Binocular recommendation

[Brian.243]

I am ready to upgrade my binoculars
I want to stay with 10x40s and a budget of 1500 dollars
I am currently thinking the Kowa Genesis or the Zeiss SFL
Any one have experience with either of these or another recommendation in my budget
Thanks
Brian

 

[pilar]

I’m a tried and true Steiner binoculars user
As a boat captain and hunter nothing beats a Steiner. Imo

https://www.steiner-optics.com/sites/default/files/content/downloads/2024-03/Steiner%20M1050r%20User%20Manuel.pdf

 

[jnmullins]

I have a set of Kowa Genesis 10.5x44 and they are excellent binoculars. I can’t tell a difference between them and Swarovski SLC, and they are slightly better than my Meopta Meopro Air 10x40s. I recently picked up some Zeiss Conquest 8x32, and I’m very impressed with them, so the SFL should be even better.

 

[Nyati]

Also a Steiner user.

 

[deewayne2003]

I was recently faced with the same issue….

I went Leica 10x40 and couldn’t be happier.

 

[Brian.243]

Which model leicas did you go with?

 

[coreydb]

Good quality binos with low cost are the Vortex, Leupold and Redfield lines. Leica and Swarovski are top notch, along with the price tags, but you will never want or need another pair for the rest of your life.

 

[deewayne2003]

Which model leicas did you go with?

Leica Trinovid HD....

FYI - If you are not in a hurry to buy, then I would hold off and watch the classifieds on this forum.

I missed out on a pair of Swarovski that sold for 50% of new purchase price; I ended up buying my Leicas off of Ebay from a bird watcher who bought them for a particular trip and then sold them.

 

[UKHunter]

You’re probably best off buying good condition 2nd hand from the likes of Zeiss, Lecia, swaro

 

[steve white]

Zeiss FL (not too old) with their Abbe-Koenig lenses probably can't be beat in optical performance--and the size you are talking about don't weigh all that much. I have the 8x56 and they are a brick, but I don't care, I'm purely out for performance.

 

[FlowHamed18]

As an Austrian I have to mention Kahles.

Excellent quality for a reasonable price

KAHLES: Binoculars

www.kahles.at

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

If you add about $400 more you can get a new pair of Swaro EL 10x42, for about $1900.
That would be my choice.

 

[WAB]

If you add about $400 more you can get a new pair of Swaro EL 10x42, for about $1900.
That would be my choice.

Alternatively, you could probably find used Swarovski 10x42 SLC’s for the budget price. I have SLC’s in 8x30, 10x42, and 15x56 and
love them. Talk to Mark if you want Swarovski!!!

 

[Safari Dave]

Zeiss for me.

 

[V.Veritas]

If you were glasses it’s hard to beat a Swaro EL. For almost everything else I have to take off my glasses. No bueno.
For Swarovski I endorse Mark B as well.

 

[skydiver386]

I compared every bino on the market, and ended up with the Leica Geovid R 10X42's.

If I wanted a standard pair without the rangefinder, I'd buy the Steiner.

The Swarovski is brighter in low light, but I could only tell the difference in the larger sizes, not the 10X42's.

 

[capra-capra]

I am a bit odd as in the binoculars always Leica , scopes Zeiss and spotting scope Swarovski. Personally i would look at Leica - Geovid , Ultravid ,Noctivid . I sold my Ultravid HD and got the Geovids and still regret selling them as should have kept as a spare set.

On another forum a guy is selling his Leica Geovid 10x42 3200.com Range finder binoculars. Never used and in perfect condition for $1,750. Eurooptic have them at $1900 on sale down from $3099.

I understand more than you willing to spend but you will never buy another set of binoculars. I was in the same boat, did not want to spend the extra $700 for the geovids and i am glad i did . $700 is lot of money but your eyes will thank you and that rangefinder just makes it bit sweeter

 

[sureshot375]

in that price range I would buy used Swaro slc 10x42. They are the gold standard as far as I’m concerned. There are newer lighter models, but these things are tough.

 

[Boris11]

i use the Zeiss SFL you cant go wrong there..

 

[FlyGuy]

Zeiss SFL hands down!
Wins on ergonomics alone, never mind optical performance.
As with any binocular, an 8X is always the best choice.