I've never been one for the "latest & greatest" as I have happily been using my Swarovski SLC 8x30 WB since the spring of 1997 but this past week I have spent some time looking through a Leica Trinovid HD 8x42 and all I can say is WOW.

I'm open to suggestions on 8x42's but I am not prepared to spend $900 just yet.

Thanks

StarchedCover

Tract Toric 8x42. You have to spend $1500 plus to get better, and even then the difference isn't much.

The Tract Toric 8x42 is particularly fantastic for the money. Trinovids with the diopter adjustment on the center hinge with the focus wheel, are also great.

If you'd like a great binocular priced well below equal quality optics I suggest the new German Precision Optics, GPO, Passion ED 8x42 Binoculars
These are some very impressive bino's and I think GPO has priced all their optics low in order to attract sales. These GPO Passion ED 8x42 Binoculars are only $379.99 and rank with other brand $599. offerings

Doug,
I see some reviews on other forums For the Passion HD I have yet to find one for the GPO 8X42 Passion ED?
How will the ED's stack up against the Minox German HG 8x43?
Thanks

StarchedCover

The Minox HG series would be more on par with the GPO HD series, not the ED's
The ED's would be in a class with the Vortex Viper HD and the Minox BL series.

Thanks guys for the Kind words!

SC,

I think you will very much like the Toric 8x42. Were using Schott HT glass in a magnesium alloy body with some great coatings. We're only direct to consume based, so you're essentially getting an optic for half the price as you would at retail. As JG has attested to and compared side by side, I say the Toric is as good as the Razor HD and rivals the SLC.

Let me know if you have any questions or I can help in any way!


Toric 8x42

I have a pair of Vortex Talon HDs that I really love and Doug has those for only $400 right now.

I compared them side by side to a guide's Swarovski 8x42MMs in low light and all they were lacking was color rendition. Unfortunately I don't know which Swaros they were but they had the same open bridge design as the Talon HDs.

Good luck in your quest,

Efw

The new GPO brand from Doug looks interesting!

Overall I have been very impressed with all the GPO optics that have arrived. I feel they are priced below comparable binoculars and riflescopes

Doug,
Just got off the phone with Neil and I have the GPO 8x42 Passion ED's on the way.

Thanks
StarchedCover

What particular binoculars have you done direct comparisons with to come to that conclusion? Thanks.

The GPO Passion ED's vs Vortex Viper HD's and Minox BL's

GPO Passion HD's vs Vortex Razor HD's, Minox HG's and Zeiss Conquest HD's

Ok thanks again. Just wondered (not arguing) where the perceived price saving comes from? All of those competitors can be found for about the same price as GPO, can't they?

Street price (Mfg MAP pricing) is:
GPO 8x42 ED $379.99
Vortex 8x42 Viper HD $489.99
Minox 8x44 BL $600.00

GPO 8x42 HD $979.99
Vortex 8x42 Razor HD $1179.99
Minox 8x43 HG $1125.00

Yes, you will find "deals" on any or all of these, however, these prices are where the mfg sets the sale prices at. This being said the GPO offerings are less expensive.
A GPO Passion 3-9x40 Plex riflescope would be along the same lines as a Meopta Meopro, however, the GPO is only $299.99 which is way less than the Meopta

Thanks again.

How does that GPO HD 8x42 compare to the Meopta Meostar HD, and Conquest HD?

JG,

I think the GPO is the equal of the Conquest at the least, and in the same league as the Meostar, Leica Trinovid, and will play well at the SLC level. The GPO comes from the same Japanese source as the Zeiss Conquest. I have a Toric 10x42 at the moment and while it may be a better deal than the GPO, I think the GPO is perhaps a better binocular. The GPO HD has as good attention paid to detail as anything at any price. It has the best eye cup and focus assemblies I have come across. Now my Tract comparison is 10x vs the GPO HD 8x, and I just sent the Tract back for diopter issues (so I am hesitant to say any more), and am a bit over a week from having the Toric 8x which will be a better comparison.

I would judge the information on the GPO site to be pretty well represented.

From the early reviews I am seeing the GPO is not at the same level as others in its price range for the correction of CA.

The Conquest HD still seems to set the standard for this price range and the Nikon Monarch HG is right there also as well as the recent Leica Trinovid models.

Also of note is the fact that the Conquest HD is a field proven binocular and has shown to be very reliable and durable. The same can't be said for all these new designs out there.

Also is the fact that the Zeiss has brand recognition that the others do not and it will hold its value better.

Just a few things to consider for one trying to make a choice in this price range.

Don't know what early reviews you have seen. However there is no way I can induce CA in this binocular. I'd have to say that it is one of the best I have looked through in this regard. Side by side, the Conquest is not any better. However, there is always the brand recognition topic. I tend to review the optic for what it is and let people come down where they feel comfortable on that issue.

I can probably speak for all the companies mentioned by and being reviewed by you Steve, that we very much appreciate that statement.

Thanks again,

Really like my Leupold 8x42 Mohave BX-3's

I tend to also buy on reputation and warranty support.

Guys,
I do understand, better than most, about start up companies vs established brands. Remember, it's us that you will work with on a direct basis.
It is not like GPO has come from no where. These are top guys from Zeiss and Swarovski who have been around a very long time and have great reputations.
We are celebrating our 60th year this year and I personally have grown up in the industry and have known so many folks from all the mfg's. Guys who have moved from company to company, been with 1 company for as long as I can remember and guys who have been involved in the creation of new companies.
We will stand behind any brand we carry and will always make sure you do not get hurt with a product.
The GPO's, Tract Optics, etc are companies brought to you by long standing industry professionals who know what they are doing and are great at what they do. Remember, every optic company that you have grown to know and enjoy was once the new kid on the block. Just sayin'

What JG said.

I'm just waiting for another 15% off sale like Tract had at Christmas. Maybe Christmas in July?

Believe there is a 10% off 24 hour code all the time isn't there?

I emailed them about plans to do another big sale but they said there were none in the works. I think we get 5%

Hi Guys,

We do have a constant 5% off for any 24HCF member. Sale wise, I haven't heard when the next product wide sale is. We just finished up a rimfire promotion though. When I hear the next store wide sale is coming around the corner, I'll be sure to get the notice up there.

Thanks!

Thank you!

What about Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 ?