What is the best value in used high end binos right now ($1000+)?

[Reed104R]

Opinions certainly vary on this, but exclusive of warranty considerations, I believe the SRBC models are a tremendous value. Factor in warranty and refurbished Vortex UHD stands at the top for me. Zeiss Conquest and Leica Trinovid are also good choices in the $1000 or less range.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’ve seen 2 separate swaro 10x SLCs on here in recent days for ~$1000 (fairly new too).

Probably tough to beat that. I prefer the ELs but the are still going for $300-500 more.

 

[DooleyVT]

There are a pair of 10x42 ELs in the classifieds right now for $999 that someone should snatch up!

 

[DangerRanger]

Are Razor UHD's actually comparable to EL? Also what Maven would be worth looking at?

No

 

[Tahoe1305]

No

And why not? Have you compared?

I have extensively and find them to be very close to ELs. With the exception being bigger and heavier which is a downside.

 

[JGRaider]

Are Razor UHD's actually comparable to EL? Also what Maven would be worth looking at?

The UHD is is very comparable to the SLC. I personally like the flat field of the EL's a touch better but it's really splitting hairs. The SLC's and UHD are both superb.

 

[Slugz]

Sometimes this needs to be said.

What a great thread and the reason I'm on this site. To learn and help others.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Used ELs are the best value in binos under $1500. Just a few years ago they were going for 2k used. The only reason they have dipped is because of the NL release, and those are only marginally (5% maybe) better. SLCs are good but it’s worth the little bit more for ELs.
Zeiss SF as mentioned would be neck and neck with ELs, I just don’t see them pop up as often in that price range.

 

[Wapiti151]

No

I’d agree. They aren’t FAR off but put the uhd and upper end of maven in the high-middle for binos…a touch below the SLC. Flat field, Ergos, edge to edge, depth of field…I’d personally go maven over RHD. Again, from that level to alpha, you’re paying for very subtle “improvements”…but once you get used to them, they aren’t so subtle. Value retention is also a consideration. swaros lead the pack by a long shot. Although if you are buying used, you’ll be able to get any depreciation baked in.

After experiencing the depth of field and lack of need to refocus with the top tier binos…I could never go back. I think this is a very important consideration for the mountains.

 

[Wapiti151]

Used ELs are the best value in binos under $1500. Just a few years ago they were going for 2k used. The only reason they have dipped is because of the NL release, and those are only marginally (5% maybe) better. SLCs are good but it’s worth the little bit more for ELs.
Zeiss SF as mentioned would be neck and neck with ELs, I just don’t see them pop up as often in that price range.

The SF is better than the EL in nearly every way, outside of the VERY edge clarity advantage of the EL. FOV, Depth of Field, Ergos, focus wheel, weight (perceived weight when hand holding is drastic), all clear winners for the SF.

And it can be had for the same price used. Getting the SF used for $1500 is absolutely insane considering what you are getting.

 

[WyOwen]

Maven while not in the same class as NL- SF, are a really solid option especially when factoring $ and warranty.

One of the best things maven does it ship demo optics, gives you a chance to actually use them in the wild … not in a parking lot or in a store.

 

[AZDC]

I can feel the money climbing out of my pocket but great thread! I’m looking to get a new set of 15x binos here in the next year or two

 

[DangerRanger]

And why not? Have you compared?

I have extensively and find them to be very close to ELs. With the exception being bigger and heavier which is a downside.

Yes

I think uhd are a very solid bino for what they are but I think they slot in right around Zeiss conquest hd for me, below SLC. I think they struggle with CA compared to Leica and swaro


These are all “great” optically. Do they compare with ELs, no. Not in my opinion and experience. FWIW I used a set of 18s literally this last elk season, I do not hate them.

 

[Boonie327]

See if you qualify for expert voice and look at Nikon Monarch HG. They’re available for $704.00. That’s for a new pair. That’s hard to beat for that quality of glass.

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

I'm on there. Can anyone else speak to their quality compared to the other options we've been discussing?

See if you qualify for expert voice and look at Nikon Monarch HG. They’re available for $704.00. That’s for a new pair. That’s hard to beat for that quality of glass.