Locking Diopter on Binos?

[MOHunter]

I am in the market for some new binos and am curious about everyone's experience with the diopter adjustment. On a recent hunt I borrowed some Nikon Monarchs, which had pretty good glass but I was constantly having to re-adjust the diopter on them. It always wanted to move when sitting against my chest.

I am thinking I need some that lock, whether on the central focus knob or on the eyepiece. I've seen lots of good reviews for Vortex and have been looking at their Viper HD and Talon HD. I've heard the Talon is just as good for less money, but as far as I can tell it's diopter does NOT lock while Viper's does. One review said the Talon is very stiff however, which is their answer to the problem. What is your experience with this feature on all binos and particularly the Vortex?

 

[wolftalonID]

I have had that same issue on some cheaper binos. I currently use a set of Leupold Cascades. They have the locking diopter setting on the center knob. I really do like it. The glass is not bad for the price. If your looking at getting better glass to start with, then look there first and check out which styles work best for you on other features. Locking Diopter is a huge for me and has made using my new binos much more pleasant.

There are several people here on the forum that know a lot about optics that can be of much more help than myself though...and should see this thread shortly.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Locking diopters are awesome - when they work. I haven't had much trouble with diopter adjustments on the barrel moving, but I have on center-diopter binoculars.

I had a pair of Vortex Razors that had a locking center diopter that you unlocked by pulling out on the focus knob. The knob would often pop out on its own, and my diopter adjustment would move.

I had a pair of Meopta Meostars with a center diopter that didn't lock, and it moved so often I eventually put a tiny drop of super glue between the diopter adjustment and focus knob ... which solved the problem.

I have a non-locking barrel mounted dopter adjustment on my Zen Ray Zen ED2 binoculars. I have set it once, and it has never moved.

My Swarovski SLCneus have moved occasionally. They have a center mounted diopter that you adjust by pushing and turning. The diopter adjustment has moved, but rarely, and really are pretty secure.

 

[T43]

I have the Cabela's Alpha Extreme binoculars with the locking center adjustment and after a full bow season and half a rifle deer season with them they haven't moved.

 

[RUTTIN]

My Swarovski EL's have a center locking diopter, and I have never had a problem with them moving.