Leupold vs Swarovski

[jt4]

When I was looking into a scope this past year it seemed like the leupold vx5 and Swarovski z3 were very comparable in quality. So close that I essentially flipped a coin between the two.

When researching, why does it seem like it’s not even a question to go with Swarovski when it comes to binoculars?


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[cattleman99]

Swaro binoculars are second to none. Clearest glass on the market.

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

Swarovski is known for their binos and even spotting scopes. Their riflescopes are not the same class IMO.

luepold isn’t really known for their binos or spotting scopes.

I’m saving up for Swarovski spotting scope or binos. Rifle scopes are all Leupold and that won’t change. Unless I find me a Zeiss.

 

[JohnJohnson]

Last week I was out west hunting in Idaho with my father. I brought a set of Swarovski 10x50 EL binoculars and my father brought some 10x50 Vortex Razors. I was originally going to get a pair of Swarovski SLC 10x42 binos but a pair of like-new demo ELs came up for sale at a pretty steep discount and I couldn't resist getting them instead. I had compared the two just handholding them looking at things 100 yards away out east and been wondering if there was really much of a difference between the two. So we glassed for 10 hours in just the first day and it went from there. Honestly there was no comparison between the two sets of binos, the ELs were clearly and obviously in a class of their own.

Edge to edge clarity so I could move my head to look at the far edge and still have an un-distorted crystal clear view. They dealt with glare from the sun like a champ, the depth of focus meant I could focus on something 300 yards away then look at something 1500 yards away without touching the focus wheel. The resolution was better and the image also just "popped" more. I walked into it wondering if I spent too much money not knowing what I was getting and walked away knowing I'll keep these binos for a very long time. That's an extreme comparison between $1000 binos and $2800 binos but I'm a huge believer in Swarovski now.

 

[USMC-40]

Swaro binos and spotters are (at least to my eyes) the best out there - Zeiss is close. Leupold’s mk5 series scope is better than any swaro option that I’ve seen - not necessarily clarity (although it’s good) but for ruggedness, it’s about like a NF, but I prefer the mk5 turrets

 

[thanks4thefish42]

My only real beef with the new Swarovski Swarovision and Field Pro-the last 2 versions vs the old ones is an effect I thought was BS is the "rolling ball effect" I thought I wanted smaller than my current 10x42 EL I tried a new pair 8x32 EL 2 days ago and they me so dizzy I was spinning. I had heard of it but never experienced it. If your going with the newish EL's make sure you can return them. It was like looking through a fisheye lens. The center was clear but the edges were weirdly circular and distorted.

 

[Mcameron07]

Swarovski all the way.

 

[Spiral Horn]

When researching, why does it seem like it’s not even a question to go with Swarovski when it comes to binoculars?

Don’t agree this is still the case. When the ELs first came out they were way out in front of the competition. At that time it was pretty much no-brainer that they were the best hunting glass. But the ELs are getting pretty long-in-the-tooth and both Leica and Zeiss have definitely caught up.

Bought new Binos in 2017 and originally expected to be walking away with a set of ELs. But after exhaustive research and actual side-by-side comparisons of all high-end 10x42 glasses - changed my mind. Everyone‘s eyes are very slightly different, but to me the Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 beat out the ELs and Leica Noctovids in edge-edge clarity, color trueness, FOV, and balance/handling. To me the ELs also have a very slight amber bias and definitely some roller-ball.

Been using the Victory SFs for a couple years now. No regrets, they are simply superb.

 

[DangerRanger]

Because it’s not, at least from what I’ve seen I haven’t found a pair of Leupolds that can hand with my swaros.
The bx4s are good binos for the money but just not on the same level. I would like to try the higher model.

Zeiss and leica do compete up on top though

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The short answer is because both companies are mediocre rifle scope manufacturers, while Swarovski makes fantastic binoculars, and Leupold continues to make mediocre ones.

That being said, I run Zeiss Victory SF binos and wouldn't trade them for anything. The field flatners they use are a slightly different ratio than the Swaro EL line, and there is some scientific research that indicates the Zeiss ratio is more visually pleasing aka no rolling ball effect.

 

[Huntingbob]

Never regreted buying my El's!

 

[jacknifejc]

I use the Swarovski binoculars and Leupold scopes.

 

[Ryan Avery]

The short answer is because both companies are mediocre rifle scope manufacturers, while Swarovski makes fantastic binoculars, and Leupold continues to make mediocre ones.

That being said, I run Zeiss Victory SF binos and wouldn't trade them for anything. The field flatners they use are a slightly different ratio than the Swaro EL line, and there is some scientific research that indicates the Zeiss ratio is more visually pleasing aka no rolling ball effect.

The X5 is not mediocre. Damn near perfect LR scope for hunting IMO. After looking through just about every optic on the market. I would choose swaro for both spotter and bino's. But like boots, everyone must look for themselves. There is nothing I would personally buy from Leupold.

 

[OneRingTrTa]

I love Leupold but they are not in the same league as Swarovski in regards to glass. The only reason I would pick the Leupold over the Swarovski would be if you plan to dial with the turrets a lot. I should also add, I currently have both Swarovski Z3 & Z5 as well as Leupold VX6 so I have experience in the field with both.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The X5 is not mediocre. Damn near perfect LR scope for hunting IMO. After looking through just about every optic on the market. I would choose swaro for both spotter and bino's. But like boots, everyone must look for themselves. There is nothing I would personally buy from Leupold.

Valid point on the X5, I always forget about that one because it is such an outlier compared to the rest of their scope line.

 

[gibbons025]

I love my Swarovski binoculars. But I believe Leupold makes some of the best scopes for the money. My Leupold Scope has never let me down.