While I have always tried to find high ground and glass more than hike while hunting, I am getting older and want to emphasize glassing even more than hiking now. I hunt exclusively in the West. I have used a pair of Zeiss Dialyt 10x40B binoculars as my main hunting binocular for almost 10 yrs. now but want to get a higher magnification binocular for longer glassing sessions off a tripod. I have tried using a spotting scope but I get too much eye strain. I am comparing used older Zeiss 15x60T Classic Armored to the newer 15x56 Zeiss Conquests, Swarovskis, Meoptas, and other roof prism models. I know that optics have improved a lot over the last 20 - 30 yrs. but the Zeiss Classic porro prisms were excellent spotting binoculars in their day and the larger objectives appeal to me and there are some available used in the $1200 - $1800 range. I have also heard from some Zeiss users that the new Conquests don't have as much edge sharpness as the older Classics do. I have used a friend's Swarovski 15x56mm on a tripod and they are excellent but haven't been able to compare them to a Zeiss 15x60 Classic.
What have other users of hi magnification binoculars found or experienced in comparing the older Zeiss Classics to the newer roof prism models? Any particular things to look out for when inspecting used Zeiss Classics?
Thanks,
HW
Best perchase I have ever made for finding game was Swarovski 15x56 and a quality tripod to put them on!!
Thanks Blacktailer, I’ll keep them in mind.
HW
I don't have the ability to compare them to the higher alpha glass; however, I had the Meopta Meostart 15X56s and they were outstanding and are probably worth your efforts for the money you stated.
Those Zeiss classics should resolve detail exceptionally well. What you will likely find is all of the newer models you mentioned will be "brighter" even with 4mm smaller Objs. Lens coatings available today are far superior and getting better every day. Not sure what the eye relief is but I suspect that it's too short to use with glasses on and still allow a full FOV.
If you wear glasses and want to glass with your glasses on, I can say for certain that the newest Swaro SLC HD 15x56 WILL allow you to leave your glasses on and still get a full FOV. The previous non-HD models did not allow me a full view with my glasses on.
I find 15MM eye-relief for any binocs in any power to be the minimum for me to get a full FOV with my glasses on.
Swaro 15x56 hd is 16MM eye relief
Meopta Meostar 15x56 is 15.2 eye relief
Zeiss Conquest 15x56 is 18MM eye relief
Swarovski 15’s are the best in class optically,IMO.
Unfortunately, like most swaro they are rather delicate.
If you’re driving to a high glassing spot Kowa high landers are incredible for picking out deer in spotty terrain from miles away..but are not something you’re going to pack around.
Swaro BTX are worth considering as well.
Just about everyone I know that hunt coues wt here in Az use 15 x 56 Swarovski binoculars with a tripod and a good "fluid" head.
Some friends are now putting together two 25-50 x 65 Swarovski spotters in a fixture as their "big eyes". I was out with two guys recently who had them and man could they find animals! Another of my friends was so impressed he is going to make one. (he already has one spotter) There is a guy in Tucson making the bracket to hold them and it is well made.
Rosco1's comment on the BTX forgot all about it.... Just looked up a great review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Regd8-IiQ