I have been saving up a while and I have about settled on 4 different binoculars. 1) Leupold Golden Ring 8X32, 2) Swarovski 8X30, 3) Stiener Predator 8X42, 4) Kahles 8X42. I understand the differences in the objective lenses of each bino. I'm wondering about quality of the Swarovski vs. all the others. If an 8X30 Swarovski has such better glass and coatings would it be a clearer and better light gathering bino than the others? Does anyone have experience with these or other quality binoculars? I have looked through all of them, but in a retail store with bright lights. It is difficult to tell a difference in some of the binos with good light. I have looked at Leupold Wind River, Bushnell, Nikon, and Bausch and L. These were the best I looked through. I haven't yet seen any of the Ziess Conquest Binos. Help!

Ideally you want to pick the binos with the porro prism lenses. If you want to find the better set, talk to some birdwatchers. They are noted for knowing the in and outs of optics. I don't really spend as much for binos as I do for my scopes but the Kahles and Steiner's that I have seen have been excellent quality. You don't say what your intended use is but like I said talk to some birders and they'll point you to the better quality rigs.

I am exactly the oposite as thndrchiken, I will spend more $$$$ on my binos than my scopes. I usually am "glassing" for hours through the binos to find game, once I find the game, it is a matter of stalking and shooting. I am not suggesting tasco scopes, but more like the Nikkon or Leupold, scopes.

I would go with the Swaros or even Liecas for binos if you can afford them. Here in AZ, I personlly like the 10x42 size binos.

IT is a known fact that if you are spending alot of time using a bino that you need, not want, a better lens system like the roof prism etc. Your eyes will fatigue faster with a cheaper bino. Cheaper bino's are alot tougher on your eyes for extended amounts of time. My opinion would be to get the best pair that you can afford. When it comes to optics you get what you pay for. JMHO.

Thanks guys for the input. Hunting primarily in the Southeast I have found 8X to fit my needs. Since I last posted I am also looking at the Zeiss Victory 8X40's. The birders I have spoken with all like the Zeiss, Swarovski, and say that the Kahles are the equal to the older Bausch & L.'s. I have had opportunity to look through them all and the Zeiss are spectacular, but so are the Swarovski's and the Kahles are very good also. I guess the bottom line is how much I can save up!

I was at the Wisconsin Deer and Turkey Expo and couple weeks ago and talked at great length to the Swarovski/ Kahles (same company) rep. . He told me that although Kahles is closer in scope clarity to Swarovski , in binoculars Swarovski is much better. He allowed me to look at both of them in scopes and bino's. He was very right. I'm personally looking at a Kahles scope but would buy (if I could afford) Swarovski. I currently own a pair of Leupolds and they are nice and do the job in Wisconsin. If I went out west more often....Swarovski !!!!

Mathewsconquest2