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swaro slc vs el and minox

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brettpsu View Drop Down
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    Posted: December/15/2011 at 08:21

Hello all, I just discovered OT a few days ago after digging around for info on some bins and realized there are some informed posters here that may be able to help me find what i'm looking for.  I currently have Cabelas Alaskan Guide 10x42 and 12x50 bins. I like them but am looking for an upgrade mainly because I'm a gear junkie. I will be using these 90% of the time looking for deer from my vehicle at ranges from 200yds to 800yds and the other 10% will be used on various western big game hunts.  Weight is a bit of an issue but not as much concern as power,clarity and light gathering. What I've kinda singled out. Price is kinda an issue as well but not the most important feature.

1st choice. Minox bl 13x56 br $700 new
2nd choice. Swaro slc 10x42 wb $1300 new
3rd choice. Swaro el 10x42 $1600 demo
4th choice. Vortex Razor HD 12x50 $1200 new
5th choice. Vortex Kaibab HD 15x56 $1200 new
6th choice. Swaro slc 15x56 wb $1800 new
 
I'm very intrigued by the Minox but have found very little info on them.  I know a great poster on here has them and hope he can chime in. I think his handle is Klamath or something close.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2011 at 11:29
Originally posted by brettpsu brettpsu wrote:

Weight is a bit of an issue but not as much concern as power,clarity and light gathering. What I've kinda singled out. Price is kinda an issue as well but not the most important feature.
 
5th choice. Vortex Kaibab HD 15x56 $1200 new
6th choice. Swaro slc 15x56 wb $1800 new
 
I'm very intrigued by the Minox but have found very little info on them.
 
Welcome Brett,
 
Since you already have 10x & 12x binoculars, I would NOT waste money by duplicating what is in your collection.
Magnification wise, I do not think that the Minox 13x would be enough of a jump up to warrant the investment. 
 
Do you intend to use a monopod, or other support,  for 15x binoculars?
 
http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8709.76909.76924.0.0/561BHDV-1/_/FLUID_VIDEO_MONOPOD_WHEAD
 
http://www.minox.com/index.php?id=4709&L=2
 
http://swfa.com/Minox-BL-Binoculars-C337.aspx
 
http://swfa.com/Docter-15x60-Nobilem-Binocular-P8927.aspx
 
Stan
 
p.s. I am originally from Erie, Pa.
 
 


Edited by Bird Watcher - December/15/2011 at 11:52
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brettpsu View Drop Down
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I was interested in the 13x because my 12x have seen better days after getting beat in my truck for 10-15 years. The eye cups are both electric taped on after falling many times and a monster scratch on the glass.  But they are still good, NOT great, after all the abuse.  I have a window mount and a pretty good tripod to use.

I honestly never held a pr of 15x in my hands. Would I be tied down with a window mount and tripod every time with the 15x? 
 
I'm from the Punxsutawney area. About two hours away.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2011 at 12:06
Originally posted by brettpsu brettpsu wrote:

I honestly never held a pr of 15x in my hands. Would I be tied down with a window mount and tripod every time with the 15x? 
 
Well, I use my high magnification binoculars, such as 15x, hand held from a sitting postion, but, that may not always be possible or even sensible, so, yes, mounted is the very best way to go.
 
Stan
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote brettpsu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2011 at 12:11

Which one of the three would you suggest? Minox 13x, Swaro 15x or Vortex 15x.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2011 at 12:14
Originally posted by brettpsu brettpsu wrote:

Which one of the three would you suggest? Minox 13x, Swaro 15x or Vortex 15x.
Do you have access to a Sporting Goods Store that carries the above binoculars?
It's best if you can handle these and look through them prior to purchasing one.
 
If you are replacing your 12x, I would suggest the Minox 13x if you want to use your binoculars hand held.
 


Edited by Bird Watcher - December/15/2011 at 12:39
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2011 at 19:31
Originally posted by brettpsu brettpsu wrote:

Hello all, I just discovered OT a few days ago after digging around for info on some bins and realized there are some informed posters here that may be able to help me find what i'm looking for.  I currently have Cabelas Alaskan Guide 10x42 and 12x50 bins. I like them but am looking for an upgrade mainly because I'm a gear junkie. I will be using these 90% of the time looking for deer from my vehicle at ranges from 200yds to 800yds and the other 10% will be used on various western big game hunts.  Weight is a bit of an issue but not as much concern as power,clarity and light gathering. What I've kinda singled out. Price is kinda an issue as well but not the most important feature.

1st choice. Minox bl 13x56 br $700 new
2nd choice. Swaro slc 10x42 wb $1300 new
3rd choice. Swaro el 10x42 $1600 demo
4th choice. Vortex Razor HD 12x50 $1200 new
5th choice. Vortex Kaibab HD 15x56 $1200 new
6th choice. Swaro slc 15x56 wb $1800 new
 
I'm very intrigued by the Minox but have found very little info on them.  I know a great poster on here has them and hope he can chime in. I think his handle is Klamath or something close.
 
Brett:
 
Welcome to Optics talk, a good place to find opinions to help you spend your optics money.
 
When I look at your needs, for a quality optic for viewing out to 800 yds. I am looking at your
list and I would recommend staying with 10X.  The quality Swaros. you have chosen will just
be so much better than what you are used to using, you will see more, and they are just a very
good all around choice.  If you are thinking of the SLC 10x42, try to get a late model Neu version,
the latest Swaro. coatings are top rate, and the 10x42 EL would be as good or better, so that would be a personal preference.
 
I have some sizes you mention here in 12x and I have a 15X58 Minox, but these are not everyday
binoculars, but for quick looks or need to be mounted. 
You would be pleased with a high quality 10X.  The Swaros. qualify.
 
Jerry
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2011 at 19:50
Originally posted by brettpsu brettpsu wrote:

 
I'm very intrigued by the Minox but have found very little info on them.  I know a great poster on here has them and hope he can chime in. I think his handle is Klamath or something close.
Brett
 
Well, thanks for the compliment Big Smile.  However I have owned nothing on the list.  I have used some of it, but I can't help much with your list.
 
Maybe surprising some, I tend to agree with Jerry here.  I think too many people think more magnification is an automatic part of an upgrade.  I'd stick with 10x, and from your list, I'd go Swaro.


Edited by Klamath - December/15/2011 at 20:23
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2011 at 20:04
Brett:
 
I am going to give you another recommendation, after thinking about it a little more.
Since weight may not be a trouble, the Swaro. 10x50 SLC would be a great choice,
easily the brightest of anything mentioned here, and offers a great full view.
For viewing early and late as you may be doing, these are around 41 oz. and do offer
another choice.
 
Jerry 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote brettpsu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/16/2011 at 05:00
Klamath,  my bad, I thought I dug up something from a year or two ago about the Minox 13x and you where the poster. My mistake.
 
Thanks everyone 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/16/2011 at 07:13
Originally posted by NDhunter NDhunter wrote:

Brett:
 
I am going to give you another recommendation, after thinking about it a little more.
Since weight may not be a trouble, the Swaro. 10x50 SLC would be a great choice,
easily the brightest of anything mentioned here, and offers a great full view.
 
Jerry 
 
 
I, wholedheartedly, agree with this suggestion. This is my favorite 10x binocular...without question.
 
Another, slightly less expensive but equally impressive 10x50, is the Meopta Meostar. Very similar optical performance and overall design.
Frank
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/16/2011 at 10:45
Originally posted by brettpsu brettpsu wrote:

Klamath,  my bad, I thought I dug up something from a year or two ago about the Minox 13x and you where the poster. My mistake.
 
Thanks everyone 
Hey, no bad involved Wink, I likely have posted something about it, in a general thread, not as the OP anywhere.  I have looked at it enough to have the 13x56 Minox on my short list if I ever decide to go for more than 10x in a binocular.  It is a nice glass and the image is pretty impressive.  I would have a serious decision to choose between it and its 15x big brother.  The 13x I can hand hold, not so the 15x.  Even the 13x needs Tripod mounting to get all available detail.  So far, I am happy enough with 10x tops in binoculars and a spotter for more reach.  But I haven't used in enough, nor side by side with comparable stuff to say much more.  Same with the Vortex Kiabab. 
 
Anyway, welcome to OT. Big Smile
Steve
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Originally posted by Klamath Klamath wrote:

I have looked at it enough to have the 13x56 Minox on my short list if I ever decide to go for more than 10x in a binocular.  It is a nice glass and the image is pretty impressive.  I would have a serious decision to choose between it and its 15x big brother.  The 13x I can hand hold, not so the 15x. 

Steve,
 
It would be Great if you were able to do some sort of review on the Minox 13x and/or 15x binoculars.
I have the older, discontinued, Minox BD 10x44 BP Porro prism and it is a very excellent binocular.
 
Stan
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/16/2011 at 13:50
Stan
 
I'd like to do that.  Problem is I see no way right now to get my hands on either one of them.  I'd just about have to get ahold of some dealer with a 30 day return policy , order both and return both.  I really dislike the thought of doing that, as it puts wear on the binoculars and is an inconvenience for the dealer...and even though I really can't spring the $$$ right now, I'd sure as little green apples just have to have one Big Grin.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote brettpsu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/16/2011 at 15:38
[QUOTE=NDhunter] Brett:
 
I am going to give you another recommendation, after thinking about it a little more.
Since weight may not be a trouble, the Swaro. 10x50 SLC would be a great choice,
easily the brightest of anything mentioned here, and offers a great full view.
For viewing early and late as you may be doing, these are around 41 oz. and do offer
another choice.
 
Jerry 
  
 
I can't find any 10x50 SLC.  What do you think about the Zeiss 10x56 FL T.  I can pickup a demo pr for a few hundred more than the SLC's.  I know they weigh alot more but are the 56's that much better in low light.  They will be used mostly at first and last light.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote brettpsu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/16/2011 at 15:40
Sorry I'm still trying to figure out this whole "quoting" thing.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/16/2011 at 15:54
Originally posted by brettpsu brettpsu wrote:

[QUOTE=NDhunter] Brett:
 
I am going to give you another recommendation, after thinking about it a little more.
Since weight may not be a trouble, the Swaro. 10x50 SLC would be a great choice,
easily the brightest of anything mentioned here, and offers a great full view.
For viewing early and late as you may be doing, these are around 41 oz. and do offer
another choice.
 
Jerry 
  
 
I can't find any 10x50 SLC.  What do you think about the Zeiss 10x56 FL T.  I can pickup a demo pr for a few hundred more than the SLC's.  I know they weigh alot more but are the 56's that much better in low light.  They will be used mostly at first and last light.
 
Brett:
 
The 10x50 SLC was discontinued this past year, and replaced by the new Swarovision EL 10x50.
The SLC may be found used, or new with some searching.
The Zeiss FL 10x56 would also be very good.  They should be a bit brighter, but I have not looked
through the FL.
Good luck in your search. 
 
Jerry
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