15x Glass

[Benjblt]

I have a good tripod and some 10x Lieca's and an old Swaro 20 to 60x80 spotting scope. I want a good high power binocular in the 15 to 20 power range. I'd use it for many things but presently hoping to draw a late October mule deer hunt in Wyoming in open country. My budget is about $1,500 or less.

My question is 3 fold:
1. Do I need to increase my budget to achieve the advantage that a 15x + should have over my 10x Leicas?
2. What would you all suggest as a good value in that price range?
3. I was looking at the 16x ZULU6 and they seem interesting. I'd even thinking about leaving the Leicas behind and the tripod and bringing a handheld range finder. Is the glass so deficient in those or does the stabilization make up for that? How does the glass compare to something else in that price range? The image stabilization aspect really intrigues me though.

I'm also interested in the Zeiss Conquest HDs but they're at that $2,000 mark.



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[WeiserBucks]

Used Swarovski or keep saving for new Swarovski.

 

[Acharenio]

i have the 15 zeiss but all depends where are you hunting, here in arizona for coues 15's are a must. i really like the 15 zeiss on a tripod.

 

[Hatchet Jack]

if you can’t swing the latest swaros go with meopta. Best 15x for less than $1500

 

[4th_point]

3. I was looking at the 16x ZULU6 and they seem interesting. I'd even thinking about leaving the Leicas behind and the tripod and bringing a handheld range finder. Is the glass so deficient in those or does the stabilization make up for that? How does the glass compare to something else in that price range? The image stabilization aspect really intrigues me though.

Shameless plug for my 15x Canon for sale , but I can also speak to the 16x SIG if you have specific questions.

WTS - Canon 15x50mm (image stabilized)

Bought new in November of 2022. No issues with glass or function, just downsizing my optics collection and focusing more on compact optics for travel. $825 net to me, shipped to your door. My impressions: The Canon has a very flat and sharp field, that is usable nearly to the edges. Very...

rokslide.com

 

[Axlrod]

There is a company that rents high end glass, and sells their 1 or 2 year old stuff. A buddy bought 15x Swaros last fall from them at a good discount. I don't remember the name, but can get it if google fails ya.

 

[dreamingWest]

The Swaro SLC 15 is the best game finding optic I've ever used. According to several Rokslide members, the latest and greatest Meopta 15 are very close and arguably more robust for less money.

 

[realunlucky]

There is a company that rents high end glass, and sells their 1 or 2 year old stuff. A buddy bought 15x Swaros last fall from them at a good discount. I don't remember the name, but can get it if google fails ya.

@Rent Outdoor Gear out of Boise rents and sells new and some used optics

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[WeiserBucks]

I've used the Meopta right along side my Swarovski and the difference was significant in my opinion.

 

[Hotmail]

I have a good tripod and some 10x Lieca's and an old Swaro 20 to 60x80 spotting scope. I want a good high power binocular in the 15 to 20 power range. I'd use it for many things but presently hoping to draw a late October mule deer hunt in Wyoming in open country. My budget is about $1,500 or less.

My question is 3 fold:
1. Do I need to increase my budget to achieve the advantage that a 15x + should have over my 10x Leicas?
2. What would you all suggest as a good value in that price range?
3. I was looking at the 16x ZULU6 and they seem interesting. I'd even thinking about leaving the Leicas behind and the tripod and bringing a handheld range finder. Is the glass so deficient in those or does the stabilization make up for that? How does the glass compare to something else in that price range? The image stabilization aspect really intrigues me though.

I'm also interested in the Zeiss Conquest HDs but they're at that $2,000 mark.



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Look for a SIG ZULU 9 15x56 in the $700 price range you certainly won't be disappointed. SIG lowered their MSRPs in 2023 on their ZULU 9s. For reference the 11x45 ZULU 9s are $799.99 MSRP full regular retail according to SIG USA now brand new.

 

[Blackbird]

I have meoptas and they are pretty great. Have compared them side by side with zeiss and saw not much difference. However I have also used them next to swaros and if I were to do it all over again I’d buy the swaro 15’s.

 

[Spiral Horn]

If my budget was $1500 the Maven B5 would be at the top of my list. They are a great value and a splendid optic.

 

[308Baer]

I’m extremely happy with my Conquest and was worth the investment IMO.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

The Swaro SLC 15 is the best game finding optic I've ever used. According to several Rokslide members, the latest and greatest Meopta 15 are very close and arguably more robust for less money.

Indeed. Meopta B1 and B1.1 15’s have put through some hard use here in Arizona. Can’t recommend them enough.

 

[TrackerG]

I have extensively looked through them all. The list goes in this order
1.Swaros
2. Swaros
3. Swaros
4. Meoptas (the eye relief sucks)
5.Zeiss (the chromatic aberration on the putter 15% Is very evident)
6. Leicas (even worse chromatic aberration)
7. Leupolds

Save for the Swaros, find a good deal on the Swaros ect.

 

[nnmarcher]

I sometimes see older models of Swaro 15s (I think SLCs manufactured between 1991-2010/2013) listed for around $1500, and I'm wondering how those compare to a brand-new Maven B5 or a lightly used Meopta B1.1 at the same price? Or will 10–20 year-old Swaros still be superior?

 

[mighteywhitehunter]

Save an extra couple months and get the Swaro 15x56 SLC HD. IMO they are the best high power binocular.

 

[Acharenio]

there is a pair of 12x50 el's for $1850.00 on coueswhitetail.com

 

[Hotmail]

I sometimes see older models of Swaro 15s (I think SLCs manufactured between 1991-2010/2013) listed for around $1500, and I'm wondering how those compare to a brand-new Maven B5 or a lightly used Meopta B1.1 at the same price? Or will 10–20 year-old Swaros still be superior?

Why spend $1500 on older Swarovski when for only $300-$400 more you can get newer ones with better glass? Those older Swaros are comparable to the Meopta B1 plus while the newer ones are clearer.

I have the new SIG ZULU 10s and Maven B5s and to my eyes the SIGs look clearer and they're much cheaper buying brand new if you shop around as cheap as $900 brand spanking new for the 15s. Makes me really wonder how much they're really marked up direct to consumer with no middleman to keep the cost down? Maybe you will see a sale at Midway USA for $600-$700 for these like they did for the ZULU 9s. I just bought two of the exact same models of Vortex Razor UHDs to check for for sample variance and will compare them with my ZULU 10s and B5s to see which of these same Kamakura cousins are actually the clearest.
The Burris Signature HD 2023 improved Japan version 15x56 I recently bought on sale for under $600 brand new from Amazon is another fantastic option while on a very tight budget and are actually comparable to both my way more expensive Leupold BX5 Santiam 15x56s believe it or not.

 

[dreamingWest]

These seem relevant for the OP:

WTS - 15x56 Meopta Meostar B1 Plus HD

Original owner. Excellent condition, lenses are perfect, it's always hard to get the camera to show that. Outdoorsman's stud. Very slight wear on the rubber near the outdoorsman's stud from the bino adapter. Comes with all original packaging. $1150 shipped. Buyer pays any fees.

rokslide.com