29 replies to this topic

[Mark9473]

After checking with other RASC members in my RASC Halifax center we all agreed that the optics in our Vixens, whether they be binos or scopes, were very good but the common thread was that of an uncoated surface.

15 or 20 years ago FMC and BAK-4 were only found on top quality binoculars. People forget that there were a lot of other parameters that made these binoculars the absolute top. Brands like Vixen and Swift marketed (and continue to do so) several sub-top models which are really very good, yet are not FMC+BAK-4. I take my Swift 20x80s as an example of these: they have BK7 prisms, and are fully coated (not fully multicoated), yet are a solid performer and have a quality construction.

Nowadays, unfortunately, FMC+BAK-4 are no longer the signature of a top quality bin, and there are many mediocre bins demonstrating that, despite being FMC and having BAK-4 prisms, they can be outperformed and/or outlasted by bins that do not.

[HfxObserver]

Despite not being FMC the 7X50 Geoma binos from Vixen are the best 7X50's I've looked through. A usefully sharp to 90% of the field to the edge. A light weight at barely 26oz means long panning.

The Vixen 4-inch f9? a fellow observer has is an excellent unit despite one internal reflection it's provided razor sharp images of Jupiter and Saturn.



-Chris

[btschumy]

I just talked to Mike at Oceanside Photo and Telescope about these Vixen 20x80 Giant Waterproof Binos ($589!). He had a pair in front of him and gave me a bit more info than you can find on any web site.

- He said the fit, finish and overall build quality felt like a Fujinon. Definitely a step above the less expensive Chinese binoculars.
- He couldn't find a sticker indicating where they were made, but he said looking at the lens cells they appeared to be of Japanese origin.
- He said the eye relief appeared to be close to 16mm.
- Edge sharpness appeared to be very good. There was minimal field curvature and the view was sharp until very close to the edge.
- I forgot to ask about chromatic abberations.
- He couldn't see anyway for the end user to collimate them.
- He said that for about $20 they would have a tech check a pair before shipping and guarantee collimation before shipping. He said they would put a "shock sticker" on them, but I'm not sure what that meant.

I really wish I could see these in person before ordering a pair. Anyone live near OPT and willing to look at them in person and provide a first hand report?

[later]

"shock sticker"

is a great invention.........should be used by all shippers of fragile objects. It is a device that clearly shows if the package has undergone undue shock (impact) during shipping.

[btschumy]

That's a great idea. I didn't know such a thing existed. Thanks for clarifying it.