Best Binos for $1000

[Newtosavage]

Everything here is exactly correct. It should be starred and copied and pasted in every high end optics thread...and pack thread, and insert any product with a 10x price range from available products thread...

I couldn't agree more.

 

[Newtosavage]

SLC vs Razor - S&S Archery Backcountry

Here is an unbiased review. I still stand by my assessment of the Razors. Although, i have not had as much time behind both glass as this reviewer has. " The average person will not tell a difference without a tripod" holds true in my opinion.

Glad to know I'm not "average." The difference between the Razors and the SLC's is pretty obvious to me - within like 3 seconds.

 

[Steve O]

Yesterday, I was at Cabelas and had an opportunity to compare four pairs of bins all in the $1K range, outdoors in the fading light of dusk. Things were very slow, and the salesperson came outside with me to compare them. We had the Cabelas Instinct Euro (Meopta), the Nikon Monarch HG, the Vortex Razor and the Leica Trinovid HD. The only pair missing were the Conquest HD's (which I went there to buy) but I have looked through them plenty of times, so I feel I can rank them among the other four pretty easily.

To MY eyes and hands, the Leicas were the winner. Ergonomics were head and shoulders above the rest, and the image was just flawless. The Conquests are a close 2nd to the Leicas and I would be happy with either quite frankly. The Leicas are just a tad bit more compact, smoother to focus and quicker to point.

The Nikon HG's were tied with the Cabelas Meopta's for third, mostly due to the feel and function and brightness not quite up to the Leica/Zeiss standard. But both are still very good.

The Razors came in last, mostly because the body didn't feel that good in the hand compared to the Leicas or Zeiss, and for whatever reason, I could never quite get the diopter set correctly on the Razors. Every time I thought I had it, it was off again. I think the right barrel on those was just soft in general, indicating a QC issue (which didn't surprise me on a pair of bins made in China).

So that was my ranking for $1K bins:

Leica Trinovid HD
Zeiss Conquest HD
Nikon Monarch HG / Cabelas Meoptas
Vortex Razor HD

That is exactly what I would expect. Next time mount them on 4 tripods and compare and it will be even more apparent.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

For as much as people on Rokslide talk about how much they enjoy the Meostars and Monarch HGs, and occasionally the Conquests, I almost never hear a peep about the Leica Trinovids. I wonder why that is. I haven't personally spent much time behind Trinovids but the little that I have, I was very impressed. More than I was by the Meostars or Monarch HGs if memory serves.

 

[Kevin Dill]

IF:....you gave me $1000 and said spend it in 5 minutes and KNOW you're getting an outstanding overall PREMIUM brand binocular....I'd burn it on a pair of Leica Trinovid HD and I'd have 4 minutes leftover.

 

[tdhanses]

I think Leica was brand damaged when they had horrible customer service, it just turned people off from even considering the brand. I can say that their customer service has vastly improved.

 

[Newtosavage]

IF:....you gave me $1000 and said spend it in 5 minutes and KNOW you're getting an outstanding overall PREMIUM brand binocular....I'd burn it on a pair of Leica Trinovid HD and I'd have 4 minutes leftover.

I had a lot more than 5 minutes and that was my decision!

 

[Newtosavage]

For as much as people on Rokslide talk about how much they enjoy the Meostars and Monarch HGs, and occasionally the Conquests, I almost never hear a peep about the Leica Trinovids. I wonder why that is. I haven't personally spent much time behind Trinovids but the little that I have, I was very impressed. More than I was by the Meostars or Monarch HGs if memory serves.

I was about to ask this same question. After getting mine the other day, and now using them for a few days... AND after finding out I can get an outdoorsman's tripod adapter for them... it was a no brainer. They are soooo nice.

 

[bozeman]

Got in my 8x32 Trinovoids HD today from Doug at CameralandNY.......spectacular view

 

[Xlr8n]

The Nikon HG's can be found new for $800-900 right now and are as good as any glass at less than $1000 that I've looked through. The sleek design and light weight are a bonus for anyone who hunts/hikes any distance.

 

[KHNC]

Binocular Review – Zeiss Conquest HD vs Vortex Razor HD – Pure Elevation Productions

here is another comparison. I mean what is wrong with these people? Why would anyone choose vortex ? Geesh..

 

[tdhanses]

Binocular Review – Zeiss Conquest HD vs Vortex Razor HD – Pure Elevation Productions

here is another comparison. I mean what is wrong with these people? Why would anyone choose vortex ? Geesh..

There is a reason Vortex has to provide a no fault warranty, glad your happy with the product. I sold all mine as I wasn’t impressed.

 

[KHNC]

There is a reason Vortex has to provide a no fault warranty, glad your happy with the product. I sold all mine as I wasn’t impressed.

I will be using my Razors in 10 days, out in NW Montana. Rain and snow forecasted for the entire trip as it stands now. I will get to see how my VOrtex HSLR scope and Razor binos perform. If those pieces of shit fog up and fill with water i will be sure to post about it. If they perform like my viper binos did over the last 6 years, all will be fine.

 

[Kevin Dill]

You know....you just can't choose another guy's best dog for him. Same with binoculars....broadheads....bourbon....

 

[Burnt Reynolds]

LOVE my Leica 8x42's. $950 if I recall.

 

[mlevimadden]

Binocular Review – Zeiss Conquest HD vs Vortex Razor HD – Pure Elevation Productions

here is another comparison. I mean what is wrong with these people? Why would anyone choose vortex ? Geesh..

Using an article written by an author that used to run razors and now runs SLC's probably isn't the best way to make the point that razors are the ultimate bino.

I really liked the 11x45 Maven B2's in the 1k class but haven't used the Leicas or Nikons, and I will admit that I am partial to more magnification. It also isn't super hard to find a used pair of SLCs for 1200-1300 if you are patient.

 

[Shraggs]

Meostar or Nikon HG.

Next to the alpha glass, these two are the next best b+ or a- glass available

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

I get that everyone’s eyes are different, and something like eyecups or focusing can be a deal breaker and make a “lower grade” set of binos more desirable to some.

I think for $200, the Vortex Diamondbacks are hard to beat from what I’ve read about them, and for $500 there probably aren’t a lot of choices that beat the Vipers. What I can’t understand is when someone is spending $1,000 and reaching the level of “lifetime optics”, why Vortex would be in the running when there are several other choices that are better made, clearer, and will hold their value.

They do push their warranty hard, but as others have said if I’m on day 2 of a 7 day hunt that I traveled 2,000 miles for and spent $700 on a tag, I’m pissed if they break whether they repair them or not. I also haven’t seen any stories of Swaro/Zeiss/Leica telling their customers to go pound sand when their glass has been dropped or had a defect. Slow and lacking communication sometimes, sure, but not hanging their customers out to dry.

 

[thewileyone]

For around $1000, you might be able to find an older set of awesome use 10x Leica Geovids..

 

[Newtosavage]

I think for $200, the Vortex Diamondbacks are hard to beat from what I’ve read about them, and for $500 there probably aren’t a lot of choices that beat the Vipers. What I can’t understand is when someone is spending $1,000 and reaching the level of “lifetime optics”, why Vortex would be in the running when there are several other choices that are better made, clearer, and will hold their value.

Truth bomb.

There also isn't enough difference between the excellent Viper HD's and the Razors to justify a $500 increase.