Class of Glass

[Spiral Horn]

As has already been said - it is difficult to make an all encompassing list based on subjective experiences of folks on Rokslide. There will definitely be some disagreements but it may prove useful for folks with very little experience to get an idea where to begin their optics research.

That being said I have two “first glance” suggestions for the list:

1. The Meopta Meostar S2 should be included in the A category under spotting scopes. It can run with the big boys and I’d rate it as just a smidge behind but in the same class as the SW and Kowa.

2. IME the Zeiss Conquest is a better glass than every other binocular listed in the “C” category. IME they are directly comparable to Maven B Class and the Monarch HG. One might say that since the SFL is also listed in the “B” category the Conquest must be a “C”, but I think that is misleading. After all, these categories are ranges of performance. If anything, the SLC and SFL could fall into a “B+” category if one were splitting hairs.

 

[grfox92]

Not sure where this thread will end up but I’m sure it will be multiple pages! Tough to make a list from opinions.
And Leica Ultravid HD PLUS binos and APO Televid spotters need to be some where high on that list too lol

What class for each?

 

[grfox92]

As has already been said - it is difficult to make an all encompassing list based on subjective experiences of folks on Rokslide. There will definitely be some disagreements but it may prove useful for folks with very little experience to get an idea where to begin their optics research.

I get it. But I think based on price point alone there are clearly tiers of glass. Most well-known brands have a product that falls in the price range of the competition, and those products typically fall within the same class. (except maven, Maven being direct to consumer are significantly cheaper for their class than anyone else)

For example, Leupold BX 4 and Maven Cs are in the same class, there is nothing really within a couple hundred dollars more or less that can compete with them. They are both unarguably better than Vortex Cross Fires, but not as good as Razor HDs. Everyones eyes are different, but not different enough to say that Maven Cs are better than Razor HDs.

As for the Zeiss Conquest, where do you think they should be?

 

[Sully_44]

As has already been said - it is difficult to make an all encompassing list based on subjective experiences of folks on Rokslide. There will definitely be some disagreements but it may prove useful for folks with very little experience to get an idea where to begin their optics research.

That being said I have two “first glance” suggestions for the list:

1. The Meopta Meostar S2 should be included in the A category under spotting scopes. It can run with the big boys and I’d rate it as just a smidge behind but in the same class as the SW and Kowa.

2. IME the Zeiss Conquest is a better glass than every other binocular listed in the “C” category. IME they are directly comparable to Maven B Class and the Monarch HG. One might say that since the SFL is also listed in the “B” category the Conquest must be a “C”, but I think that is misleading. After all, these categories are ranges of performance. If anything, the SLC and SFL could fall into a “B+” category if one were splitting hairs.

I agree, almost like there are Tiers within tiers. I’d put ATS/STS spotters in A tier just a hair below the ATX line. In a lot of cases people prefer them over the modular spotters because their performance is dang near the same and they’re lighter. I could see this list potentially being a bit misleading and tick people off that just take a glance and buy what’s at the top of the list. OP, you ought to talk to someone about doing a huge write up as a buyers guide after the list is finished.

 

[grfox92]

I agree, almost like there are Tiers within tiers. I’d put ATS/STS spotters in A tier just a hair below the ATX line. In a lot of cases people prefer them over the modular spotters because their performance is dang near the same and they’re lighter. I could see this list potentially being a bit misleading and tick people off that just take a glance and buy what’s at the top of the list. OP, you ought to talk to someone about doing a huge write up as a buyers guide after the list is finished.

Ill add a disclaimer that these are not in any particular order.

 

[Whitefox82]

What class for each?

I haven’t looked through everyone of these A and B class optics so it’s difficult to say.

 

[MtnW]

SLC to EL, field Flatteners separate them, nl to SLC/EL, larger fov separates them, add design as well but not the glass, my 8x42 slc and 10x50 el’s actually have better color than my NL’s. All top tier though, Leica has been close since the old ba/bn’s, all great imo but lack new innovation imo, and to this day the older Zeiss FL’s have the best color correction aka ca, of any glass I’ve owned, along with on axis resolution is incredible.

I find your optic information ,responses, very accurate and informative. I have been trying to find a reason to replace my Leica Trinovid 10X42 BN . I spent some time with the NL ‘s thinking they would blow away my older BN’s but not the case for me. The BN’ s are built like a tank. Only negative for me is they are a little heavy. A couple of questions.

What do my older Leica BN’s lack in new innovations compared to the newer models of top tier binoculars?

Knowing I prefer the Leica viewing experience, which model Leica or other brand do you recommend that I look at for a possible upgrade?

 

[JLH3]

I’d put UHD’s & SLC’s in the A- category.

 

[Sully_44]

I could see the SLC being low tier A category, but I’d argue the weight and size of UHDs keeping them in the B category. Personally I like the HDs better than the UHDs. They’re only slightly lesser quality in glass, but way better in the hand because of weight and size.

 

[AZDC]

I could see the SLC being low tier A category, but I’d argue the weight and size of UHDs keeping them in the B category. Personally I like the HDs better than the UHDs. They’re only slightly lesser quality in glass, but way better in the hand because of weight and size.

I have a set of Zeiss SLFs on the way and should be able to compare them to SLCs & UHDs on some hunts. I’m expecting them to be above UHD w/r to glass and form/weight, and on par with SLCs w/r to glass but out perform on form/weight. I’d imagine they’d be in that A- range as well but i’ll get to make that decision this fall.

 

[Blockcaver]

New Swaro ATC scope was better than my Swaro ATM (magnesium) to my eyes for clarity and last light viewing with a better field of view. ATC would be A- glass for me.

 

[ghostrider272]

Don’t see the Swarovski EL binos (not rangefinder binos) there. Have those and the NLs and they are both top tier.