Binocular Recommendation $2k budget (1 Viewer)

[Paultricounty]

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and was wondering if I could pick everyone’s brains on binocular recommendations.

I kind of have my heart set on 10x42’s but I am open to suggestions. I spend a lot of time hiking so anything larger than 10x42 becomes quite cumbersome to lug around.

I am willing to spend up to $2,000 but I prefer to buy used. Any suggestions for the best place to find a good deal on used Binoculars?

Cheers.

For Swarovski give Gorden a call at honey Creek Bill and beak 717-247-7944.
Possible open box or used call,
Try B&H photo 212–4 44–6615
Adaroma 212-741-0401.

All great companies I’ve dealt with for years.

Stay far away from the Long island retailer.

 

[chill6x6]

If I had $2000 and only $2000, what would I buy?

1. Amazon has a UVHD+ 7X42 NIB for $1734.95. That's the one I'd get and never look back and never sell it. Nothing new or flashy. Just proven mechanics and optics. AND it's a Leica.
2. Zeiss SFL 8X40. A little new and a little flashy. An excellent binocular. I think it's Zeiss's best effort in several years.
3. One of the Swarovski EL WBs for $1999.00. You can probably get it without sales tax at a couple of places...

That's it!

 

[MiddleRiver]

If I had $2000 and only $2000, what would I buy?

1. Amazon has a UVHD+ 7X42 NIB for $1734.95. That's the one I'd get and never look back and never sell it. Nothing new or flashy. Just proven mechanics and optics. AND it's a Leica.
2. Zeiss SFL 8X40. A little new and a little flashy. An excellent binocular. I think it's Zeiss's best effort in several years.
3. One of the Swarovski EL WBs for $1999.00. You can probably get it without sales tax at a couple of places...

That's it!

How would you know? Have you ever tried more than one or two bins?
😂

 

[chill6x6]

How would you know? Have you ever tried more than one or two bins?
😂

I got it right the first time!

 

[MiddleRiver]

I got it right the first time!

If I had $2000 and only $2000, what would I buy?

1. Amazon has a UVHD+ 7X42 NIB for $1734.95. That's the one I'd get and never look back and never sell it. Nothing new or flashy. Just proven mechanics and optics. AND it's a Leica.
2. Zeiss SFL 8X40. A little new and a little flashy. An excellent binocular. I think it's Zeiss's best effort in several years.
3. One of the Swarovski EL WBs for $1999.00. You can probably get it without sales tax at a couple of places...

That's it!

I joked about Chuck's collection (to OP, if you are not aware, Chill6x6 is one of those poor souls who owns or has owned nearly every bino you might be curious about ;-) but joking aside, I find it fascinating that a 7X is at top of list. Granted there's a $2000 clg. But there are lots of nice 8x and 10x in that same class. I tend to concur and find my 7x Retro's to be just plain fun to use. No fiddly, no shakey, no hassle, and a bright wide view.

I'll also second the SFL's. For some reason they sometimes get relegated to 2nd tier (I suspect the fact that they are MIJ turns people off), but honestly, they are superb and tick all the boxes.

 

[Paultricounty]

I joked about Chuck's collection (to OP, if you are not aware, Chill6x6 is one of those poor souls who owns or has owned nearly every bino you might be curious about ;-) but joking aside, I find it fascinating that a 7X is at top of list. Granted there's a $2000 clg. But there are lots of nice 8x and 10x in that same class. I tend to concur and find my 7x Retro's to be just plain fun to use. No fiddly, no shakey, no hassle, and a bright wide view.

You just described why I like 7X so much. And ditto on Chuck.

I'll also second the SFL's. For some reason they sometimes get relegated to 2nd tier (I suspect the fact that they are MIJ turns people off), but honestly, they are superb and tick all the boxes.

Why would you expect MIJ might turn some people off? Were you referring to people wanting their Zeiss to be made in Germany? Zeiss sells more MIC Terra's, no problem there.

 

[chill6x6]

Thing is...I've had a UVHD+ for 10 years(8X42) and the 7X42 for 9 years. I've got 12 Leica binoculars of most models(had 13 until recently). I've never sent one back to have anything done to any of them, ever. Really I never hear of an issue with an Ultravid ever other than a less than perfect focus that one can certainly live with(no different than an SLC or EL). I've never heard of armoring pealing off. Never a hinge tension issue. Never cheap eyecups. That ol Ultravid...pretty much tried and true.

 

[Patudo]

Chill6x6 is one of those poor souls who owns or has owned nearly every bino you might be curious about ;-)

(metaphorically, of course...)

 

[GF99-99]

Hi All,

Just an update, I ended up going with 10x42 EL’s

Found what I think to be a fairly good deal $1899 out the door, no sales tax and free shipping. When I called they said I got the last pair (lucky me). Yeah I'm sure I could have searched around for a used pair but I do not often see 10x42 SL’s come up so just ended up going the new route.

I know there are pros and cons to 8x and 10x but personally I have always liked 10x. I use to hunt a lot and have no issues hiking around with 10x42 so the weight and size I am very use to and I have not issues with it. Also I have spent a lot of hours behind 8x and 10x so I am very away of the difference and just like 10x better. But I do appreciate everyone’s input and feedback.

 

[Paultricounty]

Hi All,

Just an update, I ended up going with 10x42 EL’s

Found what I think to be a fairly good deal $1899 out the door, no sales tax and free shipping. When I called they said I got the last pair (lucky me). Yeah I'm sure I could have searched around for a used pair but I do not often see 10x42 SL’s come up so just ended up going the new route.

I know there are pros and cons to 8x and 10x but personally I have always liked 10x. I use to hunt a lot and have no issues hiking around with 10x42 so the weight and size I am very use to and I have not issues with it. Also I have spent a lot of hours behind 8x and 10x so I am very away of the difference and just like 10x better. But I do appreciate everyone’s input and feedback.



View attachment 1561801

Excellent choice. Btw you redacted the credit card info, we couldn’t quite read those numbers 🤪🤣🙏

 

[chill6x6]

That's a deal that would be hard to pass up!
Great purchase!

 

[Maljunulo]

Congratulations on an excellent choice.

Enjoy them, now that you have chosen.

Remember, it is possible to overthink anything.

 

[Patudo]

Has anyone ever heard of a governmet contract for a 10x hand-held binocular?

Doesn't the German Army use 10x50 to the present day?

 

[GF99-99]

Excellent choice. Btw you redacted the credit card info, we couldn’t quite read those numbers 🤪🤣🙏

Hahah well I figured I did not need to buy the entire forum a new set of EL’s. Just buying one already put a big dent in the wallet.

 

[Tringa45]

Doesn't the German Army use 10x50 to the present day?

Not that I know of, but I didn't serve.

John

 

[JC1948]

To each his own, but I can't agree and think the gains are marginal and outweighed by the disadvantages.
Theoretically a 10x binocular will show you at 100 m what an 8x binocular will show at 80 m, but it's not that simple.
Hand shake determines the sensible upper limit for magnification and at 10x will be apparently 25% higher and diminish your gains.
If you have ever mounted a 10x binocular on a tripod the difference to hand-held is striking.
In addition the field of view will suffer and depth of field of the 10x will only be 64% of the 8x, so in the woods a 10x is at a disadvantage forcing you to search for the bird in all three dimensions, and of course, the exit pupil will be smaller with possible influence on ease of view and brightness at dusk or dawn.
Eye relief is often lower and suboptimal for glasses wearers on versions with higher magnification, but ELs, NLs and SFs are exceptions.
I have owned a 10x42 EL SV, btw, since 2012. Optically it's excellent but apart from an occasionall look at the night sky (on a tripod) it doesn't get much use.
Nearly all naval and military binoculars are 7x or 8x. Has anyone ever heard of a governmet contract for a 10x hand-held binocular?
If you want more reach, there's no alternative to a scope.
Excuse the rant.

John

John
My favorite birding binoculars are my 1996 Leica 7x42 BA’s. For me their FOV works especially for warblers and ground feeders. They are also a good choice for hunting in the PSNW rainforests.
My 10x42 Leica Trinivoids serve me well for hunting Montana, Wyoming, etc. I also like them for birding at a distance when I don’t want to lug my scope around. I can not tell much difference between the two other then how far I can see clearly.
When weight and size are an issue I go to my 8x30WB Swarovskis. I have good results with them.
I can’t discuss the technical aspects of all of these. I just know what I am happy with and how they work for me. If I could only own one of these or any other of the many I have owned it would be the 7x42 Leica BA’s.

 

[goodnature]

Hi All,

New guy here. I too am in the market for a pair of binoculars in the $2K price range. I've never owned a pair, but have done enough research to make my head hurt. I'll predominantly be using them for bird watching and carrying them with me on the occasional hunt.

After reading this post, I have a big question to ask. Currently, B&H has a used Leica 8x42 Ultravid HD-Plus for $$1,798.95. I was initially looking at a pair of Swarovski 8.5x42 EL on the same site which are brand new for $1999.99.

What would the experts here recommend? Would you guys recommend a completely different option? Chill6X6 mentioned a 7x42 Leica that he'd never part with and with his expertise it makes we want to jump on the used Leica.

 

[Scott98]

Hi All,


After reading this post, I have a big question to ask. Currently, B&H has a used Leica 8x42 Ultravid HD-Plus for $$1,798.95. I was initially looking at a pair of Swarovski 8.5x42 EL on the same site which are brand new for $1999.99.

those are two very nice binoculars and good prices. I don't think any expert can help you, only you will know which one you prefer. B&H is a good place to order a used pair and send them back if you don't like them. I'm lucky to have a local store that stocks all the Swaro, Zeiss and Nikon so I can try them in person first.

there are major differences in the body of these two with the Swaro having its open, 2-bridge design and the Leica with one big bridge. The focusers are different. The Swaro prioritizes flat field i.e. sharp all the way to the edge of field. The Ultravid is less so, but then also has less warping and bending of the field and some people prefer the more natural feel to it.

I'm guessing part of the reason Chili likes his 7x42 UVHD is because of the low power - 7x. Great example of how certain people like certain things. Most birders go for 8-10x over 7x. The EL is slightly higher power than the UVHD 8x42

 

[chill6x6]

Hi All,

New guy here. I too am in the market for a pair of binoculars in the $2K price range. I've never owned a pair, but have done enough research to make my head hurt. I'll predominantly be using them for bird watching and carrying them with me on the occasional hunt.

After reading this post, I have a big question to ask. Currently, B&H has a used Leica 8x42 Ultravid HD-Plus for $$1,798.95. I was initially looking at a pair of Swarovski 8.5x42 EL on the same site which are brand new for $1999.99.

What would the experts here recommend? Would you guys recommend a completely different option? Chill6X6 mentioned a 7x42 Leica that he'd never part with and with his expertise it makes we want to jump on the used Leica.

Hi Mike,

We will start with the UVHD+ 7X42 first. I still have it! I still use it! I like 7X binoculars and always have. I use them mostly during the Summer months...lots of leaves and in thick foliage. A very easy binocular to get along with. This 7X42 is still in vogue today! That price above was a GREAT price! BUT...

I don't just have 7X42s and TBH I find 8X binoculars are probably better all-around binoculars. The two binoculars you mention above are both good ones and you'd almost have to flip a coin to pick between the two. I wouldn't toil over it too much. I think most folks would prefer the EL 8.5X42. I like the UVHD+ because of its compactness. I still have 8X32, 7X42, 8X42, and 8X50 UVHD+s and have never had an issue whatsoever. They generally have a little less FOV than what is currently fashionable but are just excellent overall binoculars.

Not knowing much about you I'd say go the EL 8.5X42 route. All things considered it's the better binocular optically overall.

 

[mwhogue]

Hi All,

New guy here. I too am in the market for a pair of binoculars in the $2K price range. I've never owned a pair, but have done enough research to make my head hurt. I'll predominantly be using them for bird watching and carrying them with me on the occasional hunt.

After reading this post, I have a big question to ask. Currently, B&H has a used Leica 8x42 Ultravid HD-Plus for $$1,798.95. I was initially looking at a pair of Swarovski 8.5x42 EL on the same site which are brand new for $1999.99.

What would the experts here recommend? Would you guys recommend a completely different option? Chill6X6 mentioned a 7x42 Leica that he'd never part with and with his expertise it makes we want to jump on the used Leica.

@goodnature,

Given what you say, I agree with Chuck's helpful, informative recommendation (post 39) that you try the SW 8.5x42. Much as I love a good 7x42, the 8.5x42 is generally a better all arounder especially if your plan is to have just one. Caveat: no such plan survives contact with premium optics.

It seems to me that many of us 7x fans here on the forum also have 8x and 10x as well so we can pick the best tool for different conditions and uses.

Good luck with the Quest and let us know how it goes.

Mike