Binoculars

[Backpack Hunter]

Alright everyone, finally looking to upgrade my binoculars. Have used the Leupold Cascades for years and years, quite frankly never felt too under gunned, but its time to upgrade. I use my binos quite a bit no matter the enviroment, and have already decided to get 10x42's. Having said that I want this to be my last pair unless its a luxury purchase......now on to the question.

In looking at Vortex, are the Razor HD's that much better than the Viper HD's? Or should I save a couple more pennies and pick up some Leica's or Swaro's?

 

[littlebuf]

the razors are pretty amazing. im not going to get into whats better and why, thats been beat to death. i do know that if you buy the razors you will not have buyers remorse and you will be getting a lot of bang for your buck. as far as the last pair your going to buy, im sure you know all about there VIP warranty.

 

[BigDog00]

I have the 10x42 Viper HD's and really like them. I can't compare them to the Razors, swaros, zeiss, etc but I do know that I will not be replacing the 10x42s anytime soon.

 

[Matt Cashell]

If you are looking at 10x42s, the Razors have a significantly wider FOV than the Vipers.

Some will say the Euro brands are worth it, some will say they aren't.

I will recommend you consider the Meopta Meostar HDs.

 

[beachbunny]

I love my swaros 10x42el.i'll never regret crying once on spending the coin for them.

 

[Ross]

I consider my Leica geovids 10x42 as my best hunting purchase many years ago and haven't regretted the purchase.....many good choices in the marketplace. i would look at many options including ones with a rangefinder, consider your budget and ask do you want to purchase a pair you will never have to upgrade?

 

[Sourdough]

I have a pair of ZEISS 10X40 B with the Black Rubber Armor for sale. $699.99 these were $1,200.00 binoculars. The only sign of wear is the paint on the focus knob.

 

[luke moffat]

I've used Swaro SLCs, Swaro ELs, Zeiss Victories, and now Vortex Razor HDs.

What is "worth it" for each person is different. For me the extra $$$ for the Swaro or Zeiss is not worth it over the Vortex Razors. I don't feel handicapped at all with the set of binos I use now even though they are not "top 3" glass. So FOR ME its not worth the upgrade and don't feel I am missing on t much game with my "lesser" binos. But likely ignorance is bliss as both Swaro and Zeiss have newer versions of their binos, but I likely won't try them anytime soon as I find myself more than content with them given the $$$ left over for other hunting goodies or put towards air/water taxi access for a given hunt.

 

[rodney482]

Ive owned several pr of binoculars including the Razor HD and Vipers

I have also owned the 1st and 2nd generation Razors.

The new Razor HD is excellent glass and my goto optic.

* I have also owned Brunton, Swarovski, Leica and Leupolds.

 

[JNDEER]

it is a long read....but may help.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?7225-My-quest-for-quot-the-one-quot

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Thanks guys, jndeer I appreciate the link. I was trying to find it earlier, just couldn't remember the name.

 

[JNDEER]

No problem BH.

Summing up everything in that post.

Getting bino's in hand, side by side in the field (not in city/town) is the only way I could truly see what was best for me.