High End Binoculars

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Shark Bait

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I have had a pair of Swarovski 10x42 binoculars for 20 years or so and they are excellent. They better be for the price. Even back then they were $2K+. Good glass sure makes a huge difference when trying to view objects in the distance.

Today I received a pair of Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars in the mail and they didn't cost me a thing! Seriously, I won them in a drawing I entered on Camera Land's website. I don't think I can post the site here but if you want it PM me.

These Leica's are amazing. The optics are excellent and the construction is to the highest quality.

What binoculars do you prefer and why?

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I still prefer my Leica over the Swarovski, Steiner, Zeiss etc. That is just MY eye however.

Randy
 
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Zeiss 8 x 30 armored. I got them when I worked at Cabela's. they were around $1,000 new but with discounts I got for $500 in the bargain cave. I liked them for how they felt in the hands and they fit in a coat pocket. you wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between them and brand new except the bargain cave one was marked on the inside of the pivot
 
There is a simple solution to your dilemma, use both and decide. Both are high quality, it is the little things that make a difference. I start at the carry bag, my Leupold binocular carry case interior has disintegrated after many years. Which one has the better lens covers?
 
I bought and use binoculars from Vortex. (10X42 Diamondback)

Very pleased with the performance, and while not all of their models are made here in the USA, I must confess, part of my decision was based on their warranty service and reputation for standing behind their products.

(BTW, this particular model of Vortex are only "high end" binoculars to those who can't afford the expensive ones, like old retired LEO's, for instance)
 
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I have a couple sets of Swarovski binocs. I like them. Are they the best, I don’t know, but they work well for me.
 
I prefer this one because that was all I could afford at the time.

Forget who makes it because the name brand sticker fell off long ago.

Makes a good spotting scope to see tiny .22 holes on paper at 25 yards or so in the woods.

...figured you guys could use a laugh. :)

gsbyY5qm.jpg
 
peyton said:
There is a simple solution to your dilemma, use both and decide. Both are high quality, it is the little things that make a difference. I start at the carry bag, my Leupold binocular carry case interior has disintegrated after many years. Which one has the better lens covers?
Click to expand...

No dilemma here. I'm happy to have them both. I was just wondering what others preferred. The Leica's have better lens covers, but they are brand new and my Swarovskis have some mileage on them.
 
I’ve owned Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss binoculars. I still have a pair of Leica 8x40 laser rangefinder binoculars and a pair of Swarovski 10x42 SLC’s.

They’re all excellent, but Swarovski is my preference because of their 25 year warranty and stellar customer service. If you ever need them repaired or cleaned, you’ll be disappointed with Leica.
 
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The set I use are 10x40 Bushnells. Don’t have to worry about theft or damage. : )


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I used to review binoculars in magazines. Generally, the loan period was 90 days, with a favorable writer's price purchase option.

I was also a guest of Zeiss at a three day seminar in VA on binocular design and care. They provided their brand samples to compare to other famed brands inc. some top Japanese ones. They have that level of confidence in their instruments!

I also handled various brands in stores and at the Shot show.

My son has a Leica 8x42 Ultravid and a Geovid 10X42 with range finder and my Trinovid 8x32 and several Zeiss and other top items by B&L, etc.

He may sell the Ultravid and get 10x42 Noctavid, as he doesn't need an 8X42, as he has a B&L Elite that I Gave him. If he carries 42mm lens weight, he wants 10X power He likes that Noctavid, so it must be something!

He has a 9.25 Celestron scope for detailed astronomy and binoculars for wider views, hunting, birdwatching, and other applications.

I recently sat on his porch and compared my 8x32 Leica to my son's 8X42 in bright daylight and saw little optical difference on things like birds and distant telephone poles and a water tower . At night, the larger glass was naturally brighter.

I think Leica and Zeiss are optically on par and Swarovski there or so close that some see no difference. I haven't seen the newest ones, so won't comment. I do think the Swarovski 8X22 I had was overall the best small bino I've owned or seen.

I still love my Zeiss 10x40B/Ga from 1986, but improvements have been made. My high power astro glass is a Docter 15x60B/GA.

Overall, I lean a bit toward Zeiss, partly because their service and customer support has been so good. But study the line. Some price and quality differences now occur.

Unless they've changed them, the Swift 8.5x44 roof prism glass is an outstanding value. It deserved much more publicity than given. I think it's the Audubon model.

Check YouTube for reviews
 
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s&wchad said:
I’ve owned Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss binoculars. I still have a pair of Leica 8x40 laser rangefinder binoculars and a pair of Swarovski 10x42 SLC’s.

They’re all excellent, but Swarovski is my preference because of their 25 year warranty and stellar customer service. If you ever need them repaired or cleaned, you’ll be disappointed with Leica.
Click to expand...

Service is a major factor. Our Leicas have never needed it, but I repaired a Zeiss mono dropped on a brick driveway and had cleaned an older 8x30 mono bought used. The Zeiss repair guy told me in confidence about some more extensive repairs, some remarkable! I think Zeiss has stellar service.
 
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I've been using a Swarovski 10x42 EL Swarovision for several years for elk hunting. Experienced elk hunters know just how much time you spend glassing during twelve hours of daylight. It's a lot.

I'm not an optics enthusiast and have had very few binoculars. I'm unfamiliar with the terms and can't speak the lingo with the Internet optics experts, either the real ones ones or their easy chair counterparts, but I've learned a few simple facts over the years of using a good binocular. After using a high quality binocular for a while, go back to using what you thought was a good binocular. You'll see the difference quickly. You'll wonder if the lesser binocular is broken.

Some criticize others for spending what they consider too much on a binocular when a cheaper one will work. The cheaper one will likely work, just not as well. I doubt there is much quality difference in any of the top brands; I just thought the Swaros "felt" better in my hands than Zeiss or Leica. Good luck in making a choice.
 
Have a set of Nikon Premier 10 X 42’s that have allowed me to see everything that I wanted to and more. When I was looking, I was going to buy a Swarovski pair, but after looking through them both and by my eyes, not being able to tell the difference, I saved $700 and bought the Nikons. I believe they have a lifetime warranty and are waterproof.
 
I use the Kowa Genesis 8.5 X 44.

Wonderful glass and easy to adjust. Waaaay better than the Sightron III 10 X 40 they replaced.
 
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