mechanical durability/shock resistance, build quality

Which among the following provides the best build quality and mechanical durability/shock resistance? If their durability is similar, which then would produce the clearest/most defined image for hunting?

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vanguard-sp ... x42mm.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-8x ... 98042.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/minox-bv-ii ... cular.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/pentax-8x42 ... 62555.html

Hi

You're at the most competitive price point in the binocular market and that means no one model is going to stand out as clearly the best in terms of build quality, let alone optics and build quality. You could pick any of those and make a case for them or, I could throw another dozen models at that price into the discussion and really muddy the waters. I'll just stick to these, though, since you picked them.

It's always hard to make predictions on down the road durability on models that are still relatively new, as are all of these. Yes, you can get a subjective feel for build quality by an external inspection, but nothing you could put a number on and you certainly can't take anything apart and do an internal inspection. The true test is the test of time and what kind of track record any particular model establishes with hundreds of customers. That's tough on binoculars that haven't been around for more than a year or two. Nor should you assume that a new model is similar to the model it replaced as to build quality. The Legend Ultra HD, for instance, is really a completely new binocular, not to be confused with the old Legend at all and the same can be said for the Pentax, perhaps less so in the Minox.

In the end, you'll most likely choose on the basis of subjective factors, such as handling and feel. I'd also keep brand in mind as to reputation for customer support in the event you do have a problem. My general experience with Bushnell and Minox has been good. Pentax has been a bit less consistent, in the past, but I'd be confident with a Pentax in that regard, currently. I have little experience with Vanguard, so I'll let others volunteer opinions on that brand.

Of those, my personal preference would be the Minox, based on the way it handles for me and optics are as good as you will get at the price. The Ultra Legend HD is probably a touch better, optically, but I just like the overall feel of the Minox. I know that's not much to go on, but, like I said, that's how you'll probably have to make your decision in the end, anyway.

Hi Joanie,

From what you know, does the Minox BV II 8x42 BR come with BOTH eyepiece rain covers AND objective lens covers? The webpage at optics planet and even at minox seem to imply that only eyepiece rain covers will be provided.

Thanks!

Looks that way to me, too. Unfortunately, don't have access to one to check.

Personally, I don't use objective lens covers. In forty plus years of using binoculars without lens covers, never scratched an objective. It's the eyepieces that take a beating from dust and dirt and crud, not the objectives. I DO use a rainguard, regularly, but not objective covers. Still, I can understand why some folks get nervous without using objective covers, but, really, I think they are more trouble than they're worth.