High end binoc help?

glowball · 03-15-2004, 07:08 PM

I'm torn between these three binocs.
The leica bn trinovid 8x42 $649.00
Zeiss victory 8x40 $729
Swarovski slc 8x30 $579
I can actually get a mint pair of the slc binocs from a buddy for $450.

Any thoughts on these three binocs? Should I be looking at a different set?

Thanks
kris

blacktail · 03-15-2004, 07:26 PM

Are those prices for brand new binocs with USA warranties? If so, those are great prices, especially for the Leicas and Zeiss.

My pick of the bunch would definitely be the Leicas.

Mike

Bait Bucket · 03-15-2004, 07:42 PM

Like blacktail says. Those are very good prices. I bought a pair of 8x30 Swarovskis 25 years ago for about 900 dollars.

Back to your question, I'd go with the Austrian Swarovski glasses.

glowball · 03-15-2004, 07:46 PM

I can't give you a link cause it violates the sites rules, but type in aaacamera in your search and check out the site. I didn't look into the warranty part of it. Yeah those prices are about $300 cheaper than most places.

Kris

blacktail · 03-15-2004, 08:09 PM

Kris,

I'd specifically ask about the USA warranty before purchasing.

Many of the lower priced places are selling "gray market" glass that doesn't have a warranty that will work here in the states.

Mike

Bait O' Eggs · 03-15-2004, 08:11 PM

I am a swarovski fan and have their SLC as my moniker.

Be careful about buying cheap binos on the net. Some of them are grey market and dont come with a warranty. You only get the one year warranty from who ever you buy them from and not the factory warranty. I almost got a cheap pair from a low price place online until I found out about the grey market optics brought into the USA without paying the taxes/tariffs what ever else makes them legit. Call the factory and ask if the dealer you are buying from is licensed to sell and if you get the warranty if buy from them.

I am not a big Zeiss fan, they look red tinted to me when I look thru them. It gives them a dark look. The Swaris have more of a yellow tint and for my eyes seem clearer and brighter. I like some of the Leicas and think they make a fine product.

Nothing like looking thru good glass.

panfry · 03-15-2004, 08:23 PM

I have a pair of NIKON MONARCH in 10x40 and they are extremely clear. I know that you can't beat swaravski but for the price I think they are about the closest you can get. The optics are easy on the eye's and don't strain them after hours of glassing. Don't count them out. And there gaurentee is great. They may not be super high end but they sure can play with the big boy's. I paid $300.00 for my pair. :shocked:

billc_sbio · 03-15-2004, 11:29 PM

Talking with one of the major "discount" sellers (this one out of Colorado) of high end binos, he said his BEST, SHARPEST, optics were the Leicas.

He went on to show me compare/contrast between those, the Swaroskis, and Zeiss'.

The Leicas sure were sweet!

glowball · 03-16-2004, 05:04 AM

I looked a little deeper into that site and found a little data that said us warranty extra. I emailed them and asked how much more with the warranty. We'll see what they say.

Thanks for your input
Kris

Lured In · 03-16-2004, 08:28 AM

Personally I like the 8x40/42's. IMHO the 8x30 is kinda of an odd ball size. Not quite full size, not quite compacts either. If you are looking for a serious set of optics, I would steer away from the 8x30, but that just me.

Another option is to look at the Khales (made by Swarovski). They are great quality and are usually about 10-15% less than their well known cousins.

I don't recall if Cabela's is still running this special, but I believe they had a set of Zeiss 8x40/42's for like $700(roof prism). Check out there website and you might find it.

Amahnee · 03-16-2004, 09:47 AM

I bought a pair of WindRiver 8x42 made for Leupold. Got them for $259.00 I am extremely pleased and I think they'll stand up pretty close to the best out there. Others will disagree, but I am pleased and that is what really matters. Good Luck in whatever you choose!

tailchaser · 03-16-2004, 05:06 PM

If you look at all three of those binoculars compare a couple of things. Eye relief, sharpness, and twighlight factor. These are probably the largest factors about high end bino's and if do the research the zeiss have the highest numbers out of all of them, but only by a smidge on twighlight factor. The leica's and sworo's are the exact same thing. From that point on it's whatever you like better. Personally, I plan on purchasing some leica's in about a month that are 10x42's and I can't wait. I've seen all three and seem to like the way they feel. All of them are superb however and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with any of them.

tc

TheRogue · 03-16-2004, 05:38 PM

I have a pair of Fujinon 8x42's....I'll put them up against most of the European glass.... Fully phase-coated, waterproof, shockproof, yada yada.

MSRP around $600.

My .02

TR

flyx4 · 03-16-2004, 05:46 PM

I think the most important thing is clarity which swaro. is the best. I also think the field of view is very important. I have a pair of 8x30 steiner predators and absolutly love them. I have beaten these binuculars to death. IMHO I would get steiners, they take a beating and keep on going. I cant justify spending over $500 on a pair of binoculars I will lose in the first 2 years.

Maverick Maxcat · 03-16-2004, 07:22 PM

You're on the right track with the brands you've picked. We own all three, of varying ages, in 10x40 or 10x42. You won't go wrong with any of them, but the Swarovski's are the most comfortable to hold for long periods of time. I've been looking at other glasses constantly, trying to find a cheaper pair for beater truck glasses, and nothing else comes even close to the quality of these glasses. I'ld pick the pair that's most comfortable to use.

MM

Amahnee · 03-16-2004, 10:01 PM

MM- Is that you Sammy?

Prawnasorus · 03-17-2004, 12:13 AM

I would buy the swarovski 8x30 from your friend. I have a pair and love them. Last time I handled Leica's they were heavy, that was years ago. ? I also use Penatx 12x42DCF and leupold porro prism 9x35. What type of hunting?.

Salty Walty · 03-17-2004, 01:38 PM

I worked with a bunch of bird watchers who were if you can believe it more picky and critical of their glass than most hunters. They all used Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski and Bausch&Lombs. Which was good for me because I was in the market for a new set of binos. They let me borrow theirs for a day. I liked the Swarovski ELs the best. They were the clearest and best fit in the hand. The Leicas were good too but a bit clunky. The bad thing was they were all out of my $ range $500 was my limit. I settled on Minox 10x40s. They were $489. I compared them to the Pentax DCFs and just liked the feel of them better. I've shown them to others who have the high end binos and most are quite impressed with the feel and glass. My .02

strato fisher · 03-19-2004, 08:53 PM

On the subject of binoculars you can't go wrong with the Ziess Classics in 10X40. Cabela's sells them at a really good price. I think that they are clearer than the new Ziess. They also have the lifetime transferrable warranty. I love mine, and have had them submerged on several duck hunting trips. No problems and clear as ever. One tough binocular.