How do you compare binos with your eyes and not with your head?
Comparing price, FOV, and all the assorted specs seems fairly easy in addition to reading the forums to gain a sense of brand prestige and fellow hunter preference. But how do you tell the difference through your eyes? I had a pair of Vortex Diamondback 10x42 and they were stolen this summer so I was in the market for a new pair of binos. Not being able to afford the high tier binos, I was initially set on upgrading to a pair of Vortex Vipers and a bunch of articles seemed to indicate that this was one of the best options in a mid-price range. Unfortunately, I had trouble finding a pair of Vipers at a price that I found acceptable for my budget. I have since purchased a pair of Maven C1s and Leupold BX-4 HDs. Fortunately for me I got them each at about the same price due to a steep discount on the Leupolds. Based on the retail price alone ($649 for Leupold vs $350 for Maven), you would think the Leupolds to be much better but I cannot tell a difference. The Leupolds seem better constructed, the focus wheel and eyepieces seem to be tighter than the Mavens, but they seem to have the same exact brightness and clarity to my eyes. In fact, until I figured out the weird Leupold diopter adjustment (my eyes are pretty different) I thought the Mavens were much better. Now that I figured that out though, I see no difference. My initial test was just looking across a city field at dusk, so maybe not the best test but I can't tell a difference.
I'd love some tips on how to better test the difference.
Comparing price, FOV, and all the assorted specs seems fairly easy in addition to reading the forums to gain a sense of brand prestige and fellow hunter preference. But how do you tell the difference through your eyes? I had a pair of Vortex Diamondback 10x42 and they were stolen this summer so I was in the market for a new pair of binos. Not being able to afford the high tier binos, I was initially set on upgrading to a pair of Vortex Vipers and a bunch of articles seemed to indicate that this was one of the best options in a mid-price range. Unfortunately, I had trouble finding a pair of Vipers at a price that I found acceptable for my budget. I have since purchased a pair of Maven C1s and Leupold BX-4 HDs. Fortunately for me I got them each at about the same price due to a steep discount on the Leupolds. Based on the retail price alone ($649 for Leupold vs $350 for Maven), you would think the Leupolds to be much better but I cannot tell a difference. The Leupolds seem better constructed, the focus wheel and eyepieces seem to be tighter than the Mavens, but they seem to have the same exact brightness and clarity to my eyes. In fact, until I figured out the weird Leupold diopter adjustment (my eyes are pretty different) I thought the Mavens were much better. Now that I figured that out though, I see no difference. My initial test was just looking across a city field at dusk, so maybe not the best test but I can't tell a difference.
I'd love some tips on how to better test the difference.