Over the last few years i have noticed Japanese and chinese binoculars have increased in quality and clarity. I have had Zeiss Jenna binos and currently own Minox BD 8.5X42 BL ASPHERICAL (made in china) which are superior to the jenna that I had. This got me wondering which asian made bino best competes against the alpha binos of Swarovski, Zeiss, etc?

Please, take into consideration that Zeiss Jena (later rebaptized Docter Optic after the demise of DDR) is in no way comparable to Zeiss (West-Germany), Swarovski, etc. The former are optically good but never grew above 20th century technology, while the latter are top of the line in the 21th century. I happen to own an example of both, i.e. a Swarovsli EL 10x42 (roof prism) and a Docter Optic 7x50 (porro).


The sharpness of the Doctor lenses is very good but in no way compares with the image quality, enhanced by hi-tech coatings of the Swaro.

Now, coming back to the core of your Q. Can the modern Asian optics compete with the older technology of the Doctor Optic/Zeiss Jena ? Maybe but I remain to be convinced.

Can they compete with the nowadays Swaro, Zeiss, Kahles, Schmidt & Bender, etc. No way, they don't play in the same league, or on the same planet...

Nikon says their best binoculars are the EDG series. But only looking through them yourself will let you know if you think they are comparable.

http://www.nikonhunting.com/binoculars-edg.html

That is why i mentioned that they were jena glass... The minox are incredible and are made in Asia. I do think they are better than my 7X40 DF NVA glasses in every way. I have compared the side by side. Do you think that Asia will get there? and will it force Alphas to lower their prices?

In the tests I did last year the Japanese made Nikon EDGE and Kowa Peominar binoculars tied with the Zeiss FL's for the best resolution and brightness.