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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

Best 10x42 for $1k (1 Viewer)

B

Blandrev

Member
United States
I’m looking at purchasing some new 10x42 bins for $1k or so… I currently have Vortex Diamondback 10x42.

If I’m patient, can I find used Swarovski EL 8.5x42s used for this range? I’m also looking at Viper UHD, they have them on Europtic new for $900 right now.

Any other recommendations?
 
I would recommend the Swarovski EL 10x42 first, but I think it will be hard to find even a used one for $1000, so I would second GrampaToms advice and either go for a Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 which are very good or wait for the Zeiss HDX 10x42. Personally, I would wait for the Zeiss HDX 10x42 because I think with a field flattener lens it will have sharper edges than the HG, and it is already one of the sharpest 10x42's on-axis at the $1000 price point. I like the look of the new modernized HDX, and I think the updates will make it hard to beat for the money.
 
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Blandrev said:
I’m looking at purchasing some new 10x42 bins for $1k or so… I currently have Vortex Diamondback 10x42.

If I’m patient, can I find used Swarovski EL 8.5x42s used for this range? I’m also looking at Viper UHD, they have them on Europtic new for $900 right now.

Any other recommendations?
Click to expand...
All of the $1000 range binos are excellent, it’s not about which is better, they’re all about the same. One might slightly excel in one area, where another will excel slightly in another area. What you should do is see if there’s a way for you to try out a couple, and then pick the one that you like the best. Of all the ones you mentioned the Vortex UHD 42 is a clear step up from the $1000 genre, they’re closer to the alpha class.

Now it has recently come to our attention and with a few reviews that there is a $250 Chinese binocular, the APM 6.5x32 porro , which optically is said to better than all these in the $1000 range. Something to consider if you don’t have an aversion to MIC.

The Swarovski you’re looking at on eBay is the earlier non SV (swarovision) version, nice but not on the level of the EL SV, imo.
 
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Just to clarify you mentioned Viper UHD, in the $1000 range that would be the Razor HD, the UHD Razor is the vortex top of the line roof, with AK prisms. There is a Viper HD, that’s in the $500 range.
 
Blandrev said:
I may be able to stretch a little bit for these, but with no picture and only “very good” condition listed, hard to say what I’d get.

www.bearbasin.net

Swarovski EL Binocular 8.5x42 (Previously Owned, Very Very Good Condition)

We have the best prices on rifle scopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, long range scopes, hunting optics & birding optics
www.bearbasin.net
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No expert here but I agree with @Paultricounty both appear to be the original pre -SV EL without the later swarovision field flattening tech. Some people prefer these originals as they do not have the rolling ball effect when panning or the poster flat image effect. So on the auction version you may be competing with people who are willing to pay a slight premium accordingly.

Good luck with the Quest.

Mike
 
Blandrev said:
I’m looking at purchasing some new 10x42 bins for $1k or so… I currently have Vortex Diamondback 10x42.

If I’m patient, can I find used Swarovski EL 8.5x42s used for this range? I’m also looking at Viper UHD, they have them on Europtic new for $900 right now.

Any other recommendations?
Click to expand...
By any chance are you in the tristate area, NY, NJ etc.?

If you were reasonably close, I have all of the ones your talking about and you could try some of them out one afternoon.

Good luck.
 
Paultricounty said:
Just to clarify you mentioned Viper UHD, in the $1000 range that would be the Razor HD, the UHD Razor is the vortex top of the line roof, with AK prisms. There is a Viper HD, that’s in the $500 range.
Click to expand...
Thanks for all the feedback, Eurooptic has UHD for $900.

www.eurooptic.com

Vortex Razor UHD 8x42 Binocular RZB-3101

Vortex Razor UHD 8x42 Binocular RZB-3101 are designed to be the most versatile long-range binoculars! The superb optical system in the Razor UHD Binoculars is protected by a lightweight, durable magnesium alloy chassis. Shop Vortex Optic online.
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com
 
Paultricounty said:
By any chance are you in the tristate area, NY, NJ etc.?

If you were reasonably close, I have all of the ones your talking about and you could try some of them out one afternoon.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the offer, unfortunately I’m not, I’m in Florida. All of your thoughts are very much appreciated!
 
Blandrev said:
Thanks for all the feedback, Eurooptic has UHD for $900.

www.eurooptic.com

Vortex Razor UHD 8x42 Binocular RZB-3101

Vortex Razor UHD 8x42 Binocular RZB-3101 are designed to be the most versatile long-range binoculars! The superb optical system in the Razor UHD Binoculars is protected by a lightweight, durable magnesium alloy chassis. Shop Vortex Optic online.
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com
Click to expand...
If those are new , I’d jump all over those for that price. Heck I’d jump all over those even if used in good shape. If you didn’t like something about them, you’d easily be able to sell and get your money back. Reach out to me if you did buy them and decide to sell. I sold one before the holidays last year , used good condition for $1300.

These are magnificent, optics and Binoculars. These are one of the brightest roof 42’s you’ll ever try, next to the Zeiss FL’s, as sharp as anything out there. Brighter and sharper than anything in that $1000 range. You will not be disappointed with these binoculars. They are heavy for 42’s though.
 
These are the ones I would like - the Nikon MHG have really nice optics and very light weight. Vortex UHD. Those would be my first two picks. You could get Zeiss SFL's for $1500 or Nikon EDG for around $1500.
 
Paultricounty said:
If those are new , I’d jump all over those for that price. Heck I’d jump all over those even if used in good shape. If you didn’t like something about them, you’d easily be able to sell and get your money back. Reach out to me if you did buy them and decide to sell. I sold one before the holidays last year , used good condition for $1300.

These are magnificent, optics and Binoculars. These are one of the brightest roof 42’s you’ll ever try, next to the Zeiss FL’s, as sharp as anything out there. Brighter and sharper than anything in that $1000 range. You will not be disappointed with these binoculars. They are heavy for 42’s though.
Click to expand...
Those are new in box UHD's that do not come with a binocular case/harness. They do come with all of the other accessories though. It's an absolute steal at $900.
 
Seems odd they haven't been sent to Zeiss to be repaired already.
I would be cautious.
U.K. Zeiss service is second to none, from my experience, can't comment on U.S.A
 
I’d be cautious as well. I’d give them a call and ask them what’s the deal with these. Adaroma is a pretty good company, so I’m curious as to why they wouldn’t send a $3000 bino in for repair and sell them for much more when returned.
 
Makes sense on the concerns, definitely odd they wouldn’t send them in before selling them. I’ve sent them an email, they are closes through Sunday, so I may call Monday if I don’t hear back. I’m leaving towards the UHD 8x42s given the great price and quality. I think I’ll be fine with the weight.

Thr Nikon MHG look interesting too, but I’m thinking thr optics will be better on the UHDs. The Conquest HDX seem interesting too, but we won’t know how good they are until they hit, and the FOV seems relatively narrow compared to others.
 

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