which new binos?!?

[2130martin]

A very well known TV personality who hosts Nature programs once borrowed my Zeis Victory 8x56 RF binos and commented that they were better than his Swaro binos and he was sponsored by Swarovski at the time.........

 

[timbrayford]

Thank you everyone, some really great advice and feedback, giving me lots to consider. I went to the Camera shop in Winchester and tried the Swaro 8.5 x 42 and Zeiss (but not 8x56). On demo outside they seemed the same to me, maybe the Swaro very marginally better but not £300 better IMHO. Both well engineered bits of kit and easier to handle and use.

A wildcard option has also emerged as can get a very good deal on Steiner binos through a trade friend. They have Steiner Nighthunter XP 8x56 binos with porro prism for £770 RRP less trade discount etc. Not quite in the price or quality bracket of the Swaro or Zeiss but maybe a good enough option allowing funds to be spent on other kit and stalks. Looking at the forum, all seems positive on the Steiners but any comments welcome.

Thanks again.

I use Steiner ranger pro 8 x 42's and I think that they are a good choice if the Swarovski EL in 8.5 x 42 breaks your budget. atb Tim

 

[LJT40]

All depends on what type of stalking you do the most, woodland i would go for 7's or 8's. Hill i would go for 10's. I have to agree the 8.5x42 EL Swaro's are fantastic and a great all-rounder. The quality of swaro/zeiss/leica comes through in the poor light so looking through in the middle of the day will not help much.

M

 

[JAYB]

I use Kahles 10x42, perfect as far as I am concerned, have a look at Macleods website, he has somje ex demo ones aqt bargain prices.

John

 

[Stover Rover]

looking at the previous posts it looks like a Swarovski/Zeiss love in, let me chip in with a recommendation for Nikon High Grade bins, £500 notes cheaper and a better image IMHO, especially edge of field.

 

[JabaliHunter]

By all accounts, Nikon EDG are up there with Zeiss FL and Swarovski EL in quality (and price) but you never hear much about them...

 

[bogtrotter]

Any of the top three if money is not a problem, swaro would be my personal choice, but have never been able to afford them, being a professional stalker is not the best paid job in the world, so if money is tight minox or some of the top of the range opticrons are very good glasses for the money.