Looking to purchase a new pair of binos for an upcoming hunt. Cost is not important as I want a great pair to last the rest of my hunting life. I hunt in open country mainly but I want some that will work in close quarters also. I have a great pair of Leupold 9x25 compacts that I bought in 1987. They are fantastic but I want something more in the 8x30 or 10x42 range. Suggestions please.

I have at present 2 pair of binoculars. A pair of 10x42 SLC Swaroxvskis that I bought before my first trip to Africa. Was and am well pleased with them and their performance but after the first trip I wanted a little better low light help so I bought a pair of 10x50 SLC's and that's basically my day to day glasses. They are a little heavy to carry but I have been well pleased with them especially in Africa. I am an avid birder and spent as much time watching birds in Africa as I did hunting. I have not found any glasses that are superior to them but must admit they are heavy. There may be less expensive glasses of equal quality of image and construction but I haven't found them.

I think the ones you have are ideal for a client.A Ph might need larger and better ones but for a client they're perfect,IMO,especially if you hunt with a scope.

I've had all sizes and most brands, and have settled on Swaro 8x30 ELs. Light enough without giving up light-gathering capability or optical quality.

quote:

Swaro 8x30 ELs

If you like some low light performance then any high end 8x42. 8x magnification is optimum when it comes to performance and light gathering. The higher the magnification per mm of objective lense the less light delivered to your eye

IMHO if you want the best get leicas. You will pay a lot, but they are unbelievable. Having said that,less expensive models work just fine on safari. Usually you are not hunting in low light conditions so light gathering is not as critical as in, perhaps, deer hunting where shooting is often done at last light.Leicas are also heavy. If you are happy with leupolds, why don't you stick with them and look for a larger model?

I have hunted with lots of brands. I have compared my glass to countless clients brands that I have guided over the years.

#1 Swarovski 10x42 EL
#2 Swarovski 10x42 SLC

Paul,
I've used Leica binoculars for the past 15 years and believe you cannot do better. Current pair is Leica Ultravid 10x42 that I wear under my off hand armpit.

Bought them used in perfect condition so saved about $250 or so. Depending on how old you are, you can't use the extra exit pupil of the 8x42 so go for the additional magnification of 10x42.

Regards, Tim

Guys...I know a 10x42 may be a little heavier, but who cares? If you are on safari, it is a special experience. I want to see everything the best I can, not just what I might shoot, so I want to take a good solid pair of binos...no compacts for me. You may not need them on an ele hunt, but what if a lion walks out at 250 yards in a riverbed? Pretty nice to be able to look at him and really see and appreciate him...just my opinion.

+1 for the Leica 10x42 Ultravids. The best!

Something else to think about is field of view.

I prefer my 10x42s in open country. In the thick bush i prefer my 8x42s.

quote:

Guys...I know a 10x42 may be a little heavier, but who cares?

Tim, if weight doesn't matter, I use a pair of Zeiss 10x56 for scouting out on the quad. They suck so much light I think the Moon dims a bit when you use them at night!

OK...you got me...within reason on weight...how about that? Plus 19 power is like a spotting scope and might be hard to find things in quickly, especially in the brush...

For the last 12 years a Leica has been my trustworthy compadre from the frozen Northern Norway, via misty English countryside to the hot Southern Africa.

Mine is the older model Trinovid 8x42 BA.
It is built like a tank and weights a hefty 1 kilo with strap and lense covers.

For instance, the new model 8x42 Ultravid HD weights 800 grams / 28 oz.
The optical quality in Leica is second to none in my experience.

I also have the large Zeiss Victory 10x56 which I use for low light and night hunting for red and roe deer (legal in my country).
It is a superior top class set of binoculars, but the old Leica follow the big Zeiss a long way.

For general use I have found that the 8x42 is a very good compromise. Small enough to be easely carried along, but still with optical quality, that make one handle the dusk and dawn in a superior way.

I also have a Zeiss Conquest 10x30 BT which is a light and useful set for daytime hunting and when hiking the woods or mountains.

But the old Leica wins hands down as the best utility binoculars I have ever had

Was in your situation about 10 yrs back. Had Leupolds, but much bigger ones. Bought the Swaro 8x-30SLC's for all the reasons given above. The Leupolds went to my son.
I've never regretted paying one cent of what the Swaros cost and loved every minute of using them.

Remember that you very likely will not have time to use a spotting scope and will use your binos rather quickly before getting the animal in the rifle scope. Because of that, I used a 10x50 Minox HG last year instead of an 8x. It served me very well and was especially good seeing things as the sun went down.

If $$ is no object, I'd likely use a 10x42 or 10x50 Swaro EL with Swarovision as that coating makes things jump out a bit. That's good for the well camo'd animals, such as kudu. All the top-of-the-line binos are good. What fits your face and is comfortable to your eyes?

+1 for the Swarovski 10x42 EL's, have been hunting with them hard for 6 years now and they are a trusted companion. There is not a whole lot of difference between them and a comperable Leica during the day, but before the sun comes up or after it goes down there is a world of difference.

You're going to get a lot of opinions but I think the top three binoculars are Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss. I think you should really consider two pair of binos. One would be for the safari truck or a blind and should be at least 10X with at least a 42 objective. With this bino weight is not a concern but seeing detail even in low light is. The second set of binos is what you pick up when you get off the truck. I have been using Swaro 10X-32ELs and I can really swear by them. I tried the Leica minis in 10X but there were times I just could not see the detail the PH was pointing out just prior to the shot. For example was an animal in cover slightly quartering away or broadside. I have not had that problem with the ELs. I think the 10X-42EL would be fine but it is about a half a pound heavier than the 32mm. MMP

Lieca 8x32 HD, one place money spent buys you performance.

Many Thanks
HBH

My favorites are my Leica 10x42's with a built-in rangefinder. The clarity is awesome, yet they're relatively light even with the rangefinder.

As primarily a handgun hunter, a rangefinder is critical equipment and it's very nice to have it included with the binocs as a unit.

I just returned from my first African safari. I used my Zeiss 10x45 Victory range finding binos and they worked great!

10 by 32 UltraVid Leica. Have been very pleased with them.

Small and light enough to walk all day. Enough magnification and very bright and clear.

quote:

Originally posted by Arild Iversen:
For the last 12 years a Leica has been my trustworthy compadre from the frozen Northern Norway, via misty English countryside to the hot Southern Africa.

Mine is the older model Trinovid 8x42 BA.
It is built like a tank and weights a hefty 1 kilo with strap and lense covers.

For instance, the new model 8x42 Ultravid HD weights 800 grams / 28 oz.
The optical quality in Leica is second to none in my experience.

I also have the large Zeiss Victory 10x56 which I use for low light and night hunting for red and roe deer (legal in my country).
It is a superior top class set of binoculars, but the old Leica follow the big Zeiss a long way.

For general use I have found that the 8x42 is a very good compromise. Small enough to be easely carried along, but still with optical quality, that make one handle the dusk and dawn in a superior way.

I also have a Zeiss Conquest 10x30 BT which is a light and useful set for daytime hunting and when hiking the woods or mountains.

But the old Leica wins hands down as the best utility binoculars I have ever had

Absolutely. The 8x42BN is wonderful. Anything by Leica. You will NOT be disappointed.

Leicas are wonderful.

I use Swarovski 8x30 SLCs and Kahles 8x42s, less costly than Leica and almost as good. Leica is the gold standard but one pays dearly for the small amount of added performance versus the other European brands. Anything by Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss, or Kahles will be light years beyond your Leupolds. Your eyes will see the difference immediately.

8x42 is the right size. I personally use Kahles but recognize the superiority of Swarovski & Leica. The next client I have that tips large, I'll buy the new Swarovski "flat" binos. They are great.

Like others here i have multile pairs I have gathered and used over the years.

Leica, Steiner, Buris, ect.

before leaving for Africa this year I decided I wanted somethign better. I was looking at the Saowski's and the Leica's (the lazer rangefinding ones) when I hapened t remember looking through my elk guides Luepold 10-17x42 Switch Powers a coule years back.

in normal mode they are 10x42 and just fine for sporing and stalking however if I need mor emagnification I flip the lever and I am using 17x42's.

I used them hard every day for 15 days on the my hunt this year and I am sold on them.

quote:

Originally posted by Arild Iversen:
Mine is the older model Trinovid 8x42 BA.
It is built like a tank and weights a hefty 1 kilo with strap and lense covers.

I had a set of Trinovid 7x42BAs and hunted with them quite a bit.

I sold them in a weak moment and have regretted it ever since...

What's the point of paying thousands of dollars on all kinds of binoculars when one sees perfectly with a 300 dollar pair?

I say buy the best you can afford in 8 x or 10 power

Here's a plug for Swarovski: I have a Swaro 10 x 40 I purchased many years ago at a close-out at Eddie Bauer. For you youngsters, EB used to be a true outfitter, selling first quality alpine gear, fine rifles and shotguns, etc. here in Seattle. After 20 years, the Swaro finally went out of collimation a bit due to axle wear. I sent them back to Austria. When returned, they were as new. I think the only parts they kept were the lenses. No charge.

Now, at the risk of going up in smoke, it is not a pair of binoculars. It could be a pair of monoculars, but properly it is "a binocular".

If you stop by the Swarovski booth at one of the shows they will be happy to give you a neat little pin of a habicht, (hawk).

Swar, Zeiss and Leica are all great, especially with the Flourtie (spelling?) objectives. Different people will view one as better than the other (optically).
If you hunt out of your truck or a blind it really should not matter.
If you consider the robust design in your selection procees then IMO the Leica is the standout. As others have quoted "built like a tank".

EZ

Take a look at the Cabelas Alaskan Guide series full size binoculars. I have a pair of the 10x that have been in the field with me for the last ten years. Great optics and durability for half the cost of the other mentioned brands. You can take the extra money and go hunting.

Dear Paul C:

I bought a new pair of Leica Trinovid 10x42 binoculars 13 years ago, and haven't looked back.

They have been to 14,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies, all over the Sierra Mountains, at sea level in Monterey, California, in 110 degree heat in Idaho and Utah, and of course everywhere else in rain, snow, etc. No failures.

I did an immense amount of research in 1998 when I bought them, and here are a few of the Leica's advantages:

1. objective and ocular lenses are color corrected (not so with the Swarovskis at the time, which threw a yellowish cast as did the Zeiss binoculars);
2. Zeiss was in no way in the same league optically as the Swarovski or Leica;
3. the weight was less than my ancient 7x50 Tasco's which I carried in Philmont Scout ranch as a teenager and for hunting in Pennsylvania, so not an issue;
4. the 8x just didn't seem enough, and when spotting big horn sheep in RMNP in Colorado, the 10x really helped, as it does for groudhogs here in Pennsylvania;
5. the resolution of the Leica is breathtaking (again on the RMNP sheep spotting hike with the NPS rangers in summer of 1999, the Minoltas, Nikons, etc. binoculars that other hikers were using, even at 10x could not resolve all the sheep. They saw 6-8 sheep, whereas I could count 24. After letting the rest of the hikers look through my Leicas, well the future sales of Leica's became a foregone conclusion.)

The new Ultravids may be even better, but I have had no reason to change, so I haven't looked at them.

Sincerely,

Chris Bemis

Swaro 10 x 42.............

Why.....because your PH will be on the lookout for a fine pair of binoculars.......that's how I got mine !!!! They are fantastic.

All the brands are good, and all have their best use places! Cost is an issue with most people no matter what they say here, and with that in mind the gentlemen who said "A $300 pair will do about all that is needed for the most client hunters!

I've owned and still own several brands, and powers with verious objective lens sizes, and I fined the best of all worlds for the walking hunter in all kinds of terrane is a pair of $300 - $700 bynocs in the 8X40, that is water proof and fairly light is all one will ever need.
Another pair in the 10 Power X40 or over objective size, for use in a blind or for use in the hunting car or from a canoe are very usefull for spotting game at long distances of or to get high detail before the stalk. These too can be in the $300-$700 price range as well,and pocket the extra $1500 it would cost for one pair of most high-end glasses for part of your airfare, or a trophy fee!

........................

When hunting solo I use binos a lot. good binos are worth every penny however when in africa if the ph has the binos up I have the scope on the animal so when he says its a good one I am ready to shoot. the few seconds it may take to put your binos down and put your gun up could cost you a trophy of a life time. On game animals we are familiar with it is helpful to be able to judge them but when you have a ph that you trust it is best to be ready

quote:

Originally posted by Max Trauma:
When hunting solo I use binos a lot. good binos are worth every penny however when in africa if the ph has the binos up I have the scope on the animal so when he says its a good one I am ready to shoot. the few seconds it may take to put your binos down and put your gun up could cost you a trophy of a life time. On game animals we are familiar with it is helpful to be able to judge them but when you have a ph that you trust it is best to be ready

MAX that is absolutely true, and with a guide or PH this is a very good habit with a scoped rifle. However when hunting where many other hunters are in the bush glassing with the scope on a rifle is not a very good idea. The movement you saw may well be another hunter, and you never point a fire arm at anything you don't intend shooting! Since this is the African hunting forum, what you say applies! A lot of young kids, however read these forums as well, and they tend to take reccomendations offered by AFRICAN HUNTERS and apply it to their withetail hunting!

If you don't mind supporting the Chinese optics industry, check out the Xen-Ray which is a Swarovski knock-off. Light, comfortable, and incredible optics.

I use Leica 8x42 and bought a pair of the Xen Ray 10x40 for the GF. I'm impressed, and the price is right at around $400.00 shipped to CONUS.

Since you already have a good compact binocular, I'd go along with these fellows recommending a 10x42 or similar. I've hunted Africa, Canada, and many places in the US and never felt over-glassed with my 10x42 Kahles.

And as pointed out, it's not just about seeing the critter you're going to shoot. When you're close to game that has trophy potential, you won't be looking through your binocular, you'll be looking through your scope. Good glass is important when 1) looking for that trophy from a ways off and 2) looking at all the other "stuff" you'll want to see closeup. Case in point, when hunting Namibia we saw elephants in a distant drainage. We weren't hunting them, but because they were the first elephants I'd ever seen in the wild, I was fascinated and spent some quality time observing them through my binocular. I would not have enjoyed that opportunity as much had I been using compacts or less than 10x.

I say get a really good 10x42 (or something in that range) and you'll be a happy hunter in various locales for many years.

Leica 10X42 with the built in rangefinder. Have been using these since 2007. Can't imagine ever wanting anything else. They are the absolute top of the line IMO and the rangefinder is priceless considering the speed at which you can get a reading compared to a separate RF / bino setup.

Had the standard Leica 10X42's prior to this unit. Ended up giving them to my first PH as part of his tip on my 2006 Safari. But, I had the intent of buying the RF model before I let them go.