Alpha glass ?

[Rooftop]

I currently have Brunton epoch 10.5x43 and am considering upgrading to a used set of slc 10x42. My question is does a 2013 set of slc glass compare to the current model slc? Is there a better option in the $9-1200 dollar range? I use these for western hunting only. Thanks

 

[Wapiti1]

They revamped the SLC in 2010, updated the coatings, and added HD glass. They marketed them as HD for a couple of years then dropped the HD designation even though they include HD glass. A 2013 model should be very close to a 2019 model save incremental improvements that they make each year. That is my understanding of the SLC evolution.

I am not sure there is a better option in that price range than a used SLC, just different with excellent glass. I would look at these if you want brand new: Meopta Meopro B1 HD, Nikon HG, Leica Trinovid HD.

Jeremy

 

[longbarrel]

I agree that the Trinovid is good in the 1k price range. If you can stretch some from your limit of 1200 Doug at Camera Land has some Leica ultravids on sale at 1450. That would be a fantastic deal for ultravids.

 

[Rooftop]

Thanks. That’s the kind of info I was looking for. I have talked with Doug in the past. I will give him a call and see what he has to offer.

 

[bigharge]

Be patient and shop around and you can find the newest model in that 1200 price range

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Ledd Slinger]

The SLC's are very nice, but they are not quite top tier "Alpha" glass. If you want true Alpha glass as per the thread title, I would suggest you have a look at one of the "Big 3"

Leica Noctivid, Swarovski EL, Zeiss SF T - Review 2017

www.birdwatching.com

I currently own the Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars and the view is absolutely amazing. Even better than Swarovski EL SV in my opinion because the Noctivid can deliver every bit as good resolution and low light performance, but do it all with better color contrast. Weight balance is so perfect on the Noctivid that I often forget I am holding 30 oz. of weight in my hands. The Noctivid is very compact, focus is super smooth and precise, and it uses an open dual hinge design (same as Swaro EL) that feels great in the hand. No complaints whatsoever.

 

[sneaky]

The SLC's are very nice, but they are not quite top tier "Alpha" glass. If you want true Alpha glass as per the thread title, I would suggest you have a look at one of the "Big 3"

Leica Noctivid, Swarovski EL, Zeiss SF T - Review 2017

www.birdwatching.com

I currently own the Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars and the view is absolutely amazing. Even better than Swarovski EL SV in my opinion because the Noctivid can deliver every bit as good resolution and low light performance, but do it all with better color contrast. Weight balance is so perfect on the Noctivid that I often forget I am holding 30 oz. of weight in my hands. The Noctivid is very compact, focus is super smooth and precise, and it uses an open dual hinge design (same as Swaro EL) that feels great in the hand. No complaints whatsoever.

You lost me, and everyone else, when you said SLCs aren't alpha glass. Not a single bino you linked is in his price range either.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[realunlucky]

The SLC's are very nice, but they are not quite top tier "Alpha" glass. If you want true Alpha glass as per the thread title, I would suggest you have a look at one of the "Big 3"

Leica Noctivid, Swarovski EL, Zeiss SF T - Review 2017

www.birdwatching.com

I currently own the Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars and the view is absolutely amazing. Even better than Swarovski EL SV in my opinion because the Noctivid can deliver every bit as good resolution and low light performance, but do it all with better color contrast. Weight balance is so perfect on the Noctivid that I often forget I am holding 30 oz. of weight in my hands. The Noctivid is very compact, focus is super smooth and precise, and it uses an open dual hinge design (same as Swaro EL) that feels great in the hand. No complaints whatsoever.

First that's not a review that's a spec sheet. Interesting that only 3 binoculars can make your alpha list.

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[Ledd Slinger]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but those 3 binolculars rule the roost right now. Technically I said the SLC is not "top tier" Alpha glass. My best friend and hunting partner has had the 10x42 SLC for a handful of years now. As nice as they are, and after having looked through his SLCs many times in field comparisons, it's very easy to see they can't stack up against the best. My buddy agrees as well.

If I was to suggest a binocular in the $1k-$1200 price range, I would suggest the Meopta Meostar B1 HD line. I owned the Meostar HD 10x32 binos prior to my Leica Noctivid. I compared the Meopta to my buddy's SLC many times as well. Again, my buddy and I were in agreement that the Meopta delivered a better image despite having 10mm smaller objectives.

The SLC 's are nice, but they would be better described as "near" Aplha glass.

 

[longbarrel]

If I hadn't just bought a pair of ultravids from Doug, I would ask him about the trinovids vs. meostars in your stated price range, and how close they are to the ultravids he has on sale at 1450.

 

[Newtosavage]

I currently have Brunton epoch 10.5x43 and am considering upgrading to a used set of slc 10x42. My question is does a 2013 set of slc glass compare to the current model slc? Is there a better option in the $9-1200 dollar range? I use these for western hunting only. Thanks

Man, those Epochs are awfully good. I'm not sure you'll gain as much as you think you will.

If I were you, I'd compare what you have side-by-side (on a tripod if at all possible) with the Swaros first.

Epochs are a sleeper IMO.

 

[Rooftop]

I have compared the epochs to a Cabela’s euro. Which I think is Meopta. The Meopta were better in low light. I guess I am really looking for the best low light glass I can get within reason of my budget.

 

[Rooftop]

Also thanks to everyone with your suggestions. To me alpha is when binoculars get north of $1500 new. I like the slc because of size. The el’s are to big for me. I will have to look into the Leica but I prefer a compact binocular.

 

[khuber84]

A set of meopta meopro B1 binos compare very closely to a set of slc's. They're about a grand brand new. But they are large though.

 

[Eastern Elk Pursuit]

Living in New Jersey is not optimal for someone who likes to hunt the west. However, it puts me pretty close to Doug at Cameraland. Spent an afternoon there a few weeks ago with Neil and Doug. You could not ask for better customer service. I hope to do a write up on my experience soon. I was able to look through both the Meostar B1 HD and the swaro slc, both in 10x42, and I much preferred the Meostar. Ended up purchasing the meostar, and have spent some time glassing my Fathers property in upstate New York. I was able to glass up four turkeys from over a half mile away. Could see their beards clear as day. Mount these on a tripod and they are very impressive for the price!

 

[timberbuck]

The current SLC is as good as any 10x42 on the market. So would a 2013 version.

Mine bests every 10x42 I have put it up against and owned including EL Swarovision and Zeiss HT.

The Meopta HD and other $1000 class glass does not compare.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

The current SLC is as good as any 10x42 on the market. So would a 2013 version.

Mine bests every 10x42 I have put it up against and owned including EL Swarovision and Zeiss HT.

The Meopta HD and other $1000 class glass does not compare.

.....

 

[JGRaider]

I would disagree with Timberbuck. I own the SLCHD, Meostar HD, and Swarovision. The Meostars will hold their own with the SLC's, but the SV is a notch above IMO. No flies on either one, both are fantastic.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

For even a little less money at about $900-$1000, you should take a good hard look at the new Nikon Monarch "HG" 10x42 binocular. Very lightweight at about 24.8 oz, extremely wide flat field of view, and top notch resolution. I would highly recommend you have a look through a set in a store and compare them to other high end binoculars before making a decision.

I picked up a set for both myself and my son and I honestly liked them more than the Meostar HD binoculars because they are lighter, wider FOV, better locking diopter, all coupled with great resolution. My son still uses the Nikon HG and I sold mine only because I got a smoking deal on the Leica Noctivid for $1900 that I couldnt refuse.

My only gripe about the Nikon HG is that the integrated objective caps would not stay in very well. Fell out quite easily. My Noctivid integrated caps do not move unless I pull them out. Other than that, the Nikon HG is top notch quality.

I just found a review by Matt Cashell on here and posted a link below. After having used the Nikon HG extensively, I would fully agree with every word in Matt Cashell's review. I do however believe that the Meopta delivers better color contrast as most high end European glass does, but other than that I would pick the Nikon. They are absolutely outstanding binoculars at their price point and far beyond.

Review: Nikon Monarch HG 10X42 - Rokslide

Nikon Monarch HG 10X42 Review by Matt Cashell, Rokslide Prostaff Through Rokslide, I have had some great opportunities to look at new optics and how they suit mountain hunters. I have had the chance to check out entry-level binoculars in the $200-$500 range, mid-priced in the $600 – $1200...

www.rokslide.com

 

[Rooftop]

Talked with Doug today and I think I will go with the Meopta. There on sale for $869 and come with full warranty. I also have been looking at gpo or German precision optics. Any body have experience with this company?