I also use a pair of 8 x 32 Leica binos for work as do several of my coleagues. The optics are superb as is the build quality. The only binos that are close are the Swarovskis but the build quality on them is no good.
Peter,
You certainly get pride of ownership with the expensive glassware and, in most cases, much greater attention to detail. However, if your kit is at risk from getting knocked around, it's worth having a back-up pair (or two) of the cheaper variety. The Leicas were good for viewing polar bears in Canada and penguins in Antarctica but I was always a bit worried about losing the things!
David
Essex Air Ambulance saved my life on 20/08/2010 www.essexairambulance.uk.com
I also use a pair of 8 x 32 Leica binos for work as do several of my coleagues. The optics are superb as is the build quality. The only binos that are close are the Swarovskis but the build quality on them is no good.
when there's lead in the air there's hope!
2
I was helping out on Sealand Miltary Range on Saturday and used some Swarovski 8x42.
They do not equal with my Trinovids. I would give them 8/10.
I don't care how good or good value for money some other makes are.
You have to use or try in all light conditions and weathers.
The majority of the birdwatching fraternity choose Leica, as being the best and holding their value (even after years of abuse).
Well they do in the North West.
The 'Ace' are said to be ok for the money.
The bottom line is choose whichever suits your eyes ,remembering, some folk have much better vision than others. Not have all 20/20.
Given the choice what make of riflescope would you choose for daily use ?
Graham
Designer of BASC Logo
I nodded off a fair bit during Autumnwatch but the Swarovskis were in evidence again. Last month, we went on a Johnny Kingdom safari and I spent 3 hours sitting next to the guy in his 4WD as we searched Exmoor for deer. As it was pi**ing with rain (real horizontal stuff) most of the time, we only saw a few brown blobs on the other side of various valleys. Johnny wasn't too impressed with my Trinovids and kept giving me his pair of Swarovski 8.5x42s to use. Very light but not optically superior to the Leicas, in my opinion. Nice strap, though.
Essex Air Ambulance saved my life on 20/08/2010 www.essexairambulance.uk.com
Finally to Bill Oddie. If you were watching closely during the last Springwatch series, you'll have noted that the famous Leicas were not in evidence. Bill kept his binox hidden under his arm for the most part but they looked like Swarovskis to me!
They were/are Swarovski, "probably the finest binoculars in the world"
I use Leica 10 x 42 for day use but when the light starts to go, out come the 8 x 56 Zeiss BGAT*P's. Unsurpassed for light gathering, true colour and clarity. Unfortunately no longer made I believe although East Of England Binoculars still has them at around £1100. I love my Leica's but wouldn't be without the Zeiss !
Remember, it is the strongest character that God gives the most challenges.
Well after reading this thread, i should get my 10x42 out of the cupboard, only been in their 10 years never used, keep forgetting i have them.
use a pair of ZIES 8X30 for the Land Rover.
Got the price tag still,£99 19/6 p. john.
snarepeg.
Being a shooter with twitching tendencies I 've owned a pair of Leica 10x32 Trinovids (or wharever) and I love them more than anything else in the world, my prized possession. Tha gets what tha pays for lad as my dad used to say.
I am always amazed when I read these threads.
by the number of folks who have owned Swaro / Leica/ Zeiss - sold them and gone back to Ace avian etc.
Oooh - hang on, that's not right is it?
Wonder why?
Rgds Mod
For professional guided Deer & Wild Boar Stalking, practical stalking intro's & Deer related training, DSC1 & 2 preparation & witnessing, Field Rifle coaching
Go to www.farringtonds.com - or call me on Tel: 07798 771 062
bill oddie can use binos well theres one to think about
It's quite simple really. If you have the dosh buy Leica. Zeiss or Swarovski. They are not twice as good as Optricon. Ace, Viking etc but they are better in many ways. Zeiss and Leica will fix your bins when you throw them off a high seat/cliff top.
Optics along with quality sound equipment and cars follow the laws of diminishing returns. You have to pay a lot more for a small improvement. Wether it's worth it is up to the individual and the size of his/her wallet.
I love my Leica bins but I only have a Ford Mondeo. Would love an Audi or BMW but cannot afford them. Are they 3 times better than my Mondeo? No but I would like one all the same!
its probably unlikely Bill oddie pays for his
the defect of equality is that we only desire it with our superiors
Henri Bregne 1837 - 1899
anyone got a pair of these http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/opti...pressions.html got some compared them to the alpha's and have to to say u cant beat em for the money