What binoculars to get.

Redfrog how much did Zeiss charge you for repairing your binos? I bought a Zeiss Conquest 3x9 and comparing them to a leupold isn't even fair. Zeiss has supberb clarity.For the price range, Zeiss has it all. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I don't understand the Leica comment either. I've had mine for 11 years. Sent them back to be repaired in 1995 as I dropped them into a creek while elk hunting. They were back to me in two weeks at no charge.

Mine are 9x25 compacts. I really think they are the best of both worlds. Lightweight, clear and gather plenty of light for what I do. I can't even begin to guess how many hours I've looked through these binocs and have never experienced a second of eyestrain or headache. If you watch ebay, should be able to pick a pair up for 200-300 dollars. Of course, they don't make the 9x25's anymore but the 10x25's are just as good.
 
I have had my zeiss for nearly 30 years and they are as good today as there were when I bought them, having said that I still think that the wind river 10x50 olympics are a top binocular. They are less than half the price of swaro's or Zeiss or Leica's, the european glass is better, BUT for somebody that wants good glass and dosn't or can't spend a grand wind river or pentax will do you more than just fine.
 
Idaho Buck, I would've been on the phone to Cabelas. A couple of years ago I bought a Pair of Zeiss 10x40 ClassiC's from them for $699.99. Well, about a month later they went on sale for $649.99. I thought about just chalking it up to my usual bad luck, but figured it was worth a phone call. I called Cabelas and explained what happened, and while they wouldn't refund cash, they were generous enough to send me a $50.00 gift certificate, which is a win-win situation for both parties. They probably knew full well I would end up spending way more than the $50.00, so it worked out great for the both of us.

Just in case anyone might be interested, www.midsouthshooterssupply.com has Zeiss 8x30 ClassiC's on clearance for $449.99. This is a great deal on a great binocular that normally sells for $699.99. Here's a link:
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00042523509
 
Have you ever tried Cabelas' Bargain Cave for their returned binos? I found many Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski with very good prices. Just remember, bargain with them. Overall, you are in their Bargain Cave.

My experience, up to 35% off from their bargain listing is always possible.

For the long run, get these three brands and you will never feel sorry, but a little pain.

For your reference, when you are comparing the glass quality, look them into the darkest spot in the shop corner and look for the brightness and clarity. The color separation is also critical, for example blue and yellow intercept line clarity and other colors comparison. The high quality optic gives you no guessing blurs, like your own eyes. The less optimum glass will not provide such definition. This comparison will be the best if your have both glasses on hand. I found Leica gives a great color definition and Swarovski gives great brightness, so as Zeiss.

Give them a test drive. Consult with professionals, like National Camera Exchange for instance.

Pacobang
 
Buster, Leicas were given to me by my son when he bought Swarovski's. I sent them in just for a tuneup. They were very usable when sent in. They repaired hinge,repair and adjust focus,adjust collimatin,,clean optics, repair sleeves, purge with nitrogen,cleand and adjust. for $356.25. When I recieved them back the wheel that adjusts focus was very uneven. and a small scratch on lens wasn't replaced which I felt was more needed than things that were done. I dont know what "grey area binoculars are" I didnt steal them. I called Leica and told them I was very unhappy and they said to send them back,which I will do after the hunting seasson is over.
 
GP, I'm not 100% sure, but I'll bet you would've had different results had your son sent them in rather than you, that is, if he was the original owner. Leica's warranty infomration specifically states they'll only cover the original owner, which has always griped me. You'd think that for $1000.00, they'd be willing to make things right for anyone that owns them.

"Grey market" binoculars are those imported without paying all the tariffs, etc. They're generally made in the same factory and are identical to "USA" warrantied glass in every aspect but the warranty, and are usually sold by people who are not authorized dealers at a discounted rate to the consumer. It's always a good idea to check for "grey market" goods when purchasing any binocular, especially online. Otherwise, you might not have any warranty coverage. Leica covers "grey market" goods for 30 years instead of lifetime, and as of late, Swarovski doesn't warranty any "grey market" glass. One other thing about "grey market" Leicas is that they have to be sent to Germany for any repairs, and the owner is responsible for shipping both ways. "USA" warrantied Leicas go back east somewhere.

Leica "USA" warrantied binoculars have a lifetime "no fault" warranty (only good for the original owner), which states even if you damage them, gather up enough pieces that the serial number is included and return them along with $35.00 for return postage, and they'll either be repaired or replaced without question.

Anyway, sorry to hear you had a bad experience with Leica. I owned a Leica 10x42 BN for a short time, and while I loved the glass, the ergonomics just didn't fit me, so they were sold.

Greenside, I might get slammed for this, but I could never personally recommend Steiner binoculars. They might be serviceable, but in my opinion, there are much better binoculars available for a lot less money. My experience with Steiners has not been all that great. My cousin had a pair of 8x30 Military/Marines that would make the captain of the Titanic sea sick to look through them, and my brother in law had a pair of Predators that required they be returned to the factory twice because the internals came loose.
 
Something I forgot to mention Zies has a warranty that is transferable to who ever owns them no questions.
And I think they are better than windriver. Just what I think.
Idaho Buck
 
It looks like I'm going completely against the grain here on Nikons. I've had a pair of waterproof compact 10X for about 13-15 years now and have not EVER had a reason to complain when using them at reasonable ranges. They have always had good image quality. I got them when I was shooting 3-D and would use them all day on average of 3 days a week, for 10 years. When the wasn't careful enough and scratched the lenses I sent them to be repaired($64) they came back with new lenses, new side panels, the hinge was readjusted and they work now just as good as new. I've looked at Leica's and my eyes can't tell any difference unless maybe I was to live with them a while. While mine were "away" I bought another Nikon, the Travelite 8X. They too had wonderful picture, but they did have an annoying squeak in the body work. Every Nikon I've looked at was completely clear and exactly the opposite has been the case with all the comparably priced brands I've looked at. Pop had a pair of Zeiss compacts and they were indeed clear but so small I couldn't compare them well. I guess I don't understand why all the bad Nikons haven't made it here.
 
Oh, I forgot. I do have 20-20 vision and have always been able to see the arrows better than the others in my group. It's not like I'm blind or something. I WOULD like to know why the difference is in our findings. Interesting.
 
That is truly some bad luck indeed GP!! In 30 yrs, you are the only one I have ever heard about that has had a problem like this. Still don't understand the $350 charge either but when asked to refurbish, that may be a different thing than warranty repair. Just don't know.
 
I have a pair of steiners and sold a pair of swarovskis, and recently bought a pair of the bushnell 8x32 legend. For the money ($270) I think they are really tough to beat. Infact almost impossible. I was skeptical of bushnell for the same reason as most people, te lower end stuff they put on every package gun deal at walmart. However, the clarity is excellent, the warranty is no questions asked, great deal. I actually carry them instead of my steiners. Just my two cents worth. I looked at the nikons, wind rivers, and the rest in that price range, but the overall handling and functionality plus the new raingaurd lens coating, made me choose them.

PS> You know, we should write to these companies and ask them to pay us for advertising and selling for them.
 
Looks like people are favoring the steiners. If i had any mony at all I would buy real nice binoculars, but since Im only sixteen I cant afford anything. I have to buy a truck and put together a new bow, get binoculars and spotting scope. And all this needs to be done by june so I can start scouting for elk and deer for the august bow hunt.
Would I need a spotting scope if I had a real good pair of binos like steiner or swarovskis? It would help if I didnt have to buy a scope too. Thanks for all of the help.
 
I'd stear clear of the Steiner's. Like I posted before, there are much better binoculars available for a lot less money.

Here's what I'd suggest: take $200.00, which will include shipping, go to www.midsouthshooterssupply.com and order yourself a pair of Leupold Wind River 8x42 Mesa's. You won't find a better bino for the money, guaranteed. They're a porro prism, so they'll be a little bulkier than a comporable roof prism, but they're not overly heavy. They're also completely water and fog proof, and carry a great warranty.

Not sure if it's still available, but there was a B&L Elite 15-45x60 spotting scope in the classifieds over at www.Monstermuleys.com for $200.00, which is less than half the normal selling price. I just bought a wall tent so I'm kinda tapped for funds right now or I would've looked into it more serious.

Whereabouts you live in Cedar Hills? My wife and I are bulding a new house in Juniper Heights.
 
Buster, I live on the creek in cedar hills. It runs right through my back yard. I live on the north side of cedar hills drive. I think I will get some of the wind river mesas. I was looking at them before but didnt think the glass was good enough. When you look through them a foot away or so the lenses look square, and according to Dwight Schuh that is a sign for inferior glass. I just found on monday night that I am gonna need a new rifle scope now. Dropped the gun in the snow ly slipped on a rock i couldnt see under the snow it got all fogged up and there is water in it and there are a bunch of black dots in it that I couldnt figure out how to get rid of. Just my luck!
 
Buster, I live on the creek in cedar hills. It runs right through my back yard. I live on the north side of cedar hills drive. I think I will get some of the wind river mesas. I was looking at them before but didnt think the glass was good enough. When you look through them a foot away or so the lenses look square, and according to Dwight Schuh that is a sign for inferior glass. I just found on monday night that I am gonna need a new rifle scope now. Dropped the gun in the snow ly slipped on a rock i couldnt see under the snow it got all fogged up and there is water in it and there are a bunch of black dots in it that I couldnt figure out how to get rid of. Just my luck!
 
one more question, I think I will save for the Zeiss Diafun 8x30's the question is will They will I lose glassing time when the sun goes down, versus a 8x40?
If I do loose glassing time how long will it be?
 
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