still haven’t moved.

 

[chanrobi]

If you want binos and glass is of critical importance, then why not get what's considered the best binos for optical quality?

Even if the vector has better glass (if that's true) you're still getting the best of the best in binos. You're not going to will something into existence.

Not sure I really understand this post

I am looking for better glass than the vector IV's, from people that have actually used them

 

[kthomas]

Not sure I really understand this post

I am looking for better glass than the vector IV's, from people that have actually used them

My point is that if you want binoculars and optical quality matters, then get the absolute best.

Whether they are better or not then vectors doesn't matter if you need/want binos. You are still getting the best for that given equipment.