long term durabilty?

[matt green]

now its been a few years since most of the top models have been on the market,I thought i'd ask about which of the top five binoculars have proved to be the most durable?

having looked at most of the top end bins on the market I don't think any had any obvious weaknesses,however I have not owned all these binoculars myself so can't comment on how a pair of £700+ look after a few years use.

having owned three of the leica trinovid models,these would seem to be the most rugged/durable of all binoculars currently on the market,the swarovski
slc models also look very robust.

the el's look as is they would need to be treated with a bit more respect than most..but stand to be corrected.

matt

[Ericmd]

8.5X42 Els
3 years old now
front hinge cover went missing after 2 years,can't see why as it's never touched
Right eyepiece no longer rotates on its way out.
Hinge still stiff as new
Focus wheel has found a 'dead' spot;ie turn but no change.

[denco@comcast.n]

now its been a few years since most of the top models have been on the market,I thought i'd ask about which of the top five binoculars have proved to be the most durable?

having looked at most of the top end bins on the market I don't think any had any obvious weaknesses,however I have not owned all these binoculars myself so can't comment on how a pair of £700+ look after a few years use.

having owned three of the leica trinovid models,these would seem to be the most rugged/durable of all binoculars currently on the market,the swarovski
slc models also look very robust.

the el's look as is they would need to be treated with a bit more respect than most..but stand to be corrected.

matt


I have had all the top models for years and I would say the Leica Trinovids are the most durable. The Swarovski's protective rubber gets loose after awhile and so does the Nikon's. I think the Leica's armor is not quite as soft and comfortable as the other top guns but that is the characteristic that makes them last the longest. They are just built like a tank and they last like one too.

Dennis

[josika]

I have had a Leica 8*32 BA since 1995 and they are almost like new. I also have a pair of Swarowski 10*42 EL's which are 5 years old and the only blemish is that there is some bubbling in the rubber armouring.

[denco@comcast.n]

I have had a Leica 8*32 BA since 1995 and they are almost like new. I also have a pair of Swarowski 10*42 EL's which are 5 years old and the only blemish is that there is some bubbling in the rubber armouring.


Yea. The Swarovski's armour is softer and it does not last as long as the Leica's. It tends to bubble.

Dennis

[chartwell99]

[QUOTE=denco@comcast.n]Yea. The Swarovski's armour is softer and it does not last as long as the Leica's. It tends to bubble.

Dennis[/QUOTE

In my experience with the Leica armoring on the BA series, the surface becomes slick and develops a white powdery "bloom" (which may be partly due to our challenging Houston summers). Leica service in New Jersey recommended Armorall to address the bloom, and the stuff does work for a time, but unfortunately also adds to the slickness problem. That said, I would agree with Dennis's earlier post that the Leicas are built like a tank and lead the pack in overall long term durability. I especially appreciate the use of brass against aluminum surfaces as a natural lubricant for the Leica focusing mechanism, although first several year's use is never as smooth as the competition, especially the Nikon HG's. I would also cast a vote for the long term durability of the Zeiss Classic series, especially the 8 x 30 BGA and its sibling, the 10 x 40 BGA. I have had the lubricant dry out on the focuser for the 7 x 42 BGA Classic, but Zeiss lifetime warranty service addressed the issue promptly and successfully - actually, returning the binocular in better than new condition.

[Swissboy]

now its been a few years since most of the top models have been on the market,I thought i'd ask about which of the top five binoculars have proved to be the most durable? ...matt

I think we still have to wait for the FLs and the Ultravids to add a few years. The earlier Zeiss Victories (1 & 2) tend to look "worn" after a few years of heavy use; so far, my FLs do not show any such sign. But except for their appearance, those older Victory models seem to be quite robust.

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings!

I'm going to put in another vote for the Leica Trinovid BA/BN series. Of all my binoculars, those seem to have the most rugged armoring and solid construction overall.

I haven't managed to kill mine yet... although not from a lack of trying! :)

Best wishes,
Bawko