Chris, the Vixen 9 x 63 and 8 x 56 are also sold as Orion Mini Giants, and are usually cheaper than the Vixen branded ones. I looked at these before buying my Gerbers. The thing that turned me off the Orion/Vixen was the fact they are not sealed and nitrogen purged.
My original Gerbers were a very good binocular, but after 10 years or so, developed mould in one objective-they were not sealed.
The new Gerbers are sealed and nitrogen purged, so I should not have this problem again.
Could I suggest you talk to Michael or Don at Bintel before making a decision-they seem to have a lot of experience with the different brands of binos.
