|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
As the title states, I've got a $1000 budget to purchase a set of 10x42 binos.
I've narrowed it down to three makes/models and wanted to get the hive's opinion before dropping the coin.
In no particular order: Swarovski SLC, used Zeiss Victory T*FL, used ($900, but pre-LotuTec) Leica Trinovid, new and on clearance for $899 (this is the "older" model with the diopter located in the center.)
If it wasn't for the poor reviews of Leica's customer service, it would be a no-brainer, but......
What's your thoughts/suggestions?
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,374
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,374 |
I'm a big swaro fan so the SLC's might get the nod, but my sons have those same trinovids and they are a lot of bino for the money, I think leica continues to improve when it comes to CS.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,227
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,227 |
Swaros, you cant go wrong.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,601
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,601 |
SD,
I can recommend Pentax ZD 10x43 EDs. I found mine new for under $1000 new and, in my opinion, they are excellent for the money.
Or possibly find alpha glass used.
Nut
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 745
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 745 |
Swaro's you won't be disappointed
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,229 |
Of those 3, Swaro and it's no contest.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,721
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,721 |
Swarovski customer service is excellent. I have slc's which I think highly of. Screwed up the eye piece..dented it somehow and was going to send them in for repair. Real nice lady explained to me how they unscrew shipped me two new ones next day or two day no charge.
For a little more than 1k vortex is coming out with a nice rangefinder bino you might consider?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,824
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,824 |
Did you give Track, one of our sponsors, a thought? I've heard good things about them.
"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation." Everyday Hunter
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,004
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,004 |
How do you know a Trump hater? They'll tell you.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,360
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,360 |
In your price range that used Swaro sounds like a good choice or you may wish to consider the Minox 10x43 HG's which are excellent and only $699.99 for a demo Please feel free to call us to discuss different options
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,511
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,511 |
If you like really bright glass the zeiss victorys are damn fine. And as you noted, they can be had under your price limit and with a top shelf warranty. Slc's or victorys.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
If you like really bright glass the zeiss victorys are damn fine. And as you noted, they can be had under your price limit and with a top shelf warranty. Slc's or victorys. The Victory Series is my favorite out of the lot. I had a pair and in a weak moment, let my brother talk me out of them. But as others have said, you can't beat Swaro's customer service. I've used it several times in the past, as I've owned several sets of older SLC's.
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
I'm a big swaro fan so the SLC's might get the nod, but my sons have those same trinovids and they are a lot of bino for the money, I think leica continues to improve when it comes to CS. I've seen several pictures of the Trinovids that are on clearance, but they have all differed. I've seen two different designs; the bottom of the barrels where your thumbs go is smooth like the older BA/BN versions and then I seen a picture that depicted a thumb-stop or speed bump near where your thumbs would wrap around; which design is it?
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,585
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,585 |
Doug reports a commitment from leica on improving CS. Love my Geovids.
Never take life to seriously, after all ,no one gets out of it alive.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,153
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,153 |
In no particular order: Swarovski SLC, used Zeiss Victory T*FL, used ($900, but pre-LotuTec) Leica Trinovid, new and on clearance for $899 (this is the "older" model with the diopter located in the center.)
These^
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
If I go the Swarovski route, what is the latest production year that I should consider?
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,757
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,757 |
Zeiss used Fl's are great low light binoculars.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 802
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 802 |
Which used SLC? The NEU model or the current HD? If its not the current SLC then the Zeiss FL by a landslide.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073
Campfire Tracker
|
OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,073 |
I just sent the coin for another set of Zeiss Victory T*FL 10x42mm; found a deal on them that I couldn't pass up and they are in mint condition.
I'm not knocking Swarovski in the least, as I've owned several sets of the old SLC, but the Zeiss were/are my favorites.
I appreciate all the replies, thanks for playing.
24HCF in its entirety, is solely responsible for why my children do not have college funds, my mortgage isn't paid-off and why I will never retire early enough to enjoy the remainder of my life.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 963
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 963 |
I have Swaro SLCs and older Leica Geovids. Like both very much, but would like to try the Zeiss side by side for comparison. I think you did good. Enjoy.
|
|
|
|
592 members (1lesfox, 10Glocks, 10gaugeman, 1Akshooter, 160user, 1234, 66 invisible),
2,605
guests, and
1,341
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,190,450
Posts18,451,404
Members73,901
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|