Rifle Scopes Opinion on binoculars

[HOGGHEAD]

I only hunt from a fixed position(handicapped hunter). So weight is not a big issue for me. I normally haul most of my equipment(including me) in my Kawasaki Mule.

Right now I have a set of Swarovski 8X56 SLC binoculars. I also have a set of Zeiss 8X40's that I use in the woods, and a Nikon LRF. I am not happy with the Nikon LRF and was going to buy a Leica 1200 after the first of the year.

Most of my hunting(mostly varmints) is out to 600 or 700 yards. Including my deer hunting.

The Swarovski binoculars are fantastic. I really like them. The Zeiss binoculars are not as nice, but they do all I need to do in the woods.

Now my question. I was going to just buy a Leica LRF and be done with it. However I have been thinking about selling or trading my Swaro's and take advantage of the Leica Geovid rebate.

What do you guys think of this idea?? How will the Geovid's compare to my Swaro's?? Will any of the larger dealers trade for my Swaro's?? I saw a pair of the Swaro's on the SWFA Sample List for $1500. That is where I bought them two years ago. I think I gave close to $1300 at that time, and they are in perfect condition. Thanks, Tom.

 

[Spuhr]

Re: Opinion on binoculars

It doesnt play in the same division.
The Geovid is actually quite below the Ultravids in quality, and also of course the better binos from Swarovski and Zeiss.
The rangefinder is great, but the optics not.
The Zeiss versinos with rangefinder is far bettter.

Håkan

 

[Buster]

Re: Opinion on binoculars

IMO, the Geovid compare optically to the Leica Trinovid BA/BNs and Swarovski SLC's. Maybe not the very best available, but still world-class and you wouldn't loose a thing other than a piece of equipment to pack around and fumble with.

 

[ToddM]

Re: Opinion on binoculars

My Geovid HD's are a slight step below my EL's so I would guess the non-HD model is probably also a slight step below the SLC's. This is especially true at the edges, I notice my EL's are sharper at the extreme edges. However, for binocular use I think that's highly over rated because we always naturally center what we are looking at in the field of view, most people probably only use the center 50% of the lens at best, probably closer to 20-30%. Even when glassing a general area. The exception might be if you tripod mount your binoculars a lot.

Keep in mind that if you do go to a 8x42 geovid you are also loosing some light gathering ability as well which will exaggerate the difference between them. By far the biggest difference between my 8.5x42 EL's and my 10x42 geovid HD's is the loss of light gathering from the extra magnification.

If it were me I'd probably sell/trade the 8x40's those 8x56 SLC's are an amazing set of optics for low light use.

Also keep in mind that while we all strive to get the best quality for our money, any of those optics are better than 95%+ of all sportsmen are using. So any of the options are great choices and no matter what you buy in 5 years something better will be out, even in the world of optics. I remember when I bought my EL's guys were saying how there will never be anything optically better, and then zeiss and leica came out with their high end offerings that IMO are slightly better (esp. the ultravid HD) and now swarovski will have a new EL out next year and it probably will be a step above the zeiss and leica's.....so while top optics will always be near the top, better optics will hit the market.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Opinion on binoculars

Keep the SWARO's

 

[scotharr]

Re: Opinion on binoculars

This is like some of those audiophile debates. This speaker is way better than that one. Meanwhile, I could never tell the difference: they all sounded great. I'm super happy with my $200 Nikon Monarchs.

 

[NJS]

Re: Opinion on binoculars

It's so much handier to have one unit instead of two... I have a pair of Geovids and they are fantastic! My hunting buddies also have them and they are very happy. I got a deal on an 8x56 Geo and it is the perfect low light combo unit! Buy the best, you won't be sorry! NJS