gdunc Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 So I need a set of good quality bins for my new found love of deer stalking and with both advice and reading reviews i've decided that Swarovski is where it's at. The problem from there is deciding on the best value as I've been spending a hell of a lot on 'sporting equipment' this past year and I think she's finally on to me. I've narrowed my choice down to the dinky 8x20 pocket compacts at £300 or the SLC 8x30 at around £530. Since getting value for money is my main objective - are the SLC's that much better a package that they should cost nearly twice as much? Practical experience of these particular bins is welcomed as I try and decide - any help is appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob300w Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 I would have a look at the Zeiss range before you part with your hard-earned cash, the Conquest range are lighter, and better dawn and dusk performance that Swarovski, the Victory range are even better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuck1 Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Can I just say, is your heart really set on Swaro? The reason I ask is, if you are fairly new to the sport, there are binos on the market which cost half the price and give, I guess, 90% of the optical quality. My suggestion is this. Don't buy anythinguntil you have consulted the PW resident binoc guru, Fisherman Mike. He knows his onions. Second, don't rule out other makes. There is some top glass around for not much money, there is some good second hand stuff in reputable shops, and many places will let you try a few pairs out before you buy, a practice that I highly recommend. But speak to Mike. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 I have a pair of Steiner binos, which are phenomenal. I would have a look on Fleabay, any any bird-watching sites, to see what is on offer second-hand. Don't rule out Leica (if you can afford it) and Meopta (if you can find them). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdunc Posted March 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Thanks lads, all good stuff. The Swaros are available in relatively decent deals in comparison to Leica and Zeiss who I had also been reccomended / read reviews of. I don't mind paying a decent amount for what should be a pair for life and I have used both Leica and Swarovski bins which belong to friends i've been out stalking with. I currently have a few varieties of halfway decent cheaper bins anf found the performance of the Swaros noticeably better. I just wonder if the smaller pair will be fit for what I need or if the slightly larger set will be noticeably better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palombier Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Gdunc I've had both the 8x30 and the 8.5x42 Swaro's. They are both superb binoculars the 8x30's are nice and light and the 8.5s give you a bit of added performance especially at low light. You could argue all day about the merits and demerits of Zeiss, Leica v Swarovski etc. But you won't go wrong with Swarovski so if you want a pair go for them. Have a look at the 'In focus' website for some product reviews from the 'experts' http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/reviews_bins.html. regards P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdunc Posted March 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Gdunc I've had both the 8x30 and the 8.5x42 Swaro's. They are both superb binoculars the 8x30's are nice and light and the 8.5s give you a bit of added performance especially at low light. You could argue all day about the merits and demerits of Zeiss, Leica v Swarovski etc. But you won't go wrong with Swarovski so if you want a pair go for them. Have a look at the 'In focus' website for some product reviews from the 'experts' http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/reviews_bins.html. regards P I like both the size and the light nature of the 8x30s and this would definately be as far as i'm prepared to go price wise at the moment. I realise that you may not have handled them but do you think that the 8x20 would be close enough in performance (in low light) as to be worthwhile and thus save me a few quid to spend on other goodies keeping the missus at bay with smoke screens and mirrors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palombier Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Gdunc I've never been that impressed with compacts and in your case I don't think it is a compromise/economy worth taking; you need to splash out the money for 8x30's, you won't regret it and the cost will be soon forgotten. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chard Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 I use Swarovski EL 10 x 42 bins - awesome bit of kit, not heavy or particularly bulky either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Keep your mind open until you have looked through a few others as has been said. It's up to you but I would go for a 'full sized' pair of bino's, it's a big commitment so don't rush it. I would also not rule out optically perfect secondhand either, that way you won't get upset if they get bumped or scratched in the field. London Camera Exchange always have pre-owned bino's in stock, and they are a decent company to deal with too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 Yorkguns have slc 8x30's S/H for £400, give them a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 And although not Swaro's, try and get a look through some of these: http://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/proddetai...USHLEGENDBINO08 2 of us use Zeiss bino's and the other 2 use these, they aren't quite as good but they are still very good for the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Taking the average of your price range at around the £400 quid mark buy the best pair you can afford. Avoid anything other than 8 or 8.5 mag otherwise when on the move and the Adrenalin is flowing you wont be able to control the shake of 10 x mag Bins. To this add the biggest objective lens for maximum light gathering in Low light conditions to a bin which will give you the maximum field of view at 1000m. Choose something rugged, waterproof and rubber armoured Chuck in the price tag at 3 to 400 Pull the handle and up in the slot appears.......................Opticron 8x42 BGA SE Imagic Roof Prism Binoculars Circa 375............bargain Once youve picked them up you wont put them down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuck1 Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Mike, took your advice and got the Swift's. Fantastic. I reckon very, very close to my mate's Swaro EL's. Thanks for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Great....... Nice bit of kit at the price tag........Clarity is Phenomenal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdunc Posted March 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Fister - mostly woodland with a few annual outings on the hill for hinds. Thanks for the advice and reccomendations chaps, it's appreciated. I'm kinda set on the 8x30 Swaros as a neat and tidy package in both design, size and weight which, having read a number of reviews, performs well. I may purchase second hand or just go for it and sneek in a new pair. Cheers Dunc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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