I asked the question a few weeks ago about the Vortex 15x56 binoculars. The consensus was that binos this size would be hard to hold still in the field. I went to a local Bass Pro and tried them out and didn't really have a problem holding them still. This weekend I hunted with a friend that carries 10x42 by Swarovski. They cost $2,700 and the clarity is amazing. I currently have Leupold 10x42 that I paid $500 for about 10 years ago. There's a long way between what I have and what appears to be top of the line. I can't justify spending that much money on my binos so I'm looking for input on what an upgrade over what I have may look like. Let's cap it at $1,200. Many thanks.

Maven is where I would look.

I would also look at Meopta Meostar HD.

If you take a 15x56 out in the field hand held and think you are holding them steady and are getting the full benefit of them put them on a tripod and see everything you missed while hand holding. This is true with any power optic. Tripod mounting will improve all optics.

I do agree that in that price point the Meopta Meostar 15x56 B1.1 would be the way to go.

Thanks, Doug, but to be clear I am not locked in on the 15x56 for that reason. I'm more interested in a 10x or 12x bino that sits somewhere between what I have now and the top end Swarovski brand.

Look around for good use Swarovskis. Dury's Gun Shop in San Antonio usually has some to choose from.

I know this sounds crazy, but a very wise rancher and deer man told me years ago that, even if I had to skip a year of hunting to save enough for some Swarovski's, do it!

That was great advice. I started with the 10x42 SLCs. Traded them in when the new EL's came out. I now have I pair of 8X32 ELs, two 10 x 42ELs and one 12X50 Els. Being able to look through superior glass without eye strain will improve the enjoyment of your hunt immeasurably.

Always my pleasure to chat optics. Give a call if you have a few

wsjax, my point earlier was to save your money until you can afford the Swarovski's you'd like to have. Your Leupold's are fine for another season or two. Don't settle, particularly with binoculars. Get the Swaros when you are able. You'll never regret it. And you can send them in for periodic maintenance as many times as you'd like. Swarovski will return them in about 30-45 days looking brand new. Free of charge.

ask Doug if they have any demo units of the Leica HD-B 2200 Rangefinding binoculars. Game changer!

X2

I agree. I have a pair of 12/50 SLC's. I loved them. A guy posted a set of 10/42 EL HD on here for 1000. I snagged em! I wish I had the El in a 12/50 for what thats worth.

Zeiss 10X25.

They fit in your shirt pocket.

Great when hunting on horse back, they will not beat you to death.

I love my Meopta binos. If I had the money to spend though, Id upgrade to a pair of Swaro's. Great glass is well worth the money. Id rather have a $1000 scope on a $200 gun than a $200 scope on a $1000 gun.

I just sold a pair of Meostar 10x42 that would have been perfect. Stupid good clarity. I just didn't need them.

I'd go find some Meostar HD binos and be done with it. I've tried $1k Swaros and didn't think they were any better than my non-HD Meostars. I really think to do noticeably better than the $500-$700 meostars, you have to spend $2k+

SportOptics is having a killer Leica promotion for Black Friday. Up to $1K off.

^^^^^Just ordered a pair of these from Doug.

They have the Vortex Fury 5000 HD for $899 right now too. Pretty sad when a bino that costs $1500 less has a superior warranty.

While Vortex's warranty may be "better", based upon my personal experience you are going to need it.

My older Vortex products (purchased over four years ago) are still going strong. With the exception of three Vortex Razor LH scopes, all other Vortex purchases that I have made in the past several years have failed.

At this point I no longer consider Vortex for any optics purchases.

I know for a fact that Vortex isn't on the list of approved optics manufactures at Austin PD due to the high number of failures

Maybe so, but Leica's electronics will fail at some point, and you have zero warranty after a year or two. I don't use Vortex either personally.

Just get the Leica binos and not the range finding ones and you'll be fine.
Don't overlook some pawn shops or returns, Swaro, as stated, will go over any demos or used binos and make them new again for free or minimum price.
Maven is a good choice but I would stay away from Vortex.
Our Swaros have been a game changer, bought mine form Cabelas bargain basement many years ago and Swaro put new glass in them for free.
10x42 is the way to go .

I know of at least one person Leica has replaced the RF unit for free after warranty, and use I own multiple Vortex products, you will need the warranty. Optics, I have never needed the warranty on.... Nightforce or Aimpoint. YMMV.