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

[spacemonkey]

I've been using Zeiss Conquest HD for 4-5 years now and am considering upgrading to something like a used Swaro SLC 10x42. The Conquest have been great, seeing as I updated from a shit pair of Diamondbacks. I am not a big fan of the eye cups though. SLCs seem to be right around that $1000-1200 range. The EDs don't seem like they are that much of an upgrade from the SLCs, not for the price atleast.

Are there any other new/used glass in that low-alpha tier that I should be considering?

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[Elkman17]

I literally came to the optics forum to post almost this exact same question. I’m wanting to get a pair of 12x50’s or 10x50’s for $1000 or less before late summer. Been really looking at used/refurbisbed razor UHD’s but I think I’m not going to like the bulk and weight that comes with them.

 

[Tahoe1305]

If you want the bigger binos for that price, Meopta meostars are probably best you’ll be able to swing. They are also a tad bigger and heavier.

If you don’t mind the size, I think the UHDs are close to the meostars.

My progression over the last decade: 12x size
viper HD->meostar->EL->NL

I’ve tested nearly all options prior to making those jumps.

 

[Elkman17]

If you want the bigger binos for that price, Meopta meostars are probably best you’ll be able to swing. They are also a tad bigger and heavier.

If you don’t mind the size, I think the UHDs are close to the meostars.

My progression over the last decade: 12x size
viper HD->meostar->EL->NL

I’ve tested nearly all options prior to making those jumps.

I’m not very familiar with Meopta at all except for reading about them on this forum. How much of an improvement are they over the viper hd’s? Those are what my wife currently uses

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’m not very familiar with Meopta at all except for reading about them on this forum. How much of an improvement are they over the viper hd’s? Those are what my wife currently uses

Edge to edge improves a bit. I’d say half way between viper and ELs. Color pop is better. Resulting is same about IMO.

They are heavier and bigger.

 

[Elkman17]

Edge to edge improves a bit. I’d say half way between viper and ELs. Color pop is better. Resulting is same about IMO.

They are heavier and bigger.

Thank you, I’ll probably end up holding out for a pair of el’s when I see a good price pop up on the forum. About a month ago a pair sold for $1100 but I missed them. There’s a pair of the Meostars on eBay right now for $760 seems like that would probably be a good deal for someone.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Thank you, I’ll probably end up holding out for a pair of el’s when I see a good price pop up on the forum. About a month ago a pair sold for $1100 but I missed them. There’s a pair of the Meostars on eBay right now for $760 seems like that would probably be a good deal for someone.

I would do that as well.

 

[Fred@Exterra]

I’m always tempted by 1990’s Zeiss 10x40B… not because they are great compared to modern premium optics, but because I wanted a set so bad in high school/ college. That’s what the cool kids all had. Instead, I saved up for the best I could afford… a set of 10x50 Nikon porro prisms that served me well for a decade, but probably gave me spina bifida.

I also have a soft spot for 8x30 Swarovski SLCs. The best form factor & power for 90% of my hunting… but I carry 8x42’s for that last 10% of low light.

It certainly pays off when you’re looking at used optics to search the birding forums. There is a tremendous amount of tribal knowledge on which years had which lenses… and it’s not always linear where they continually got better.


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