Bino upgrade opinions Vortex/Swaro?

[BillyGoatGruff]

Hey Guys,
I'm in the process of upgrading my bino's. I was originally going to get a pair of Vortex Razor HD 10x42's. ($1200 is the upper end of my budget.)
I have a buddy that is willing to sell me a pair of older Swaro 10x42 EL's for a $1000. The EL's are probably about a 2004 model or so?
My question is... How does the newer vortex compare/stack up to the older EL's? Are the older EL's still of higher quality glass? or has Vortex caught up/surpassed the older swaro's?
What do you guys think? get a well used pair of Swaro's or spring for a brand new pair of Vortex?. Obviously the warranty of both is not an issue.
Would like to get the best possible glass for my dollar.

Thanks, BGG

 

[russ_outdoors]

I would try and get both side by side and let your eyes decide. Most reputable optics dealers have a reasonable return policy.

I recently sent a well used pair of Swarovskis back for a little TLC. For no charge they cleaned, lubed, purged, collimated and replaced the rubber armoring. For a $175 they replaced all the exterior glass with elements that have the latest coatings. So for $1000 + $175 + shipping + a little time you could have a nearly new set of ELs. Of course the Razors are great glass themselves.....

 

[stephen b]

If it was even money I would get the Swarovski, for $200 less - Swarovski, no doubt. Even if you wanted to upgrade in 5 years with the Swarovski purchased now for $1000, I could pretty much guarantee that you would get your $$ back out of them. $1200 Razors 5 years from now- you certainly would not re-coup that investment.

But as said above - let your eyes be the judge. I would test them both in different light conditions.

 

[LostArra]

You're fortunate to have that choice.
My opinion: Swarovski
If you you were paying list price for both, then the decision would be made by your budget.

 

[rodney482]

I have owned both... its a wash optically.

Vortex has a better warranty dept

I bet you could get a pair of Razors for less than $1200

The Swaros are a good deal at $1000 is they are still in good shape.

 

[LostArra]

>>I have owned both.<<

so Rodney, what binos are you using now?

 

[mattfish]

New to the forum guys but I just purchased a set of Vortex Razors for around 1050 off of elknut.com. Paul was a great guy to deal with no shipping charge. Just food for thought and sharing information.

 

[Steve O]

Swarovski without a second thought. No brainer.

 

[Beastmode]

For the cost I would go with thr els. My eyes like the swaro glass a little bit better. Vortex has great customer service and the razor is excellent glass for its price range. Thr swaros aren't $1200 better imo though if you were buying new. Unless you have extra money just laying around.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

If it was even money I would get the Swarovski, for $200 less - Swarovski, no doubt. Even if you wanted to upgrade in 5 years with the Swarovski purchased now for $1000, I could pretty much guarantee that you would get your $$ back out of them. $1200 Razors 5 years from now- you certainly would not re-coup that investment.

But as said above - let your eyes be the judge. I would test them both in different light conditions.

I concur. Great reply

 

[rodney482]

New Razors 10x42 and a set if 8x32 Vipers

>>I have owned both.<<

so Rodney, what binos are you using now?

 

[manbearpig]

If I couldn't look side-by-side, I would pick Swaro blind.

 

[Daniel_M]

Much like the lady in my life and my Swaro SLC 10x42's........I'll never touch another. There just isn't any better.