Binocular upgrades: Buy used or buy new?

[HDwild]

I'm looking to get a new pair of binos. I'm currently stuck between picking up a used pair of Conquest HD's as there seem to be quite a few good deals on RS, or picking up a new pair of Conquests/Maven B6's at almost double the price.

Not necessarily looking for opinions on Zeiss vs Maven, I think both will fit my needs just fine. I'm just wondering whether I should pick up a used pair and use the rest of the money for other gear or dump all the money I've saved on a brand-new pair for the peace of mind/warranty/etc.?

Picture of my best shed for attention..

 

[Maidenfan539]

I bought used Swaros for quite the savings. SLC 8's and a pair of 15's. Couldn't be happier with them. I say go for the used and save the rest for tags, gear, ect.

 

[rookieforever33]

Used if the deal is good and you trust the seller. At used prices it is muck easier to recoup costs if you decide you dont want it later

 

[nnmarcher]

haha your picture got me. I also vote used. I bought some used Zeiss and reached out to them and they sent me all the accessories for it (pouch, neck strap, lens covers, etc). I'm sure Maven would do the same thing for someone who bought used.

I say go for the used Conquests. Video call with the seller to check they are legit.

 

[Bugger]

The only consideration for the used zeiss is whether they fall under the new warranty or the old lack of warranty. Maven is a non-issue

 

[Davidson51]

I've bought used from trusted sellers on here with great results. Couldn't be happier with my used Swaros and Zeiss RF binos.

 

[MT_Fin]

The used conquests in the classifieds that I have seen lately are marginally less than the closeout deals on new pair from Euro Optic and elsewhere where they are $599

 

[Steve300xcw]

Nothing wrong with used

 

[nobody]

The only consideration for the used zeiss is whether they fall under the new warranty or the old lack of warranty. Maven is a non-issue

Was just gonna say this. Zeiss has terrible customer service/customer interaction, and absurdly slow service times. Used to hunt with a guy who had Zeiss binos and he tried for OVER a year to get in contact with them about warranty on a pair he bought used. As far as I know, nothing ever materialized and he ended up basically eating the money.

Maven I would buy used in a heartbeat. I actually bought some used mavens. They ended up needing some eyecups, so I called maven and they just sent me a pair, even though I told them I wasn’t the original owner. Their attitude: if it says maven on the side, it’s covered. I’ve since sold those binos (B2’s didn’t agree with my eyes), but they took great care of me.

Buying used is a risk, and objectively, the big 3 have some of the worst customer service in the industry. I had a Swaro (Kahles) rangefinder that showed up broke, and they took 16 weeks to warranty replace it. Not repair, replace. In the meantime, no contact, no response to emails, I just randomly had a package show up on my porch after I had replaced the RF.

Optics are a mechanical device that will need TLC at some point. Warranty does matter to an extent, so it’s important to consider that when buying used. Look at track record, and determine your risk tolerance. Use the “burn test” (could you set the amount of money you spend on the binos on fire and not feel affected). If money spent on a potential bad pair of used optics and a warranty that leaves you in a lurch makes you sick to your stomach, buy new. If you’ve got cash to burn, try it out.

Personally, if it were me, I would say: Zeiss=Buy New, Maven=Buy Used or New. Actually, I wouldn’t buy the Zeiss at all, but that wasn’t your question

 

[HDwild]

Was just gonna say this. Zeiss has terrible customer service/customer interaction, and absurdly slow service times. Used to hunt with a guy who had Zeiss binos and he tried for OVER a year to get in contact with them about warranty on a pair he bought used. As far as I know, nothing ever materialized and he ended up basically eating the money.

Maven I would buy used in a heartbeat. I actually bought some used mavens. They ended up needing some eyecups, so I called maven and they just sent me a pair, even though I told them I wasn’t the original owner. Their attitude: if it says maven on the side, it’s covered. I’ve since sold those binos (B2’s didn’t agree with my eyes), but they took great care of me.

Buying used is a risk, and objectively, the big 3 have some of the worst customer service in the industry. I had a Swaro (Kahles) rangefinder that showed up broke, and they took 16 weeks to warranty replace it. Not repair, replace. In the meantime, no contact, no response to emails, I just randomly had a package show up on my porch after I had replaced the RF.

Optics are a mechanical device that will need TLC at some point. Warranty does matter to an extent, so it’s important to consider that when buying used. Look at track record, and determine your risk tolerance. Use the “burn test” (could you set the amount of money you spend on the binos in fire and not feel affected). If money spent on a potential bad pair of used optics and a warranty that leaves you in a lurch makes you sick to your stomach, buy new. If you’ve got cash to burn, try it out.

Personally, if it were me, I would say: Zeiss=Buy New, Maven=Buy Used or New. Actually, I wouldn’t buy the Zeiss at all, but that wasn’t your question

If there were Mavens in the classifieds for the right price I’d 100% prefer them over Zeiss, but I’m having a hard time finding any used. And the Conquests can be had for quite a bit less, even with Militaty discount. This is a hard decision for me! Thanks for your input!

 

[nobody]

If there were Mavens in the classifieds for the right price I’d 100% prefer them over Zeiss, but I’m having a hard time finding any used. And the Conquests can be had for quite a bit less, even with Militaty discount. This is a hard decision for me! Thanks for your input!

Lots of people who own them sure love the Conquests, but those B6’s are the best bino in Mavens lineup by a HUGE margin, IMO.

How hard are you on gear? If it were me that would play into my decision making.

 

[HDwild]

Lots of people who own them sure love the Conquests, but those B6’s are the best bino in Mavens lineup by a HUGE margin, IMO.

How hard are you on gear? If it were me that would play into my decision making.

I tend to baby my expensive gear, especially optics.

 

[nobody]

I tend to baby my expensive gear, especially optics.

If you’re not worried about needing the warranty, the Zeiss are a great bino optically, though I feel the B6 is superior. Just know there’s a good chance you’ll go through some hell if you ever need Zeiss’ warranty, may be worth picking up a second pair as a backup just in case. Just a thought