How does the Zeiss Classic C 10x40 binos compare to the Swarovski 7x42s???

The reason I ask is I've got the older Swarovski 7x42s, I think they are the B model. I've used them on a few hunts and while they are clear, I've found them to be pretty heavy, bulky and that I would like more magnification. So I'm thinking, without breaking the bank, of selling the Swarovskis and buying the Classics. Would this be the way to bino happiness???

Zeiss.

second on the zeiss.

I had a pair of the Zeiss 10 powers and sold them because it seemed I was forever focusing. If I needed new binoculars, I would try to find an old pair of the green rubber armored individual focus 8x30 s made by Zeiss. Set them and forget them focus wise.

ljs,i had the same experience.binocs should be 8x30 only

Swarovski EL.

i have a pair of 10x40 classics....they are great and no complaints , but give the lieca s a try , you wont regrett it
daniel

Zeiss, the new Leicas are great but the 10x40 classics are half price.

My Swarovski 8.5x42 EL is a significantly better bino than my Zeiss Victory Model 10x40 T* FL.

Both of these were top of the line models when I bought them.

Swarovski EL for me but you need to try both and see which looks better to you.

I have spent a small fortune on bino's - most types and sizes. Right now, I have 8x30 and 10x42 Swaro's. The 8x30's are what I carry to hunt with and I use the 10x42's for birding. I gave up on the 10x42's for hunting due to weight and the "shake".

For some reason my eyes do not like Zeiss so I use Swaro's. The 8x30's have been the best I have used. A 7x or 8X is all you need. The 30mm objective lense is a good compromise. Smaller than 30mm cuts your light gathering and larger than 30mm is heavy.

Go with 8x30 Swaro's and you will not be disappointed.

I put a vote on the swarovski. I've a 25yr pair of 8x30's and a newer pair of SLC 8x30. for long peroids of glassing the 8x30s are the way to go. good weight, and more than enuf magnifacation.
Whether you go Zeiss, Leica or Swarovski go 8x30.

The Zeiss 10x40 Classic is the most overrated binocular on the planet.

I'd always rather use the 7x42 SLC.

I am with Brad on this one for darn sure!

I would take my 7x42 SLC's each and every day over a 10x42 Classic. For me and for my eyes that Classic is not even on the same playing field as the SLC. Period end of game!

I've used em both enough to know.

I've used my 7x42's from Alaska to Sonora for hunting and for guiding. I've tried to get used to the Classics in most all those conditions.

I've always heard a ton load of comments about the Classic so from time to time I've used them many a time to see what the fuss is about.

I like their looks and their weight, but no thanks on their optics. I do believe there weas a time when they were top doggy. When Swaro came out with the SLC line they took a big time beating when it came to quality.

The fall of 01 I was guiding in Wyo and had an unfortunate accident with me Swaro's. I overnighted them out on a Monday and they had them back in my hands on Friday of that week.

In the mean time I'd used my outfitters Classics, I can never tell you how insanely happy I was to get rid of those darn Classics and get my green Swaro's back in my paws.

If you want a lighter bino than the 7x42 SLC then I feel that there is a lot of options out there that are a lot better than the Classic.

Brads got a pair of the new 8x32 Ultravids and they are just about heavenly and is one super glass.

Good luck on your decision, I think by now you've the gist of my feelings on said subject...grins

Mark D

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:
Zeiss, the new Leicas are great but the 10x40 classics are half price.

Where are the 10x40 half price? I used to buy them through Cabelas but I thought they were all gone.

I like the 10x40 for their light weight but prefer the Leicas in the 10x.

The 8x30 Ziess in the classic are my favourite hunting binos though.

I like the 8 x 30 Zeiss Diafuns. Yeah the name stinks, but for +-$250 how can a guy go wrong. I have spent enough time looking thru Leica Duovids, Swarovski SLC and ELs and some other lesser binoculars to know a good thing when I see it. My buds laughed at the Diafuns until they looked thru them. One guy looked thru his 8.5x42 ELs then thru my Diafuns. He liked the diafuns better, even in the twilight. The Diafuns are 1/2 the wieght of comperable binos, yet they are big enough to hold onto. They gather good light and are very clear.

Just throwing another iron in the fire.

10powers are hard work in the field. The reduced depth of field requires (as one poster has remarked) more focussing. Add in the reduced field of view and shake and IMHO they are wide open space style hunting binos only.

7x42 is a great hunting power - I personaly use the Zeiss 7x42 BGAT which is now obselete but so comfortable that I cannot bear to upgrade.

Swarovski EL. I had Zeiss, sent them back and have Swarovski. There was no comparison, other that the Zeiss were less expensive, IMHO.