Swaro vs. Others

[jenbickel]

Oh bitterroot.. You definitely always make me laugh.

I have the Zeiss victory FLs and used them the other night as the sun was setting. They were amazing. I honestly was like speechless. Which says a lot because I am a woman who loves to talk and it definitely takes a lot to shut me up. Looking with my naked eye, it was dark to where I could hardly see anything, but when I looked through my binos, I could see a whole herd of elk with no problem and was even able to tell which ones were spike elk. I always wondered if the price tag on binos were worth it and now I can say without a doubt that they are!!!

[Jon Boy]

One thing to remember with optics is their quality does not increase at the same rate as their price. Undoubtedly the likes of swaro, leica, and zeiss are the best. But to say a $2500 pair of swaros is 5 times better than my $500 Zens is far from the truth. IMO spotting technique is more important to a certain extent. If you think you can go out and buy the best there is and automatically become eagle eyes, you will be very disappointed.

[HuskyMusky]

IMO swaro's are more expensive 1 major factor is the euro exchange rate.

currently isn't it down around 1.35? it use to be more, so essentially 1000 binos in the US would cost you 1350 if they were made in europe... for the same exact bino! not include shipping rates and import fees etc... so apples to apples you'd be paying an extra 350 just because they were made in europe!

they may be the best, but are they that much better? some other factors skilled workers making this stuff in europe vs. japan/china etc...

are $2k binos twice as good as $1000 binos, no!

essentially if you want the best, you pay for it and get it. but at over $1000 binos you're paying alot more for a slight increase in quality.

the difference from 200 to 300 to 400 to 600 to 800 are much more significant jumps than from 1500 to 1600 etc...

I have some pentax dcf-sp 10x43 for $500 'ish? best for the money IMO, although of late I want some vortex 15x56 for around $1200??

until money is no object or I win a pair I'll be buying the best value binos...

[labman]

Well I pulled the trigger on the Swaro SLC HD they fit me better than the EL's!! Thanks for all the help!!

[Bitterroot Bulls]

SLC HD?????

I am jealous, Labman. That instrument is the absolute tops.

[BKC]

The difference between binoculars that are mid range price ( 800-1200 dollars ) and high end price binoculars ( 1800-2500 dollars) is definition. If you just want to see the trees where the animals are bedded buy the mid range, never buy the cheap stuff, you will never use them . If you want to see inbetween, under and in the shadows of the trees where the animals are bedded then spend as much as you can afford and then some. As hvfd21walker said " buy the ones that fit your eyes". This may be the most important, you want to use them as much as possible, make sure they are comfortable.

[Musket Man]

I have swaro EL 10x42 that I got when the EL first came out. I have put alot of hard miles on them and they are still good as the day I bought them. I could not be happier!

[Bitterroot Bulls]

The difference between binoculars that are mid range price ( 800-1200 dollars ) and high end price binoculars ( 1800-2500 dollars) is definition. If you just want to see the trees where the animals are bedded buy the mid range, never buy the cheap stuff, you will never use them . If you want to see inbetween, under and in the shadows of the trees where the animals are bedded then spend as much as you can afford and then some. As hvfd21walker said " buy the ones that fit your eyes". This may be the most important, you want to use them as much as possible, make sure they are comfortable.

I respectfully disagree, BKC.

The difference between a 1200 pair of binoculars and a 2500 pair of binoculars is not what they will show you in the field.

IMO, there are four main differences:

1. Optical luxuries like a perfect field edge and flawless CA control.
2. Top of the line fit and finish.
3. Bragging rights.
4. About $1300.

[BKC]

BB, Except for the bragging rights, you are correct

[Musket Man]

Isnt some of the price tag on the high end glass the service and warranty that comes with them?