Swarovski Binos? Or other $1000 binos.

[HntnFsh]

Do any of you know the difference between the SLC 10x42 model #58010 and the 58310. Pretty sure the 58010 are an older model. Probably non hd, but cant find any info to know for sure. Ive read a couple reviews that preferred the non HD models.

I'm looking for new Binos in the $1000 range Meopta Meostar were at the top of the list for about $850 until I saw the SLCs for a grand. Just not sure if they would be as good as the Meostars if they aren't the HD version.

Looked at Zeiss Conquests. Didn't care for them as much as I did the Meopta, Leicas and Swarovski. Although I was only able to look at the last 3 in Cabelas store. I actually thought they were pretty equal with the Swaros being $700 more.  Did find some Leica ultravids for $1300 that seem pretty tempting too. More than I want to spend but very tempting.

[opdinkslayer]

If you can get slc’s for $1000 I would. I’ve had mine since 03 & haven’t been tempted to get anything else yet. I think mine were $1300 in 03

[HntnFsh]

Thank you for the input.

I also just realized the Ultravids are the BL model. That might rule them out.

[jrebel]

I love my slc's.  I have an older set and wouldn't dream of selling them. 

[High Climber]

My slc’s Are the one piece of gear I don’t ever see replacing

[Harbor_hunter]

100% agree with High Climber and jrebel.   I have some 10x42 SLC's and wouldn't dream of replacing them!   I wouldn't let non HD models be a turn off either. 

[Bob33]

The buy once cry once syndrome is real. When you have $200 binoculars you come to believe that you would see more animals with $400 binoculars so you buy them. A few years later you then realize that was $600 binoculars you would see more animals so you buy them. That cycle continues until you get alpha glass and accept there is nothing better. I don't think that  binoculars that cost $600 to $800 are much different optically than ones costing two or three times as much, but you're inclined to start wondering at some point. There are differences but they are slight and visually only noticeable under marginal lighting conditions or periods of extended viewing.

It's hard to argue that Swarovski SLCs aren't a very good binocular.

[lewy]

Another vote for slc’s

[HntnFsh]

I know its not a very good way to try out binoculars but I went to Cabelas last night and spent quite a bit of time looking through the SLCs, Zeiss Conquest, Leica trinovids, Cabelas Euro (Meostars), Nikon Monarch HGs, and I think Leupold Santiams.

Once again I ruled out the Zeiss pretty quickly. They just didn't fit my eyes. The Nikons and Leupolds were good but not quite up to snuff with the others. So ruled them out.

So it came down to the SLCs, Leicas, and Meoptas. The Leicas fit my eyes the best. Very comfortable. The other 2 were both a very close second. Ergonomics was almost a tossup. The Leicas maybe once again a hair better but ever so slightly. Switching between the SLCs and the Meostars I would often forget which ones I had in my hands as far as fit and feel. I felt the Meostars were brightest every time I picked them up compared to the other 2. Lens coloring may have played a part in that.

The twist up eyecups went to the SLCs then Leicas, then Meostars. But full out is all I use so not a big deal. I will say the SLCs felt gritty. Diopter adjustments were 6 of 1 half dozen of the other. as far as ease of use. Once again the SLCs had issues. Turn them 1 way and they were stiff turn them back and very loose. Was pretty weird.

I will probably spend some more time looking at these 3. But so far my initial impression was best overall was the Meostars with the Leicas a very close 2nd. Tough choice between the 2. The SLCs dropped to 3rd and I almost completely ruled them out several times. I think I will give them another chance later though.

[X-Force]

Pass along where the swaros are for 1k

[Bob33]

Make sure you check how well they perform at the edges. Nearly all good binoculars have sharp images in the center of view.

[lewy]

Another thing to keep in mind is customer service, swaro is amazing

[cem3434]

Pass along where the swaros are for 1k

the cheapest I have seen old used swaros has been $1300 and up. The going rate for good used SLC's is closer to the $2K range. I would definitely buy a pair at $1K without hesitation.

[HntnFsh]

Pass along where the swaros are for 1k

the cheapest I have seen old used swaros has been $1300 and up. The going rate for good used SLC's is closer to the $2K range. I would definitely buy a pair at $1K without hesitation.

You can buy SLCs brand new for $1700

[Bob33]

https://backwoodspursuit-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/backwoodspursuit.com/swarovski-slc-vs-razor-hd-vs-meopta-meostar/amp/?usqp=mq331AQEKAFwAQ%3D%3D&amp_js_v=0.1#aoh=15667574700037&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fbackwoodspursuit.com%2Fswarovski-slc-vs-razor-hd-vs-meopta-meostar%2F

https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/swaro-slc-hd-vs-meopta-b1-hd.87224/

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/10425140/all/Euro_HD's_vs_Swarovski_SLC's