I'm new to GBO, but I feel I am among like kind who value opinions of their peers. I have been hunting for 18 years and have blown a small fortune on sporting goods. NUF SAID!! I have recently purchased a pair of vortex optics vulture 10x50s. I am always interested in info and thought it was my turn to leave some. I was in the market for a set of 10x50s and was originally going to purchase a set of Alpen apex 10x50s. I looked at prices on ebay and homepage websites and decided to give Vortex a try (minimal price difference). IMHO, WOW!!! I have a friend who has the Alpens and he is why I was going to purchase alpens. I'm glad I took a risk. In literally, one hand to the other comparison, IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, the vultures were brighter. It wasn't tremendously brighter, but DEFINITELY brighter. He loved his Alpens, but ordered a pair of vultures that day. Planned on giving his wife the alpens. I was swayed to order from them mainly because their Viper model took F&S Best o best in binos for 07. FYI, I turned the binos on their objective end and looked into them. In the alpens, there is a "ring" in the assembly that is 1/16-3/32 larger in RADIUS than in the vultures. DUH!! I did not compare the vultures to the alpens in the evening or early a.m. but I think there is really no need. The difference in brightness was comparable to a 40W and 60W bulb, IMHO. In further research, I found out this company in on the ground floor of sporting goods. Originally only a birding supplier, they are breaking into a new market. I have gotten in on the ground floor and feel like I am probably in on something good AND, for now, relatively cheap. When I get more money, HA! HA!, I plan to buy other vortex optics. Hope this helps and I hope I haven't broken any rules/manners/courtesy's on my first post. If so, I'll learn. [Forgiveness is not something we do for others, it is something we do for ourselves so that we can heal and move on.]
