BINOCULARS/ Swarovski,Zeiss or Leica

smsnyder

smsnyder

New member
I was wonder what binoculars you guys like for long range glassing? i have a pair swarovski 10x42 SLC binoculars. They are ok but I like my wifes 10x50 SLC better.I can't get them away from her. Now i am considering more power and Leica geovid 15x50 or the swarovski 15x50 SLC. any advice on these new binoculars? By the way i will not be walking withe these new binoculars.
 
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I'm replying to this so I can add it to my favorites to watch for it. I'm interested in the same binoculars as you. I'd like a higher magnification pair as well.

I currently own the 10 power Leica's with the rangefinder built in. I absolutely love them! Perfect for prairie dog hunting. I originally tried the Swarovski ELs. I took them back because I wasn't able to roll the focus knob far enough right. It was blurry out past 300 yrds. It might have been a problem with the pair I owned or my eyes, but everyone that I let look through them said the same thing. My step dad has the SLCs and they work fine for me, so I'm pretty sure I just got a bad pair. But since I tried the Leica's, I fell in love with them.

Oh yeah, an experienced optics salesperson at Cabelas told me that the Swarovski's would have been the best glass since the range finder hinders some of the clarity. Not sure I can tell, but if I'm ever out at dusk glassing deer with a friend that has the ELs I'll definately do some comparing. Looking through them in the store doesn't tell me anything.
 
I shoot a ton of 3-D archery shoots, and at one time competed on a world level. All the pro's and die-hard shooters swear by Swarovski hands down. The term we use when useing Swarovski binoculars is "use Swarovski and see what god sees". You won't find anything better than the 10x50's.
 
Leica is the best glass money can buy hands down. I have used them all and Leica is my choice. I use the laser rangefinding models 10X. The problem with 10X or above is being able to hold them steady in my opinion.
 
This you may find funny. I have an old beat up pair of the rubber coated 7X50s that Tasco made for the militay, I bekieve in the 80s. Unbelievably clear. I use them when a large pair is practical.
 
Choosing between Swarovski, Leica, or Zeiss is like choosing between Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba, or Jennifer Garner. You can't go wrong with either one, just one might fit and feel a little better than the other, and your better off if you can try each one before purchasing..../ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-006.gif

Seriously, they're all top-notch glass and a person really needs to spend some time comparing in person to see what feels and looks best to them. I've owned all the top brands, and the Leica Ultravids are my all around favorites. I'm currently using the 8x42 Ultravids.

I've thought real serious about the Leica Geovid LRF binos, but the fact they're only warrantied for two or three years scares me off. I like the concept, but the electronics worry me...YMMV
 
Buster, I have had the 7x42 Geovids w/rangerfinder for 15yrs and they work great. Changed battery once. I agree with you, all three are great. I own 9 pairs 2 Leicas, 3 Zeiss, and 4 Swarovski. Clarity is a personal thing. Comparing like powers some look better than others. Personal preference is more important than brand name IMO. Alot of dealers lean towards Swarovski because they get more bang for their buck in marketing. But some Zeiss and Leicas seem clearer to me when I compare them.

Leica 7x42 Geovids w/rangefinder
Leica 8x25
Zeiss 15x60 (2 pairs)
Zeiss 10x50 Victorys
Swarovski 15x56
Swarovski 10x50 sl
Swarovski 10x32 el
Swarovski 10x42 slc

I have a pair of Canon 10x36 stabilized binos that work great and are very clear. They are very useful when you are hiking in the mountains.

Rick
 
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Buster,

I'll go along with Simpson and Alba, but Garner....come on, she is not in the same class as the other two!

Now I want to know which Binos she is supposed to represent?

C
 


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