15x56/18x56 Bino Comparison questions

[Alpine4x4]

After deciding to get Swaros for my standard 10x42 EDC Binos I know my 15x56 Diamondback HD's will need to be upgraded. I dont use them a ton, but they are nice to have when glassing a longer distance as opposed to always looking through a spotting scope. I have a 15-45 and 20-60 scope for taking a closer look, but like the versatility of having 15's with me. That said I've started looking at upgrade options, but not wanting to spend $2000 as they just arent used as much as my 10x42's.

I've been looking at the Maven B5 15x56, 18x56, Razor UHD 18x56, and potentially the Zeiss Conquest 15x56. I plan to buy used or refurb and keep the cost around $1000 which I have seen these models at.

My question is, what are the pros and cons of each? I know the eye cups on the Mavens seem to be a constant complaint and I will be trying them out at a show in early February to see for myself. I know the Razors are huge and heavy. People seem to say the Zeiss has a blue tint to it vs the razors grey tint.

What are people using and what are your opinons? Is there an option I am missing other than a used set of SLC's which are outside the budget? Thanks!

 

[hereinaz]

I am happy borrowing my friends Razor HD 18x56 or Swaro 15 x 56 SLC. The difference between them is largely the edge to edge clarity. I don't feel inadequate with the Razor HD.

If that's what you have money for, try to find a used pair to get the most for your money.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I am happy borrowing my friends Razor HD 18x56 or Swaro 15 x 56 SLC. The difference between them is largely the edge to edge clarity. I don't feel inadequate with the Razor HD.

If that's what you have money for, try to find a used pair to get the most for your money.

I can find them refurbed for right at $1000 which is appealing vs the used pricing of the SLC's at $17-1900.

 

[Hoodie]

I've used both the 15x56 and 18x56 B5 pretty extensively. Currently have the 18x56. It's got shallower depth of field, but I don't carry a spotter so I like the extra 3x. If you're going to carry a spotter I think it's tough to beat 8x42, 15x56, and a 65 or 80mm spotter as a total package.

 

[Hoodie]

As far as other options, they don't have enough eye relief for me but I've seen a lot of positive comments on the Tract Toric 15x56. A little more affordable too.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Is there an option I am missing other than a used set of SLC's which are outside the budget? Thanks!

Meopta Meostar are well regarded also.

I have the SLC, had the zeiss but they didn't work for my eyes well. I ordered the Maven and also they didn't work as well for my eyes and I found the depth of focus shallow requiring lots of fiddling when scanning near/far compared to the SLC.

 

[hereinaz]

I can find them refurbed for right at $1000 which is appealing vs the used pricing of the SLC's at $17-1900.

I see used SLC for $1500ish on Coueswhitetail forum.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I see used SLC for $1500ish on Coueswhitetail forum.

Non HD model if its the set I saw the other day. I couldnt find them in a quick search though.

 

[hereinaz]

Non HD model if its the set I saw the other day. I couldnt find them in a quick search though.

Yeah, all sorts get listed. Keep watching. My buddy picked up a non HD for $1300 and an HD for $1500.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Yeah, all sorts get listed. Keep watching. My buddy picked up a non HD for $1300 and an HD for $1500.

That would be the most preferred. I just bought a pair of SLC 10x42 HD's so I'll be able to get a feel on whether Swaro glass is for my eye or not. As it sits my load out will be

10x42 SLC HD
15x56 in whatever flavor
15-45x 65mm Athlon Ares
20-60x 86mm Athlon Cronus

Been very impressed with the Cronus so far other than the FOV. The Ares isn't bad for the price, a stepping stone for now. I use the noks more than a scope so it was hard to invest big money when $500 got me solid optics.

 

[PVHunter]

Another vote for Meoptas. This season I switched from my 10x Swaros to 8x Zeiss on my chest and 15x Meoptas in the pack for use on the tripod. I was really happy with this combination.

 

[Beendare]

I have compared 15x swaros and 15x Meoptas side by side....and I saw no difference....so I bought the Meoptas. The lower end Vortex Kaibabs or Diamondbacks just don't have the resolution.

I compared my 15x Meopta to the 18x Vortex UHD [Japan] and liked them so much I sold off my Meoptas for the 18x UHD's. My NL's are still the best resolution I've ever seen in a bino...but those UHD's are darn good and when you see an 18x image next to a 15x- it's significant.