Hello all,
I'll soon be ready to buy my first set of high-end bins (currently using Vanguard Endeavor EDII 8x42). I've narrowed my search down to the Swarovski El 8.5x42 and Zeiss SF 8x42. I've tried both pairs on two occasions now, once in reasonable light, once in low light. I think that optically, I would be happy with either; I love the wide FOV and (to my eyes) superior brightness of the Zeiss, but would also settle for the higher magnification (and possibly more neutral colours?) of the Swaro. When it comes to ergonomics, however, I much prefer the Zeiss. Not that the Swaro is bad, but the Zeiss just feels a lot lighter and has a much smoother focus. So all in all, the Zeiss made a greater impression on me than the Swaro. Despite this, I can't help thinking that the latter would be a safer option. It is a known quantity which has stood the test of time, and I would get total piece of mind thanks to Swarovski's apparently unrivalled customer service. Conversely, I keep coming across posts expressing doubt about Zeiss's build quality and quality control, and not just in relation to the older grey version; certainly, the sales person at my preferred optics retailer does not think much of Zeiss build quality and after-sales service and much prefers Swarovski. As I'm fairly cautious by nature, and hope to keep whichever pair I buy for at least the next 20 years, I'm still considering getting the Swaro even though I prefer the Zeiss.
I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on the matter, and whether you think these are legitimate concerns.
I'll soon be ready to buy my first set of high-end bins (currently using Vanguard Endeavor EDII 8x42). I've narrowed my search down to the Swarovski El 8.5x42 and Zeiss SF 8x42. I've tried both pairs on two occasions now, once in reasonable light, once in low light. I think that optically, I would be happy with either; I love the wide FOV and (to my eyes) superior brightness of the Zeiss, but would also settle for the higher magnification (and possibly more neutral colours?) of the Swaro. When it comes to ergonomics, however, I much prefer the Zeiss. Not that the Swaro is bad, but the Zeiss just feels a lot lighter and has a much smoother focus. So all in all, the Zeiss made a greater impression on me than the Swaro. Despite this, I can't help thinking that the latter would be a safer option. It is a known quantity which has stood the test of time, and I would get total piece of mind thanks to Swarovski's apparently unrivalled customer service. Conversely, I keep coming across posts expressing doubt about Zeiss's build quality and quality control, and not just in relation to the older grey version; certainly, the sales person at my preferred optics retailer does not think much of Zeiss build quality and after-sales service and much prefers Swarovski. As I'm fairly cautious by nature, and hope to keep whichever pair I buy for at least the next 20 years, I'm still considering getting the Swaro even though I prefer the Zeiss.
I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on the matter, and whether you think these are legitimate concerns.