Post by: ctwiggs1 on January 29, 2021, 10:14:06 AM
I had the opportunity to visit The Outdoorsmans down in Fountain Hills, AZ last week. Very cool company and really great staff. For the first time in my optics-purchasing experience, the sales guy actually brought the binos outside so I could see the real difference in various models.
I'm 100% sold on buying a pair of top tier binos at this point. I'm just not 100% sure on what model. Right now I'm leaning toward Swaro EL 12x50. They're not much bigger than my current 10x42s and they'd serve me great in WY and AZ. The clarity was amazing. Zero fuzz around the edge of the glass.
For those of you who have played this game and used various top tier binos, do you have any other models worth mentioning? It seems like the best glass is coming from swaro, zeiss and leica at this point. I'm ruling Vortex out as an option and I'm almost 100% sure that I'm ruling Leupold out. I've also tried some nice Mavens and didn't really feel they were any better than my current binos, despite being 3x the price.
Thanks in advance for any tips!
Post by: opdinkslayer on January 29, 2021, 10:20:05 AM
Post by: BKMFR on January 29, 2021, 10:25:03 AM
Post by: Bob33 on January 29, 2021, 10:55:52 AM
It’s hard to go wrong with top end glass from Swarovski, Leica, and some Zeiss models. Whether or not you will notice the differences from one brand to another is usually a personal matter. The differences are often in how colors are rendered rather than the ability to resolve details. There can also be differences in the physical feel of the binoculars and factors like eye relief that might make one brand more appealing.
For general purpose use I prefer 10x42 models.
Good luck in your quest.
Post by: b23 on January 29, 2021, 11:50:21 AM
Post by: jjhunter on January 29, 2021, 12:21:40 PM
Post by: Reidus on January 29, 2021, 12:42:20 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 29, 2021, 12:44:47 PM
Post by: M_ray on January 29, 2021, 12:50:12 PM
FWIW I've owned Swaro EL's and currently have Leica 10x42 HDR and love them! My spotter is Swaro. If I were ever to give up the Leica's it would be for the 10x 42 EL Range.
Other than that Ive had several of the other next tier Leupold, Burris, Nikon ect and I'd save my money on all that other stuff. I consider Swaro and Leica the front runners. :twocents:
Post by: Rainier10 on January 29, 2021, 01:48:20 PM
Post by: Pinetar on January 29, 2021, 02:36:06 PM
JJ would know!
FWIW I've owned Swaro EL's and currently have Leica 10x42 HDR and love them! My spotter is Swaro. If I were ever to give up the Leica's it would be for the 10x 42 EL Range.
Other than that Ive had several of the other next tier Leupold, Burris, Nikon ect and I'd save my money on all that other stuff. I consider Swaro and Leica the front runners. :twocents:
:yeah: This pretty much sums it up well. Leica or Swaro in binos and Swaro in spotting scopes
Post by: Pnwrider on January 29, 2021, 02:41:43 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on January 29, 2021, 03:02:33 PM
I run swaro el 10x42s. Great all around size.
Post by: Rainier10 on January 29, 2021, 03:09:47 PM
Gotta remember too, it’s not the daytime glassing that matters, it’s the first and last 20 mins of each day. The differences can be huge.:yeah: times 100. Low light is where the difference is.
I run swaro el 10x42s. Great all around size.
Post by: HntnFsh on January 29, 2021, 03:26:58 PM
Post by: elkaholic123 on January 29, 2021, 03:37:50 PM
Post by: Pnwrider on January 29, 2021, 03:46:06 PM
I had EL 10x42’s then went to EL Range-10X42’sHow do you like the difference? I’m due for a bino upgrade and I’m leaning towards the NL with tracking.
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 29, 2021, 04:13:41 PM
Best binos money can buy...
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 29, 2021, 04:18:26 PM
Post by: jjhunter on January 29, 2021, 04:28:11 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 29, 2021, 04:40:58 PM
I’ll be selling my EL Range shortly if anyone is interested. 2016 version. Just grabbing the new edition this spring.nl's or the el ranges?
Post by: jjhunter on January 29, 2021, 04:49:27 PM
I’ll be selling my EL Range shortly if anyone is interested. 2016 version. Just grabbing the new edition this spring.nl's or the el ranges?
New ranges. Sucks they moved the button on me, the old style was perfect for South Paws. I may have to buy a pair of Leica HD-R for archery/muzzy work.
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on January 29, 2021, 04:56:46 PM
Post by: Tjv28 on January 29, 2021, 07:47:01 PM
Post by: deerlick on January 29, 2021, 08:59:28 PM
Post by: M_ray on January 29, 2021, 09:52:57 PM
JJ would know!
FWIW I've owned Swaro EL's and currently haveLeica 10x42 HDRSwaro El range and love them! My spotter is Swaro. If I were ever to give up the Leica's it would be for the 10x 42 EL Range.
Other than that Ive had several of the other next tier Leupold, Burris, Nikon ect and I'd save my money on all that other stuff. I consider Swaro and Leica the front runners. :twocents:
:yeah: This pretty much sums it up well. Leica or Swaro in binos and Swaro in spotting scopes
Thanks I agree but after this discussion it looks like I'll be changing to the EL range sooner than I thought! :chuckle:
Post by: The Fin on February 03, 2021, 11:21:08 AM
Post by: Tjv28 on February 08, 2021, 09:51:50 PM
Post by: huntnphool on February 08, 2021, 09:56:21 PM
Gotta remember too, it’s not the daytime glassing that matters, it’s the first and last 20 mins of each day. The differences can be huge.
I run swaro el 10x42s. Great all around size.
+1, Swaro 10x42’s
Post by: trophyhunt on February 09, 2021, 05:58:44 AM
+2 same, can look through them all day with no eye or headacheGotta remember too, it’s not the daytime glassing that matters, it’s the first and last 20 mins of each day. The differences can be huge.
I run swaro el 10x42s. Great all around size.
+1, Swaro 10x42’s
Post by: GWP on February 09, 2021, 06:36:49 AM
10x42 EL's for the wife and the mini 10's (10x25B) for me. I can keep them on and drop them inside my jacket with the cover on to protect them but can have them out in a jiffy. harder to hold steady for sure, but man! I really like the little boogers!
Wife will often not carry hers because of the size, which was the reason I went small, but will happily borrow mine when she wants to see something. The big ones are definitely better for stability and low light conditions though. Doesn't help if you won't carry them!
People don't really realize the difference between upper end and 'everything else' until they try them. For sure one of the things in life worth spending the extra money on.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on February 09, 2021, 07:20:23 AM
Well, it looks like I’ll have a chance to buy the Zeiss victory SF again... I went shed hunting yesterday and got home late and tired. One of those “ I’ll unpack tomorrow “ situations...went to my truck this morning and everything was stolen. Zeiss binoculars, Swarovski spotter, tripod, exo pack, Sitka jacket and vest, even the chalky 3 point shed I found. *censored* jumped our gate and walked in.
That's terrible man! I'm sorry to hear of your loss.
Post by: whacker1 on February 09, 2021, 02:35:45 PM
Post by: jjhunter on February 09, 2021, 05:35:24 PM
Post by: whacker1 on February 09, 2021, 06:02:41 PM
My EL Range TA shipped today.
very cool. congrats :tup:
Post by: M_ray on February 09, 2021, 07:09:40 PM
My EL Range TA shipped today.
I pick up my EL Range on Friday :)
Post by: 2MANY on February 09, 2021, 07:33:43 PM
Post by: jjhunter on February 09, 2021, 07:51:42 PM
Do the EL Range calc your moa clicks without your phone?
Yeah, you just load your data via Bluetooth/app. Once loaded into the bino you’re good to go. Onboard atmospherics as well.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on February 09, 2021, 08:14:59 PM
Post by: 2MANY on February 09, 2021, 09:21:46 PM
Do the EL Range calc your moa clicks without your phone?
Yeah, you just load your data via Bluetooth/app. Once loaded into the bino you’re good to go. Onboard atmospherics as well.
You get the 10x?
Post by: jjhunter on February 10, 2021, 07:33:20 AM
Do the EL Range calc your moa clicks without your phone?
Yeah, you just load your data via Bluetooth/app. Once loaded into the bino you’re good to go. Onboard atmospherics as well.
You get the 10x?
Always 😁
Post by: jjhunter on February 12, 2021, 09:21:17 PM
Loaded up my 28 Nosler info; excited to try them out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: huntnphool on February 13, 2021, 12:01:51 AM
Just waiting on my headrest from Mtnmuley. 😁
Loaded up my 28 Nosler info; excited to try them out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you’re waiting on Lance, you may as well crack a bottle! :rolleyes:
Post by: MtnMuley on February 13, 2021, 08:41:07 AM
Just waiting on my headrest from Mtnmuley. 😁
Loaded up my 28 Nosler info; excited to try them out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you’re waiting on Lance, you may as well crack a bottle! :rolleyes:
Do you want the headrest or the more manly, chest purse first? :bow:
Post by: Rainier10 on February 13, 2021, 09:05:03 AM
Post by: jjhunter on February 13, 2021, 09:10:54 AM
Just waiting on my headrest from Mtnmuley. 😁
Loaded up my 28 Nosler info; excited to try them out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you’re waiting on Lance, you may as well crack a bottle! :rolleyes:
Do you want the headrest or the more manly, chest purse first? :bow:
You know I couldn’t wear a diaper bag on my chest!
Post by: Wingin it on February 13, 2021, 10:44:24 AM
Post by: spoonman on February 13, 2021, 10:58:21 AM
Post by: huntnphool on February 13, 2021, 12:48:48 PM
Just waiting on my headrest from Mtnmuley. 😁
Loaded up my 28 Nosler info; excited to try them out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you’re waiting on Lance, you may as well crack a bottle! :rolleyes:
Do you want the headrest or the more manly, chest purse first? :bow:
:chuckle:
Post by: huntnphool on February 13, 2021, 12:51:34 PM
just got the EL 12x50 and the ats 65 spotter and couldn’t be happier.
Better hide that receipt! :chuckle: