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10x50- Leica Ultravid vs. Swaro SLC vs. Maven B6 (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Winchester44
- Start date
It is a little over your price point but much better than the Maven B6. The Zeiss HT 10x54. They only weigh 37 oz. which is very light for a 54mm. Only 6 oz. heavier than the Maven B6. Fantastic in low light with the AK prism. Also, the Zeiss Conquest HD 10x56 are very good, although they are heavier but less expensive.
Zeiss Victory 10x54 HT Abbe-Koenig Binoculars 740035996670 | eBay
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Zeiss 525632 10x56 Conquest HD Binoculars #452 | eBay
This would include any batteries sold on their own. Local Pickup. We want you to receive the item as quickly as possible! Intentional or accidental abuse or neglect. This warranty does not cover Very rough looking.
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Näh, it doesn’t only beckon, it is firmly set „on“.
We are too few.
Another good choice in a 10x50 is the Vortex Razor. It is very light at 28 oz. and has a 6.3 degree FOV and has an excellent unconditional warranty. Amazon.com has them $899.99 which is a good price.
tenex
reality-based
No, other people actually aren't like you, and don't just "dump" their expensive new binocular purchases "the next day" after some less than ideal experience they can't take responsibility for themselves. There's simply less demand for Leica bins these days than Swaro or Zeiss whether new or used, so they tend to remain up for sale longer. Of course EuroOptic's 12x50 EL isn't moving either, which indicates less demand for expensive bins generally, not to mention big ones. It's been there at least since last spring, when I considered it myself.
A newcomer won't have found the ignore button yet, or learned when to use it.
Lewis
Well-known member
If the quantity of used Leica binoculars for sale compared to the quantity of used Swarovski and Zeiss binoculars for sale is the measure of how much people like their Leica binoculars, then let’s look at the BF Classifieds going back about 4.5 months:
Posted for sale:
32 Swarovski binoculars (2 sold by [email protected])
32 Zeiss binoculars
15 Leica binoculars
(I certainly may have miscounted by 1 or 2 or missed a reposting of the same binocular by the same seller, but I did not miscount by 50%)
Posted for sale:
32 Swarovski binoculars (2 sold by [email protected])
32 Zeiss binoculars
15 Leica binoculars
(I certainly may have miscounted by 1 or 2 or missed a reposting of the same binocular by the same seller, but I did not miscount by 50%)
That is just because Swarovski and Zeiss outsell Leica's probably 5 to 1. Obviously, there are going to be more of them for sale on the used market.
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There's little money for them in binoculars, certainly compared to lenses/cameras. And Leica as a company (certainly not its binocular division - or its standard binocular division anyway, as I gather the rangefinder binoculars are quite innovative) doesn't seem to think like that anyway, at least not nowadays. The Retrovid compared to the Zeiss SFL is IMO a great illustration of this. Both revisit classic formats - 10x40 and in Zeiss's case 8x30, in Leica's case 8x40 and 7x35 - but Leica's is a reproduction of their iconic model from the 1960s with updated coatings, while Zeiss's has incorporated many of the advancements in birding binoculars since - waterproofing, fast focuser, better edge performance etc. Those design choices are down to corporate thinking and mindset. Leica still relies on the great designs of the past to sell its current products, Zeiss by and large doesn't do nostalgia.
There is less demand for Leica binoculars than Swarovski or Zeiss. That is precisely my point.
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That is exactly why the Zeiss SFL is a top seller and the Retrovids have been discontinued. There is not that big of a market for nostalgia. Most hunters and birders don't want nostalgia, unless the binoculars perform like a modern alpha. People want the latest and greatest when it comes to binoculars. That is why the SFL was such a success. It combines cutting edge performance with a lighter and smaller binocular. Birders and hunters care more about how the binocular performs than how it looks.
tenex
reality-based
Always? Thirty years ago few knew Swarovski made binoculars, and Leica was quite competitive with Zeiss.
Anyway, to the OP if he's still here: this forum can go round and round all week. Really the best way to decide is to try a few alternatives. Maven has a demo program, so order a demo 10x50 and 12x50, and take them to Houston and try their UV along with whatever else they stock. Then you'll have a better idea what you want.
Winchester44
Well-known member
Have purchased and returned multiple late model so called “razor” vortex products. There was a golden era of razor goodness at vortex, sadly it is no more. I recently purchased the latest “Razor” spotting scope. It was returned and I purchased a much older Leica Telvue that is better in every regard.
Winchester44
Well-known member
Wow looks like I’ve stepped in it. My apologies to all for any offense.
Winchester44
Well-known member
Seriously considering the demo program. I must admit that one factor is Maven appears quite active in supporting a number of nature conservation initiatives here in the states. I have seen Swarovski doing some of the same, but only at very public events.
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The one to try if you can't afford the Ultravid right now is the Vortex Viper.
Most all of my binoculars are Leitz/Leica, with next up being three pairs of Vipers, starting with their 10x42 and 12x50.
Regardless of how you feel about them at the moment, at least take a look through these two prospects, both of which turned me around from being a thorough Vortex detractor and into a vocal supporter of their Viper series.
About denko, the biggest problem is that he knows a lot, but just not nearly as much as he thinks he does. Next would be that whatever makes sense to him, he'll argue you into the ground if you have a differing view, because if you disagree, then you're wrong.
And finally, he continually cites a review forum that is just as bad as he is. Great content mixed with absolute garbage, and since it is so thoroughly mixed, it basically renders the whole concoction worthless.
Winchester44
Well-known member
Are these worthy of consideration? GPO
GPO Passion 10x50 HD Black Binoculars B660 - Excellent Condition | eBay
<p>Excellent condition. They were only used a handful of times. </p><br /><p>The glass is very crisp and clear. </p><br /><p>Everything functions as it should. </p><br /><p>Free shipping, with insurance and signature confirmation. </p><br /><p>I’ll make sure everything is packaged securely...
www.ebay.com
Winchester44
Well-known member
Does anyone know if the Leica Ultravid will accept a screw in tripod adapter?
I haven't purchased any Razor spotting scopes, so I don't have any experience with them, but I do know the Vortex Razor 10x50 binoculars are very high quality being made in Japan and Vortex has one of the best unconditional warranties in the business. Even if it is your fault, and you drop your binocular in a river, they will replace it.
