The last pair of binoculars

[krish]

Thank you for your detailed report. I’m thinking Swarovski is the way to go for sure but it’s good to get verification. Best of luck

I don't know? Some of these guys seem to have been to "hell and back" with their binoculars, which is a novelty to me? I've hunted with mine for many years, but I've not gone through a "combat"

I do have both servo 10×50 slc and 20×80 Steiner commander in military marine for over 24 years.
For rugged use steiner seem to be better.
Krish

 

[CoElkHunter]

Warranty
View attachment 392444

Well, Bushnell (now Bausch and Lomb) have also a Lifetime Warranty for their optics. I've sent two scopes to them for repair in the last 30 years, but not my binoculars. They just send a new scope as I don't think they repair them. I think it's the optics reliability in the field that matters most?

 

[krish]

Well, Bushnell (now Bausch and Lomb) have also a Lifetime Warranty for their optics. I've sent two scopes to them for repair in the last 30 years, but not my binoculars. They just send a new scope as I don't think they repair them. I think it's the optics reliability in the field that matters most?

If you use a servo or steiner you will know the quality of the optics. It has to be experienced to understand. There is a reason why they are called
The high end quality optics.
Krish

 

[CoElkHunter]

If you use a servo or steiner you will know the quality of the optics. It has to be experienced to understand. There is a reason why they are called
The high end quality optics.
Krish

I’ll have to check Steiner out. I would like a new pair of binos, but am not prepared to spend the money for the price of an African hunt on them?

 

[Major Bonkers]

I've just sent my Swarovski binoculars (SLC 10x50) in for repair. They were bought new in 1999. They have had a pretty tough time of it - a lot of stalking and hind shooting in Scotland, being thrown in the back of the argocat, and so on. Anyway, the hinge went. These were sent for repair at the beginning of the year, and two days ago I had an e-mail advising that the repair would be free of charge.

The only thing I don't like about them is the Teutonic eagle which they brand everything with. It seems a bit Nazi-ish to me.

In terms of quality, Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss are all much of a muchness. To my way of thinking, Swarovski wins on after-market care. Good second tier brands are Opticron and Noblex. Noblex, previously Docter, were the old East German Zeiss, previously marketed as Zeiss Jena.

I noticed at the end of the last century, when computer-controlled manufacturing was adopted in a big way by optics firms, that the quality of binoculars and telescopes improved dramatically. Anything pre-1990, say, is now superseded by much better glass.

One thing you might like to think about is a stalking telescope, although you will need someone to show you how to use it (it does not have a screw-in attachment for a tripod, and is supported on either a stick or, if lying down, your lower leg): https://grahamsonline.co.uk/optics-c17/telescopes-c33/the-gray-co-stalking-telescope-p1021

 

[spike.t]

Hello bwana, I can’t figure out how to update my info. I’ll be back in Zambia soon. How are things that side ?

Bloody wet....had enough of rain now...

 

[spike.t]

I’ll have to check Steiner out. I would like a new pair of binos, but am not prepared to spend the money for the price of an African hunt on them?

Bough mine years ago when in the usa at a bass pro somewhere in florida...think near fort Lauderdale but cant remember ...were on offer and couldn't say no...they are nice and compact

 

[krish]

I’ll have to check Steiner out. I would like a new pair of binos, but am not prepared to spend the money for the price of an African hunt on them?

Use to be able to get Decent Steiner between 800 and a thousand. I don't know now. They are also focused by you one time for your eyes. Meaning you don't need to focus for different distances once you dial it in for your eyes.
With my 20×80 I can see the moons of JUPITAR.

 

[Scott CWO]

I've just sent my Swarovski binoculars (SLC 10x50) in for repair. They were bought new in 1999. They have had a pretty tough time of it - a lot of stalking and hind shooting in Scotland, being thrown in the back of the argocat, and so on. Anyway, the hinge went. These were sent for repair at the beginning of the year, and two days ago I had an e-mail advising that the repair would be free of charge.

The only thing I don't like about them is the Teutonic eagle which they brand everything with. It seems a bit Nazi-ish to me.

In terms of quality, Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss are all much of a muchness. To my way of thinking, Swarovski wins on after-market care. Good second tier brands are Opticron and Noblex. Noblex, previously Docter, were the old East German Zeiss, previously marketed as Zeiss Jena.

I noticed at the end of the last century, when computer-controlled manufacturing was adopted in a big way by optics firms, that the quality of binoculars and telescopes improved dramatically. Anything pre-1990, say, is now superseded by much better glass.

One thing you might like to think about is a stalking telescope, although you will need someone to show you how to use it (it does not have a screw-in attachment for a tripod, and is supported on either a stick or, if lying down, your lower leg): https://grahamsonline.co.uk/optics-c17/telescopes-c33/the-gray-co-stalking-telescope-p1021

Not that it matters much but it’s actually a hawk.

 

[fourfive8]

@Major Bonkers posted "The only thing I don't like about them is the Teutonic eagle which they brand everything with. It seems a bit Nazi-ish to me."

You've got to be kidding! Good God! Get a life and get a grip. Quit watching and believing the cancel culture woke crap on steeple TV and the MSM.

 

[Denvir Tire]

You can buy three Steiner Predator binos for the price of one Swaro....

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

8×56 Steiner. Military marine. Great warranty us to be 20 years.
Krish
you are not going to be any rougher than military or marines.

They might be great binos, but they are too heavy for my type of hunting!

 

[Philip Glass]

Hello hunters,
I’m in the market for what is the last set of binoculars I hopefully ever need to buy. In 2019 I was attempting to do this very thing and was regretfully talked into buying a pair of Vortex Razor 10x42. Halfway through my season in Zambia they completely came apart on me and were utterly useless, luckily I had a backup pair on hand. I’ve just about settled on the Swarovski SLC 10x42 as I believe it’s the best balance between ruggedness and glass quality I’ve found but I’m wanting to hear your valued opinions. I’m not intentionally abusive on my equipment and try to take good care of everything I use but I’m also inherently quite hard on things. That being said build quality and strength is at the top of the list, then comes optical clarity and light gathering ability. No rangefinder required. In this rare circumstance, money is no consideration. Keep in mind that these are for professional use, say over 250 days a year in the field and widely varied conditions. I hope this finds everyone well, cheers.

Swaro or Leica and yes with the integrated rangefinder. I have the swaros but want the Newest Leicas.
If you insist on not have an integrated rangefinder, which I believe to be the greatest improvement in hunting since the scope, then the newest Swaros that just came out are outstanding.

 

[fourfive8]

Last pair? My opinion is stay with one of the big three- Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss. Good binocs are going to start at 900-1000 and go up... if you feel the need to show bling

Once in a while you can find demos for a decent discount that will serve every bit as well as new in box.

 

[spike.t]

Use to be able to get Decent Steiner between 800 and a thousand. I don't know now. They are also focused by you one time for your eyes. Meaning you don't need to focus for different distances once you dial it in for your eyes.
With my 20×80 I can see the moons of JUPITAR.

That's only on some of them...most are the normal focus as you use them.

 

[WAB]

I have two pair of Steiner Predator roof prism binos, 8x30 and 10x42. The 8x30’s are perfect for the bush. After 25 years my wife left the 10x42’s on the deck in the rain and they fogged. Steiner sent us a new pair, no questions asked. I joked that she should throw the 8x30’s in the pool as they are getting a little old.

All joking aside, we were sitting in camp in Zim with a bunch of bino’s and decided to try to compare them. We were counting cracks in a rock face at low light about a mile away. The best bino’s in camp were an old pair of armored zeiss 10x42’s. Very close behind were Swaro 10x42 el’s but the steiner’s were right there with them.

As noted above, the steiner’s are a tough pair of bino’s. Mine survived years of hard hunting in Wyoming and Alaska.

If you ever see a pair of the old zeiss armored 10x42’s, buy them! I believe that is the model Lion is referencing above.

 

[Firebird]

I have Swarovski and my father in law has Leica-I like his better than mine but they were lots more money. After our safari my brother bought Swarovski with rangefinder and I love them-need to upgrade mine. I have custom turrets on most my scopes so it helps there but you will use those Binos all over the world and there are places where you will need to shoot a bit farther and you willl want to really know the distance and be able to drill it.
vortex warranty is nothing special, they literally stole the idea from leupold and made it their strongest selling point. My spotting scope (next level down from the razor) broke in half this year hunting deer and they get to replace it for free now but it’s still a hassle.

 

[gordon kings langley]

Swarovski without a doubt the best glasses you can buy. Gauarnteed for life. When I broke mine, they were returned as good as new.

 

[buck wild]

I have a pair of Zeiss 10x42 armored that I have used for over 40yrs. I wore out one set of eye cups. Zeiss replaced and cleaned at no charge. I have a new old set in reserve the only way I will need to go to them is if my old ones are stolen.I would not buy their current ones, just do not like them.

Both my wife and I are currently using Swarovski el 8 X? She had a constant problem with one of her eye pieces coming off, this started after one year of use. I have had no problem. If we make it to the states this year I will leave her pair there for repairs and buy her a new pair.

We allow no one but ourselves to touch our binoculars!!!

If a rangefinder is needed we need to get the client closer!

I have the Swar SLC 10x42 and 10x50. I love both models and would highly recommend them.

Tokoloshe, Swar will send you the whole replacement eye piece that just screws back on. No need to "leave for repairs" anywhere. Not sure how they will send them to you in the bush but I suspect you could find a way

 

[Red Leg]

You can buy three Steiner Predator binos for the price of one Swaro....

True, And you get a thorough workout carrying the things around. I used Steiner throughout my military career and use Leica and Swaro now. I don't think there is much of a comparison. I owned a Vortex for a while years ago and have never owned another.

For Africa, where I do not think a range finder is of much use, I love my Leica HD Ultravid 10x42. You will be equally well served by the Swaro EL or the SLC (which is a very rugged instrument). For Noth America and Europe I love my Leica 10x42 range finding Geovids.