Currently bino-less. Had an El Range 10x42 for a few years, sold it. Bought NL 12x42 earlier this year, even with headrest they were a little too shaky/high X for my personal preference and I needed money, so sold them.

Also, trying to save money right now, so even though my last binos were alpha, I don't think I need that.


Stone sheep backpack hunt in late July is immediate need. Just bought a Kowa 554 spotter which has a mag of 15-45X that I will be taking with me. (Doesn't matter what the guide has, I want my own glass. Have been on a guided backpack sheep hunt before without my own spotter and decided I will never do it again.) Other than that, I whitetail hunt back east. May have an archery elk hunt next year.

Considering 8x42, have looked at Meopta and Maven.

What are recommendations both on X as well as makes if you were in my shoes?

Locking diopter and tripod stud threading are must haves

I really like the last version of the 8x42 SLC. No longer made, but you might be able to find a demo. If not, used ones seem to sell for a very reasonable price. Great image and good eye relief. And fairly compact for a 42mm but still easy to hold steady. I have the Outdoorsmans stud mounted on mine.

I believe that the last version (all green body) has a slower focuser than the one before it (has black near the hinge). I was told that it was meant for hunters, whereas the faster focus is better suited to birders. I don't know if that is true or not, but I like the focuser as is. Some people hate it though, for speed and feel. The resistance is not consistent but once you get used to it I no longer notice it.

The Mavens that I have looked at seem decent too. For whatever reason the Meoptas have never looked good to me. Too yellow, but I have heard that the newer ones are better.

^ +1, love my SLC 8x42's.

I do as well. Fantastic hunting glass, and 4th hit the nail on the head with his description.

I had the last 8x42 SLC’s and really liked them, great hunting binocular. I also had Zeiss 8x42, and 7x42 FL’s. I liked the 7x42 FL a little better.

Various offerings from Meopta have been the best non alpha price tier binos that I've looked through over the years.

Every once in awhile I see the Cabela's branded Meoptas sell
used for comparatively low prices.

I have a pair of Steiner 8x42 that are solid as far as view, and they've been very rugged over past 10 or so years. Not sure of the model.

My SLC 8x42 were bought in 2020 and they are fantastic bins. A guy in camp had Mavens and was bragging on them. B.2 - 9X45. I thought they were just ok .

Swarovski is still making SLC's

My 8x30 SLCs are 1998 vintage and have been serviced by Swarovski since. My ELs are 8.5x42 and are excellent but much heavier, the SLCs get used more often. For hunting in the east, 8x is fine but out west, I'd be looking at 10x.

You can get these for $1200.00 with the eyepiece doubler….

I bought a used set of vortex razors and love them

Really like my Kowa BD 2 have a set in 6x30 and 10x42

If you’re trying to save money and still get good glass, maybe look at tract?

Very interesting. Do you know where their binos are manufactured? I just perused their website but could not find that information

Don't sleep on the Leica Trinovid HD+. Not Alpha, but really, really good for about a Thousand. Also, the Kowa Prominar series. Not Alpha either, but fluorite lenses (like the Trinovid) and really good view.

I don't think that Kowa uses pure crystal for the Genesis. It is "ED" glass, which they call XD.

I would look for the 2015 version of the Leica Trinovid or Swaro SV 8.5x42.

I bought a set of 10x42 torics about 6 months ago.. it says made in Japan on the focus wheel

This thread is showing multiple recommendations for the SLC 8x42 so I guess I'll add a +1 to that. But the caveat is that this is the first pair of nice binoculars I've bought this past September so I don't have anything to compare them to other than previous cheap department store models. All I can say is how much I really like them and how pleased I've been with the purchase.

I have a new in box pair of Leica Trinovid HD's in 10x42 that I'd sell right. Pm if interested. I've decided to stay with 8x for my bowhunting.