No reason to spend more on Swarovski than the current SLC. I prefer it to the EL Swarovision but I also like the Zeiss HT over the SF-no field flattening lenses for me please.
Zeiss Conquest HD is a best buy under $1000 and will do everything you need.
I have owned of all the alpha glass except the Noctovid and currently own a HT in 8 and 10x42 as well as a current SLC in 10x42. I have compared these extensively to a few of the current $650-$1000 options like the Conquest HD, Tract Toric and Styrka S9, meopta meostar hd. They are close but not quite there. Perfectly good enough for a serious hunting glass but not to the level of the current SLC, none of the mid range glass is IMO. For some reason its become popular notion that these mid range binoculars compare to the SLC (its the cheapest alpha). Simply not true from what I have looked through.
I prefer the Zeiss HT optically and ergonomically over anything else.
Consider buying a second hand Zeiss. For some reason much better deals are always available on Zeiss over Leica or Swarovski. Zeiss will take care of you if needed.
Ive been seeing like new pre owned Conquest HD's go for around the $500 mark recently and picked up my dad a pair for $470. I bought my two pair of HT's second hand but like new for $1250 and $1300.
Last edited by Timberbuck; 08/16/17.
