I noticed that the Leupold Santiam bx-5 were on sale for about $700-$800 and the Zeiss Conquest HDs were around $600. What about the maven b1.2 at about 1k?
Thanks
Zeiss Conquest ($700-800 new) or used Vortex UHD'S or Swarovski SLC'S for around 1K. I am also a fan of the older Leica Trinovid BA/BN series, which are available for under 1K.
It's our pleasure, as a long standing supporting vendor here, to discuss the different available options and special opportunities with you. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have the time. Thanks
I went through this last year. I actually bought the Razor HDs and the Zeiss Conquests to compare. I sent the Razors back within minutes of looking through the Zeiss binos and I've used Vortex binos (Vipers) for the last 10 years.
Another vote for the Leica Trinovid. If they had a 10x50 I’d own a pair right now. Best $1k 10x42 on the market. Their only downside is no threaded hole for a bino tripod adapter.
Maven B 1.2 hands down. 1K retail and can be found for much less used on this forum. Also look into their demo program which allows you to evaluate them and either send them back or keep them at a discount.
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...
There's a guy selling some Cabela's/Meopta 10x42 HDs in the Optics Classified. For his price you won't find a better set of binos. I picked up a similar pair a year ago and they can hang with my 8.5x42 ELs from Swarovski.
Always lots of nice used Leica’s on the market. Many optics junkies who are always upgrading to the newest and advanced models. I participated trading , upgrading, and purchasing new spotting scopes and binoculars every other year for about fifteen years. Lots of hunters will be selling/trading for the new Swarovski 14’s. If you are patient you can get a high condition used set for about 50% below what retailers are selling new.
Lots of great choices in the $1000 range........Nikon MHG, Meostar HD, GPO HD, Maven B1, Conquest HD, Razor HD, Kowa Genesis. Ergonomics play a big role and can be different from one person to the next, so you have to try them out yourself. As far as "used" alpha's go....Swaro has been kicking everyone's asss for years, go straight to the SLC if you can spend a bit more.