Zeiss Conquest vs Swaro SLC

[Remington92]

Hi all working on upgrading my optics for this year a piece at a time. I’m currently running vortex viper 10x42 that I’m not overly impressed with and trying to decide on which route to go for upgrade. Most the guys I run with all hands down recommend Swaro SLC if I’m making a jump up but I also see the zeiss conquest mentioned here positively. Looking at 10x used SLC tend to run around 1400 or I can pick up a pair of conquest 10x42 hd here locally for 600. Are the SLC worth almost $1000 more? Is there any others I should look at?

 

[FSB12B]

For that price, buy the Conquest and see how you like them. You can always re sale and not lose a dollar. To me? They’re not worth the extra $1000.

Maven B1.2
Meostar HD
Nikon HG
Leica Trinovid HD

I’ll even toss in the Leupold BX4 HD and Tract Toric UHD. All can be had used and less. They’re all fantastic with the Leupold on the bottom of the list.

 

[Remington92]

Found a pair of basically new bought in 2022 10x42 Slc for 1200. Is it worth even pricing anything else out?

 

[Bubblehide]

Imnsho, no.

 

[cmahoney]

Found a pair of basically new bought in 2022 10x42 Slc for 1200. Is it worth even pricing anything else out?

Nope


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[StopMakingSense]

Great price, grab em

 

[handwerk]

If they are the more recent model of the SLC’s at that price I don’t think they’ll disappoint.
If still shopping also consider the pre HD Leica Trinovids, to my eyes they are right on par with the SLC’s.

 

[bbckfh]

No, but if you can get Vortex Razor UHD, you’re in the same quality ballpark too, asking with the earlier Maven/Tract/Meopta recommendations…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fire power]

Here's probably the best way I can put this.

The Zeiss Conquest HD's are Zeiss's Conquest Glass with HD coatings. The Swaro's are the same glass as the EL's (comparable with the Zeiss Victory's and the Leica Ultravid's) with different material construction for the body and housing; and an older set of coatings.

The Swaro's will have better glass, the Zeiss have better coatings. Both are good sets of Binos. Were it up to me, I'd get the Zeiss. That is only because the Swarovision coating gives me serious eye strain, not a common complaint; just my eyes. The SLC's are better binos in all reality. Look through both and make your own call. It's worth taking the time with an investment like this.

 

[Spiral Horn]

$1200 for a 10x42 SLC or $600 for a Conquest HD - either is an absolute steal if in excellent condition.

 

[Shō[t]gun]

10x42's are so common you'll find a good bargain on whatever model you like if you give it a few months so don't get too hung up on the current deal because you'll have to live with it. Keep an eye on the classifieds, B&H used bino section, and Cameraland demo/open box. There are good used deals to be had as people upgrade their setup before season. That being said, Nikon HG's are the only binos I've looked through that I felt like they should have charged more for, and they're right in your price point. It's a very comfortably flattened image which extends the depth of focus quite a bit.

 

[Shō[t]gun]

If they are the more recent model of the SLC’s at that price I don’t think they’ll disappoint.
If still shopping also consider the pre HD Leica Trinovids, to my eyes they are right on par with the SLC’s.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802628711-USE/leica_40009_10x42_trinovid_binocular.html

 

[Skerhunter]

I have been able to compare these exact binos for a few years now side by side. The easiest way for me to explain it is - for finding animals/general hunting, I don't see a major difference/advantage. Looking at specific animals the swaros are noticeably better. With the conquest you will be able to make out the frame of a buck/bull, but maybe not all of the points/fine details. With the swaros you can see those fine details.

If you want or need the extra fine detail, spend the extra money.

 

[tracker12]

I have both. Conquest 8x32 for thick woods and cover. For everything else my SLC 8X42. Conquest are far behind in quality IMHO.

 

[Remington92]

Well the SLC I was after fell through so guess it’s back to the drawing board. Thinking I’ll be on the hunt now for some used SLC or EL. Talked to enough folks locally that talked bout their awesome experience with swaros and their customer service I'm sold.

 

[Remington92]

Is there a file somewhere listing generations and changes of Swarovski models? Ex looking at a pair of 2013 SLC, would there be any differences from newer models?

 

[Spiral Horn]

Is there a file somewhere listing generations and changes of Swarovski models? Ex looking at a pair of 2013 SLC, would there be any differences from newer models?

I’m sure there is but you’d like find it buried on BirdForum/

If memory serves, the last model of the 42mm SLCs ran from 2013-2020.

 

[PHo]

To my eyes the Conquests give me almost the exact same image as the SLCs except they have chromatic aberration throughout the whole image. If I wasn’t sensitive to CA then I’d save my money and get the Conquests. Unfortunately CA is a big issue with me so my main binos are SLCs. I don’t regret it either.

 

[Happy Antelope]

Leica Trinovids for sure! Great 1k Bino.

 

[fatlander]

No, but if you can get Vortex Razor UHD, you’re in the same quality ballpark too, asking with the earlier Maven/Tract/Meopta recommendations…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I traded another member here a pair of UHDs for the latest model SLC a couple years ago. He sold the UHDs within a couple days. I’ve still got the SLCs and have no plans of parting with them anytime soon. In my opinion the SLC is a much better binocular for the same money.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk