Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Swarovski bino comparison?

In your guy's opinion what $500 or less bino would be comparible to the Swarovski. Im talkin mostly about durability and longivity not so much in clarity... for instance, I had a pair of Bushnell legends... they were a disappointment they started to fog up and the lenses scratched easily and the focus knob was loose all in just a couple yrs other than that they were fine.

How about... Vortex, Vanguard,Nikon monarch7,cabelas outfitter or Meopta??

That's like asking what Fiat is comparable to a Ferrari. Lol. And who cares about durability if the view is crap?

A better question might be what is the best bino you can buy for $500? I personally would be looking for the big names (Swaro, Zeiss, Leica...) on the secondhand market and maybe stretch your budget just a little further. Binos are one of the most important pieces of equipment that you have.

Eric

I've had a set of Minox HG 8.5 x 43 for about 7 years now and I've been real happy with them. They were about $700 or so, when I bought them. I've used them extensively and I've found no faults with them.

You might also look for some used Zeiss 10 x 40 classics. They're typically around your price point.

Zeiss 10x40 classics is what came to mind for me as well. You can find them for $500'ish.

Eric

I highly doubt a $500 bino will have a crappy view .Im ok with the clairty of a $500 pair of binos that wasn't the question.

I'm leaning towards the vortex vipers. I like the warranty they have. Anyone have experience these?

They are nice glass that in no way compares to Swarovski, and I own them both.
Used alpha glass is the way to go, IMHO.

Yes. I have a 6x32 and have owned a 10x42.
While a very decent bino, they in no way compare to Swarovski in build quality or view.

I'm finding it hard to beleive that no $500 bino even comes close in durability

Ok, how about a $1000 bino. Does anything come to mind?

Seems like Meostar/ Euro HD's would get you pretty close...

If you ever get a chance, hang around a warranty repair shop that repairs bins of all makes. Ask them about materials used and internal construction,and how various bins compare. It can be enlightening.

Ok, now were getting somewhere. In your humble opinion, what $500 bino comes close to the two you just suggested

Ziggy, if I only had $500 and I were headed out hunting I would probably look at something like the Nikon Monarch 7. Gets good reviews, I've had good luck with Nikon durability. Sure, the glass won't be as good as alpha, but if you listen to some around here you'd think you should never go hunting without SwaroZeissLeica around your neck and you might as well stay home if you don't have the coin for those.

At $1K I would consider the Zeiss Conquest HD or a Cabelas Euro. Or you might find something used for $1K in the used alpha category.

Pentax 8x43 SP. Have a pair and they are every bit as good as my SLC 8x30s. The glass is amazing for the price to my eyes.

I'm probably going to get slammed for this but I have a new pair of Japanese made non e2 Bushnell elite 10x42's that I would up against anything short of the Meoptas mentioned above. I just picked a pair of vanguard endeavor ed2 8x32's as well for $199 on closeout at Cabelas and they deserve high praise as well.
Nick

Wayyyy close.

*1

over the years I have bought and traded away several pairs of more expensive optic's but keep coming back to my Zeiss 10x40 ClassiC's because to my eyes they just work great..

+1 for high-end Minox

I have a funny feeling I already know the answer. I wish I had a Swaro budget, but ain't it gonna happen anytme soon. Just curious, what do you carry, but be honest.