Mid range hunting binos

CheeseBurger

CheeseBurger

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Invermere, BC
I'm in the market for new binos. Leaning towards 10x and I'd like to spend no more than $1600-2000. I currently have Vortex Diamondback 8x42 binos so obviously a big upgrade.

Just want to make sure I don't miss looking at any models. Currently looking at Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 Vortex Razor HD 10x42 and Vortex Fury 5000 HD

Cheers,

Tyler
 
The razors are LEGIT. Plus you can't beat that warranty. I am reluctant to admit I am a bit of a Leupold fan boy and I have started to lean toward Vortex because they have a killer warranty and there optics are great quality.
 
Bird forums...…………………...could be some interesting info there...……………….oh, welcome back...………………………:wave:
 
I have had the vortex viper 10x42 for 2 years of bird watching in all weathers and have been happy with them. Spouse has 8x42 razors for a bit longer and is very happy with them and likes wider field of view and the fact that she feels they are, for her, steadier than the 10x. Almost double the price of vipers though so I strongly suggest trying before buying if at all possible and compare them to you diamondbacks.
Son has had 10x50 razors for 10 years of very hard use in all seasons. Replaced once a few years ago with no problem with noticeable improvements in optics from his originals.
Liked the vortex binoculars enough that we bought a razor scope. Not cheap but great investment.
There may be a sale on at Pelee wings. Not a site sponsor but perhaps sponsors may price match.
 
IR_Mike said:
If you are going to spend 2000$ go leica, swarovski, meopta.
With that budget why mess around.
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Because with a budget of $1600 it's really tough to get into a full size hunting bino in 10x from across the pond that match the Razors. I'll echo the above... The vortex razor HD 10x42 are legit. I've compared them side by side with a pair of 10x42 EL Swaro's and there's no way I could see an extra $2k worth of difference in the swaros.

Shop the EE here for some razors and possibly save even more.
 
Clocked92 said:
Because with a budget of $1600 it's really tough to get into a full size hunting bino in 10x from across the pond that match the Razors. I'll echo the above... The vortex razor HD 10x42 are legit. I've compared them side by side with a pair of 10x42 EL Swaro's and there's no way I could see an extra $2k worth of difference in the swaros.

Shop the EE here for some razors and possibly save even more.
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https://www.optics-trade.eu/ca/bino...shopby/manufacturer-meopta.html?price=43-2555
 
kamlooky said:
Bird forums...…………………...could be some interesting info there...……………….oh, welcome back...………………………:wave:
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Yes, birdforum.net has an excellent section on binoculars of all types. And my own 2 cents worth is that nobody beats Zeiss in the higher price ranges, nobody.
 
I purchased a pair of Swarovski SLC 10x42 just before Christmas for $1850 from Pelée Wings. They replaces a pair of Vortex Viper HD binoculars. There is no comparison between the two. I can now pick up coyotes much further in brush than I thought possible. A friend has a pair of Swarovski EL. They are better than the SLC but twice as good? Not for me. I have looked through the Razor and while they are very good, they are definitely not SLC good.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. I talked to the guys at Peelee wings. Very helpful and far cheaper than the big box stores - I will probably order from them especially if I go with the Swaro SLC's. $350 cheaper than Cabellas. My problem is I need to get my eyeballs on some glass, so next time I'm in Calgary will be when I decide. After looking through a buddy's Maven C1's I would consider Maven B2's too but so hard when you can't look through them before purchasing.
 
FWIW, I went through this a while ago. Spent the afternoon going back and forth between the Zeiss Conquest HD's and the Vortex Razor HD's.. could not tell a diff with the conditions that day so I went for the warranty. Mountain hunting can get nasty so the extra coverage pushed my vote. Also helped that I found the Razor's on the EE for a good deal.

After two seasons I'm still very happy with my decision. I notice a little chromatic aberration when the conditions are right but the clarity and depth of field are both great.

The Swaro SCL's are a decent upgrade if you have the cash to spend. Smaller FOV but bigger sweet spot and color's are great.

Going between my Razor's and a friends SCL's, it was hard to justify the extra cost until we had a chance to compare in lower light. The Razor's start to grey out a bit but the Swaro's held their contrast.

My wife loves the Razor's so maybe one day I'll get an excuse to upgrade myself ;)
 
dusticles said:
Going between my Razor's and a friends SCL's, it was hard to justify the extra cost until we had a chance to compare in lower light. The Razor's start to grey out a bit but the Swaro's held their contrast.
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Think you just sold me on the SLC’s right there. So hard to see that in a store. Thanks!
 
Just wanted to say I ended up with Swarovski SLC 10x42’s from Peelee Wings. Highly recommend talking to these guys if anyone needs binos. Great prices ~350 cheaper than Cabelas and great customer service. Flat rate shipping was $10 I believe. No affiliation just a happy customer.

Thanks to “Dunno” for putting them on my radar! I owe you a beer if we ever cross paths!
 
CheeseBurger said:
Just wanted to say I ended up with Swarovski SLC 10x42’s from Peelee Wings. Highly recommend talking to these guys if anyone needs binos. Great prices ~350 cheaper than Cabelas and great customer service. Flat rate shipping was $10 I believe. No affiliation just a happy customer.

Thanks to “Dunno” for putting them on my radar! I owe you a beer if we ever cross paths!
Click to expand...

You are very welcome! You will like them I’m sure.
 
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