Binocular question

[JeffRaines]

Right now I've got a pair of Diamondbacks I bought awhile ago, and while they're great for what I paid for them, I've found that any real time spent behind them really strains my eyes. Its not enjoyable to say the least.

Next year I'm gonna upgrade. I'm thinking Swaro SLC 10x42, but before I really set my heart on these... are there any others in the 1500 or less range that I should consider? I wouldn't even be against another pair of Vortex IF the price was good enough and the eye fatigue wasn't an issue. Thats my biggest issue, eye fatigue. I know I'm going to get more clarity/better low light performance/etc stepping up, but I really want to get rid of eye fatigue.

Thanks

edit - just want to clarify, I'm not dead-set on spending $1500. I can afford it, however, if I could get a binocular with similar performance for say $800, I'm not going to be against checking them out.

 

[WRO]

Used els swarovisions, meostars, used victory hts, etc. Lots of good deals to be had February on the used market.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[handwerk]

if not swaro I buy the discontinued leica trinovids (the non "hd" ones) to my eyes they are on par with the current SLC's and can be found for about $900. I bought them for my sons last year and have been very impressed.
Best of the Best Binoculars Review 2012 - by Michael and Diane Porter

 

[shotgunwilly]

Don't overlook the meopta hd's. Very nice glass for the money, not as bright as the Swarovski, but close enough for 1k less

 

[Steve O]

I've been testing some of the new Leica Trinovid HDs in 10 x 42. They are incredible; especially considering the $999 list price.

 

[flyinsquirel]

I can't bring myself to spend what Leica wants for ANY of their products with the horrible warranty and lousy customer service. Too bad. I'd love a pair of ultravids in 8x32.

Of the ones I've tried in that price range:
Swaro SLC
Meopta HD


If you want to 'invest' in optics go Swaro or Zeiss. You'll be able to get most of your money back when/if you need to sell them. You'll take a bath on most/all other brands.

I'd go SLC and not look back.

 

[7-Pointers]

I had diamondbacks, went to Viper HD's, now on Razor HD's and found what I was looking for. I've never looked through Swaro, but I can tell you that Razors make D-backs seem like kiddie bino's. I'd love to look through some SLCs to see if they are so much better than vortex, but I'm really happy with the razors.

 

[JeffRaines]

I had diamondbacks, went to Viper HD's, now on Razor HD's and found what I was looking for. I've never looked through Swaro, but I can tell you that Razors make D-backs seem like kiddie bino's. I'd love to look through some SLCs to see if they are so much better than vortex, but I'm really happy with the razors.

I think I'd go straight for Razors if I went back with vortex.

If I buy the SLCs I'd have to buy new because I hear that the warranty doesn't transfer. The vortex razors I could get used and just wait on a good deal.

Don't overlook the meopta hd's. Very nice glass for the money, not as bright as the Swarovski, but close enough for 1k less

These look strangely like the Vortex Vipers. I'll check them out though!

 

[flyinsquirel]

Swaro warranty definitely transfers. Buy used or demo.

 

[eagle#eyes]

Swaro warranty definitely transfers. Buy used or demo.

I bought used and the warranty transferred just fine.

 

[JeffRaines]

That's good to hear about the warranty, I was reading somewhere that said it didn't. I'll keep my eyes open for a Used set then, too.

 

[JeffRaines]

Well, I made a huge mistake today.

So I went into the local big box store wanting to look at the Razors, SLCs and Conquests. They didn't have the conquests, only the Razor HD and SLCs. I first looked through a pair of Diamondbacks just for reference, and then checked out the Razors. Then I checked out the SLCs. I was hoping to not be able to justify the price difference, but, holy. shit. The only way I can explain it is, one is like looking through a really nice pair of binoculars, the other is like actually being there.

Looks like I'm buying the Swaros.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Damn fine choice sir

 

[handwerk]

as they say, buy once.....

 

[paleraider]

Great choice! I have the Swaro SLC's and they are amazing, once you get them setup for your eyes the clarity is mind blowing.

 

[Darren Best]

I absolutely love my SLC's and am constantly amazed at how well they pick stuff out.

I spotted a look out tower 16 miles away, hand held even, no tripod.

Very well worth the investment.

 

[Gumbo]

The new HD Leica Trinovids are absolutely incredible glass for $999.

 

[CLICKBANGBANG]

If you don't end up with Swaro (which I think is a great choice), look at the Zeiss Victory, or even the Conquest HD to save a buck.

 

[JeffRaines]

If you don't end up with Swaro (which I think is a great choice), look at the Zeiss Victory, or even the Conquest HD to save a buck.

I was going to take a look at the Conquests. The Victorys are a bit too much for me... trust me when I say I was really hoping the Razors would have competed with the SLCs just a bit. I may have been able to convince myself to just buy the cheaper ones, but after looking through the Swaros... I can't imagine it getting any better. I'm sure the ELs and some of the other 2k+ binos are better, but at this price point I can't imagine them being $500 or more better. The SLCs are absolutely $500 better than the Razors... actually more IMO.

 

[CorbLand]

Definitely look at the Conquests. The Swaros edge them out in light gathering and edge to edge but they are super close, especially with the price tag on the Conquests.