I'm considering the new Zeiss Victory II, Leica BN and Swarovski SLC's, all 10x40 or 42. Any experience with these? They are all comparable in price. Right now I am leaning towards the Zeiss cause I have a $100 gift cert for Cabelas and they offer another $100 certificate that you can apply to your next purchase. Or are the Leica or Swaro's that much better to ignore the gift certificates? Thanks.
- Thread starter SDHNTR
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East Sloper
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SDHNTR
Have had a couple pairs of SLC's and am now using Leica BN in 8x42 with pleasure. The SLC's are nice also. Not a big fan of the new Zeiss's. Had the old Victory's and they were good. Check the three out together at a single store, as well as the warranties. I'd bet you'll lean to the BN or SLC side. It is a big $ investment, so why not be very confident in your decision. I have had several pairs of 10x binos over the years and having made the switch to 8x a couple seasons ago I don't know why I ever used 10x. You can still hunt with 8x and even bring them up while breathing a little hard and still see well (which isn't the case with 10x), blah, blah, blah...does everyone begin to preach when they get older...
Good luck you can't go wrong with anyone of them.
Also I would check out the web before going to Cabela's as they are very high on optics...
Have had a couple pairs of SLC's and am now using Leica BN in 8x42 with pleasure. The SLC's are nice also. Not a big fan of the new Zeiss's. Had the old Victory's and they were good. Check the three out together at a single store, as well as the warranties. I'd bet you'll lean to the BN or SLC side. It is a big $ investment, so why not be very confident in your decision. I have had several pairs of 10x binos over the years and having made the switch to 8x a couple seasons ago I don't know why I ever used 10x. You can still hunt with 8x and even bring them up while breathing a little hard and still see well (which isn't the case with 10x), blah, blah, blah...does everyone begin to preach when they get older...
Good luck you can't go wrong with anyone of them.
Also I would check out the web before going to Cabela's as they are very high on optics...
Tree Doc
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One more you might want to consider. I looked at all the above and was most pleased with the Leica product and then I stumbled onto another which is a division of Leica called Minox. Maybe you're familiar, they build miniature spy cameras
. I bought the Minox BD 10x52 BR ALT's and they are awesome. I got a good deal from my local shop but out of 10-12 places online, all at about $900+, I found one place that sold them for what I paid, about $650. I'm set for life.
branthntr
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Go with the leica or swarovski . I purchased a pair of 10x42 bn leicas 2 yrs ago and have been very happy with them.If your not in a hurry surf the web,at the time I found that wolf camera had a clearance for $799 and leica had a $100 rebate if you sent any pair of workable binocs to them...
If you are looking for top-of-the-line (you are already there with the models you have mentioned), look at the maunufacturers new models! The Leica Ultravids, the Swaro EL's and the Zeiss FL's!!
Also, I've found that the best research and unbiased opinions on binoculars seem to surface on bird watcher site forums. These guys REALLY put binos to the test and look for the finest detail. The site also attracts people from around the world.
I'm in the market and I've spent a lot of time reasearching binos recently - I'm fussier than most about optics. Was leaning heavily toward the Leica Ultavids until I found and tried the new Zeiss FL's.
My new set of FL's are due to arrive today!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. You'll be money ahead if you take the time to shop nline .......binoculars.com has a killer price right now on the FL's - I guess it's a short time promo of some sort...................other places like eagleoptics.com have been known to price match.......both are very reputable. Some of the models you mentioned are being sold at close-out prices (as are the Nikon LX's - also very good, but heavy) due to new models coming out - be sure to shop around once you decide. Cabelas might match price with these guys too - give them a shot.
Also, I've found that the best research and unbiased opinions on binoculars seem to surface on bird watcher site forums. These guys REALLY put binos to the test and look for the finest detail. The site also attracts people from around the world.
I'm in the market and I've spent a lot of time reasearching binos recently - I'm fussier than most about optics. Was leaning heavily toward the Leica Ultavids until I found and tried the new Zeiss FL's.
My new set of FL's are due to arrive today!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. You'll be money ahead if you take the time to shop nline .......binoculars.com has a killer price right now on the FL's - I guess it's a short time promo of some sort...................other places like eagleoptics.com have been known to price match.......both are very reputable. Some of the models you mentioned are being sold at close-out prices (as are the Nikon LX's - also very good, but heavy) due to new models coming out - be sure to shop around once you decide. Cabelas might match price with these guys too - give them a shot.
I have had my Ultravid 10x42 s for about a month and am extremely pleased, except for the eyecups. Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss all have the same type of rotating eyepeice so I didnt really have a choice. They are great for durability, but short on comfort. I wish I could find some after market big comfy rubber replacements.
