THEMAKKER13

I can buy Leather Swarovski 8x20s for $425 brand new from my uncle or I can get Leica Trinovid. Ignoring cost, which do you think is better? Thanks.

OpticsCamp

The Swarovski is the better choice.

In my opinion, Leica is just a bit overpriced. They certainly make good optics, but they exist in a limbo between other brands. You can find the same glass quality as a good Leica from another brand with a lower price, and for the price commanded for a good Leica, you'll get better quality from somebody like Swarovski.

Not quite alpha, and too expensive to be a bargain. Their more affordable lines (<$1k) never really impressed me when compared to the big players.

Sheridan

I would be most interested in those recommendations - please !

OpticsCamp

Keep in mind, this is my biased opinion and many will disagree. I've handled a lot of Leica sport optics and they do make good glass, and some guys will stick with their Leicas because of brand loyalty, personal preference, or status symbols. Their choices are valid and I'm not calling them out.

But it's my belief that you can take any pair of higher end Leicas, then compare them to a porro prism binocular at 1/2 the cost, or a roof prism binocular for 2/3 the cost, and you'll see similar build quality and optical quality. Manufacturer doesn't matter, pick one.

Personal preference will really dictate which binocular is "better," which is why some guys will choose their Leicas every time. But I believe that any advantages that a Leica has over the comparable "lesser" brand isn't worth the extra hundreds of dollars on the price tag. Most people will find more value in any of the common brands, German or otherwise.

Like I said, just my opinion.

Sheridan

I'm all good with that it's your opinion.

I'm interested in your opinion of those optic manufactures names.

THEMAKKER13

Thanks. Not sure if any of you have seen the Swaro 8x20s, but I must admit I wasn't that impressed. Any opinions on how well the leather of the Swarovski's would hold up?

OpticsCamp

Zeiss, Swarovski, Meopta, Minox, pick one. You have to try really hard to not find a comparable binocular at a better value - either similar quality for less, or better quality for the price - especially if you focus on European brands. And there's some nice glass coming out of manufacturers based in Asia that are quickly catching up.

OpticsCamp

Truth be told, I'm not a fan of any compact binoculars to begin with, just because of the physical and optical shortcomings inherent in the size. The 8x20s have rubber armor. Should hold up fine.

THEMAKKER13

No this model is leather.

Sheridan

Swarovski -quality we all know you need to pay for.

Zeiss - I'm already a believer.

Meopta, Minox - admittedly, two brands I don't know very well.

I use Burris Signature Select level (rifle scopes) and Nikon Monarch level (binos & rangefinder) - please evaluate ?