Vortex Diamondback vs Zeiss Terra ED

[bald9eagle]

Both are on sale at Cabela's for Black Friday. $100 off. The Vortex will be $129. The Zeiss will be $349. Which would you get? My budget for binos was $350 and the Zeiss are falling right in there.

[Fridaythe13th]

Optics are easy "you get what you pay for" Zeiss for me if those were my 2 option. Even though I'm looking at the Vortex Vipers as my next purchase.

[bald9eagle]

I'm just wondering if the Zeiss is simply paying for the name. Are the two comparable? I hear so much good about the Vortex. Are the Diamondbacks on the same level as the Terra ED?

[Elkduds]

W Cabela's, I buy the 2 or 3 items (or sizes) I am considering. I can compare each to the other, and make my decision. I am an hour from a store, so I can return whichever I don't want, without paying postage.

Also, google "Terra ED vs Diamondback" and read internet opinions out the wazoo.

[Indian Summer]

At 50 I'm an old dog that can't be taught new tricks. I would never buy Chinese made optics. You can't top the stuff made in Germany/Austria.

I know there are lots of guys who like Vortex. I'm sure they make a decent product. But then again have many of those people put much if any time in comparing by using the stuff under actual low light hunting conditions? That's the real test. I can literally glass in near total darkness with my Swaro binos. I do it all the time. That's when I know I got what I paid for.

I'm with Fridaythe13th... you get what you pay for. If the Zeiss is in your budget that's what I'd recommend.

[Elkduds]

Caveat emptor. Zeiss Terra EDs are made in China.

[Indian Summer]

Caveat emptor. Zeiss Terra EDs are made in China.

Haha true dat... but not all models are. These days everyone has a cheap affordable model of their product. Where do they go to have it made? China. Where is their premium line made? Elsewhere. In the case of optics Germany and Austria.

[otcWill]

I have the Vortex Diamondbacks and can't tell much difference at all between them and my buddy's $1000 glass even in low light.

[Indian Summer]

So Baldy which model are you looking at?

[bald9eagle]

I might just start off with the Vortex Diamondbacks. If I find that I use them a lot I might invest in a higher dollar pair. I've got so much to try and purchase for the hunt that things will be tight.

Right now...
Boots (going with Cabela's Meindl Perfekt 10")
Outerwear (Cabela's Merino wool tech pants/jacket)
Camping (tent?, bag?, bed roll?, Jetboil, etc)
Tags

As things stand now I rarely use binoculars. The Vortex are well thought of and the DB's are a step above the entry level. Cabela's has them on sale for $199 (129 on Black Friday). I want to catch as much as I can on sale but dang I've got a lot to get.

[steviek]

Baldy,

I don’t say much on here but I do have a pair of Vortex Diamondbacks. They are good binos for the money. They are way above the $100 to $150 Nikons, Bushnells or Tascos I’ve used in the past. They are very clear in the 100 to 200 yard range. If you were going to do long distance glassing they aren’t as good as the Leupold or Swaros I’ve used. If your buying at Cabelas they will let you look in the store. I know inside the building is not same as hunting but will give you an idea. If you can get for $129 I wouldn’t think twice.

I’ve used them in Colorado, Wyoming, and back home archery hunting in western PA with no issues.

[bald9eagle]

Thanks