Yes, I searched this topic already but did not come away with any satisfactory thoughts. I've wanted high end binoculars for a long time and have finally decided to take the plunge. Not really interested in Swaros, so Leica or Zeiss? 8 x 42s should fit the bill for the hunting I do. Thoughts?
Leica vs Zeiss
- Thread starter MetricMan
- Start date
Whatever you decide will be good - they are both amazing. I own both Zeiss and Leica optics and they are extremely close in clarity. In your case though, I'd go with the Leica Geovid 8 or 10x42 range finding binos. Why mess around when you can have both in one.
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
Have you put any thought into Kahles binos?
I did a search on something similar to this topic, about which is better when money is not the matter, and the Zeiss come of as a winner for spotting scope, but when I take a look though it, it show that the Swar come of as a winner, performance and easy of using.
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
It's Swarovski.
I've had all three, Leica Ultravid, Swarovski EL and Zeiss Victory. I kept the Leica, it was the clearest IMO.
The Swaro seemed to have a bit of a yellow hue to it and the "Hawk" symbol at the front of the bridge fell off not long from new, so I wasn't too impressed.
The Zeiss was good as well, but just a bit behind the Leica in clarity, at least when I look through it.
The best resources and reviews on the web are from birdwatcher websites, do a google search.
One thing I wished all bino manufacturers would do away with is the twist up eyecups, hate them. I have an old pair of Zeiss 7x42 BGA's that have the far superior solid rubber eyecups. They can be folded down for eyeglass wearers. Let's face it, you're not gonna wear glasses one day and go without the next, so why the quick twist cups? OK, rant off............
You won't be disappointed in either the Zeiss or Leica. FWIW, check out Cameraland on here, they have good deals on binos and they can ship them to Canada. If you want Leica, see if he has some older non-HD Ultravids, they are great, I don't think the extra $$ for HD is warranted. My $.02.
Leica would be my choice. I am on my second pair of Leica's only because I went from a heavy set of 10x50's to a set of 8x32's and both are great binos. Check out Camera Land, they also have certified pre-owned Leicas which will save you a pile of cash as well. Anyone who has bought them says they are like brand new ones. I just ordered a pre-owned Leica APO spotting scope from them to replace an older Leica that I just sold. Thats where I have bought all my optics from without an issue.
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bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
As most of you already know I am a user of Vortex Optics. The Razor HDs are in the running with the other brands you gentlemen are throwing around, but I will not say they are better because everyone's eyes see things a little bit different.
One thing I will comment on though is why would you reccomend going to a US retailer for goods that can be found in our country? In this economy, we need to buy from Canadian retailers when ever possible. Nothing against Camera Land, I understand they give excellent customer service, but please think about supporting Canadian retailers for your purchases!
One thing I will comment on though is why would you reccomend going to a US retailer for goods that can be found in our country? In this economy, we need to buy from Canadian retailers when ever possible. Nothing against Camera Land, I understand they give excellent customer service, but please think about supporting Canadian retailers for your purchases!
Either Leica or Zeiss would be excellent. I currently have Swaro EL 8.5x42 and to me they were the clearest optically. If I had to buy today though I would probably go geovids to get the rangefinding capability.
I have some older Zeiss and Leica's(7x42's both) and last year spent the better part of an hour trying to determine which was best. I used optical viewing charts, looked in early evening, late night, everything, I was unable to pick a top choice. Really, if it takes that much effort to pick a winner I doubt you could make a bad choice, both are above excellent. Sort of like picking between a 270, 280 and a 30-06. Well......... more like picking between a 280 and 30-06. (the 270 is the most overrated waste of brass and bullets ever made.)
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
They are a sponsor of this website and you can often save hundreds over buying the same binocular in Canada.
Canadian retailers get plenty of my support for scopes,rifles,handguns,shotguns and all parts/accessories/reloading equipment related to them.
Looks like the Leica Ultravid HD gets the nod. I've owned a rangefinder for years, but have rarely used it for hunting, as most of my shots are under 100 yards.
Thanks for your thoughts guys!
(Big Boar, I have to agree with you on the 270, having owned the 270, a 280 and a 30-06.)
Thanks for your thoughts guys!
(Big Boar, I have to agree with you on the 270, having owned the 270, a 280 and a 30-06.)
I have found businesses often will sell for less if you talk to them. But the biggest issue is customer service. Where will the American retailer be when you need warranty work? Most Canadian Distributers of products will not warranty a product bought from the US.
