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Thinking of looking at pair of small binos at sika Show. Have pair of Leica 10x42 Ultravid for last 10-12 years or so. Brilliant optics. Considering 10x25 or 8x25 for bush work and save carrying larger ones. Also have African tour booked where weight is governed. Have heavy camera gear so trying to save a bit of weight and room.
Leica
Be aware that the Leica guys at the Sika Show have in past years quoted the RRP and tell you they're giving a special discount on the day. The reality is their discounted price is no bargain because it only matches retailers who don't sell at the RRP.
I don't think Leica, Swarovski or Zeiss are any better than one another. Just what suits your own preferences and eyes.
Leica do not do a 8x25 and for the bush work you stated 10x is too much. Swaro CL pockets in 8x25 are very good and would be my choice. If trying to use a pair of 10x binos to spot game from the back of a landcruiser (Africa), which is not exactly the most stable platform 10x will also be a chore.
I have a pair of Swaro 10 x 25's and a pair of Leica 10 x 25's and both are excellent binos. Both are light to carry, quick to focus and share excellent clarity. My "go to" pair are the Swaro's because I feel they have a slight edge over the Leica's - but that edge is a combination between an almost imperceptible weight difference, a personal preference for the Swaro eye cups (I don't yet wear glasses and the Leica's might be better for those who do) and my opinion that the Swaro glass is ever so slightly better at the extreme edge of the lenses - that's to say I can't see any difference between the two except at the outter 1 or 2 mm of the lens where I believe the Swaro retains its clarity and the Leica are just a smidgen off focus. But we're talking sweet FA. We're talking about being really picky just to find faults. Like a pro researcher... which I'm not. Haha.
In summary, @BSA270 buy the pair that you get the best deal on. Both are stunning little binos and either will serve you well.
Leica do a 8x20Quote:
Originally Posted by Got-ya
Swaro much better in compact
I have a pair coming now (my 3rd pair as guys keep buying them off me at silly prices :-(
Leica are weak in frame as someone on here found out by only dropping of branch sitting on
PS
8x Mountain Pockets too - not 10x seem much better - and thit not just coming from old shaky hands me - most guys have said same after going 10x then going back to 8x
I have been looking at the Leica Vs Swaro in the HDB/EL Range. I tried the other day with my mind set on the Leica. The thing that has turned me to the Swaro is the fit across the nose. I have quite a wide nose bridge and the Leica cups were horribly uncomfortable and did not allow me to get the perfect circle when looking through them. Just something to think about and try before you buy.
yep, dont rule out Zeiss. I got a pair of Zeiss 8x30's - not their top end glass either (Terra I think ?) but bloody brilliant little binos. Hardly know you're carrying them & the optics/clarity are excellent.
Currently got Leica's; have had Swaro's. Equally as good as each other so you wont be disappointed whichever way you go. Personal preference really
Can't go wrong with either, which flavour do you like?
Don't forget Zeiss.. Heard a few people mention that Zeiss have taken the lead with RF binos now. Shrug
Ever wondered why Swarovski use a seagull as their logo?
The eye pieces on Swarovski binoculars are expertly forged from radioactive waste, pulled from the depths of Chernobyl. Putting a pair of Swarovski's against your face will make your eyeballs sprout tiny wings; giving them the capability to fly away on command. There's no limit to how far you can gaze into the distance with a pair of Swaros.
Furthermore, wearing a pair of Swaros around your neck will make you feel sexy and distinguished, and have you strutting around like a sassy seagull in no time. Passersby will literally throw food at you (out of sheer disgust). But hey - free food.
Leica and Zeiss binos, on the other hand, are bound by the laws of physics.
Three options. Hadn't thought of Zeiss. They've made excellent optics forever to eh.Thanks guys for the excellent input. Much appreciated. Hopefully all will be available at Sika Show so I can at least try them for personal fit and make a decision then doesn't matter when I buy. Africa not til next year. At least looking at quality helps.
I like Swaro personally, I dont know if it's just my eyes but every Leica product I have looked through is not true to colour (like looking through a tinted glass) and it annoys me. I havent had a look through any Zeiss binos but their glass is always great, even the "entry level" stuff. Had a Zeiss terra scope and it was bloody awesome glass for the money.
I have a set of the little swaro 8x, love them to bits. Mate has a set of the little leica's and he loves them to bits
try and do a side by side look through any buy what looks better to YOUR eyes, but at this level they are all very good.
I feel the need to point out that the little ones are great in good light but dawn/dusk or under treas on a cloudy day and you can see a lot better with a larger set. Not sure how big an issue this is for hunting but it is very notacable when im bird watching or counting bugs.
The Swaro CL Companion 8x30 ( new model) are great little binos.
The Swaro 8x20 compacts won the day at the sika Show. got them from Jeremy at Rivers To Ranges. nice bloke and good deal. Will be couriered freight free to me during the week. Looking forward to getting them in the bush.
Blondes or brunettes, probably more personal preference than any real better choice. Swaro has great after care service
I must say I got a Swaro baseball cap at the show and it’s one of the best caps I’ve ever had. It’s fully adjustable, has a great logo and is green. I’m looking forward to wearing it on my next hunt with my Leupold scope/bino combo...
Have been told the Swaros are more robust. Cant comment as have not owned both. My 10x25 Swaros are incredible little binos and have had a real hiding for 15 years. Back to factory once to replace cups and re do joints from volume of use. Internals still fine. Good as new. Love em. After sales service is top notch too. Thanks JP.
Robustness is a term often bandied about by manufacturers of high-end luxury sporting equipment - but it's empty praise, considering most people spending THOUSANDS of dollars on an item, will baby it to no end. :)
I hear ya. Not in this case. I have carried these binos on my belt for their life time pig hunting. Don't tell Swaro but they have been banged inside the case repeatedly as I crawl through scrub, as well as when the butt of the 44 hits them and drowned in blood as it leaks down over my belt. Definitely worse treatment than most would dish out but they have taken it all and asked for more. And the optics. Oh the optics................... Three mates have the Leica compacts. One of them fell to pieces in the glove box. The other two like them but look after them. Who knows ay??
You heathen. :) Haha. Sounds like they're getting plenty of lovin'.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiawatha
Swaro= great except the stupid single trip/use front lens covers. Shit by design
I love my 10x40's (should have brought 10x30's or 8x30's) but I hate the shitty disappearing lens protectors.
Very disapointing given the cost of the bino's
You mean 8x25?Quote:
Originally Posted by BSA270
good choice you will not regret it.