Leupold Switch-Power Binoculars - anyone use them?

[Gdpolk]

Does anyone here use the Leupold switch-powered binoculars?  I've been intrigued by them for a while, specifically their 7/12 model as a decent way to have a low-powered scanning glass with the option to switch to higher power to look at details.

[Aunty]

I have the 10-17 power switch model. I love them pure and simple. I have a pair of 7x fixed power binos for the closer stuff.

[Gdpolk]

Originally posted by Aunty:
I have the 10-17 power switch model. I love them pure and simple. I have a pair of 7x fixed power binos for the closer stuff.

Thanks.  I do a lot of small game hunting and find a lower power like 6-8x good for scanning because of the higher field of view.  When I go deer hunting, there are occasionally times that I wish I had just a bit more magnification to help count points or help me see an unusual bird if things are slow.  However, I've never wanted a higher power primary binocular because it seems that I'd miss out on too much field of view for general glassing.  

I've been toying with the idea of trading a gun in for a pair of the 7/12 switch powers so that I could get a quality low power primary binocular with the ability to zoom in a bit closer on occasion.  I know a lot of people are scared of multiple powered binoculars but these seem like they are well built and have an exceptional warranty.  Also, there was a time that multiple powered scopes were considered unreliable; now they are the norm.

[Gdpolk]

Got a FT up in the quivers section looking for some.  I think these might make an awesome pair of hunting binoculars

[will_hunt]

Have not tried the Switch, but can relate this story for some extra props to Leupold.

I had a pair of Wind River binos for literally years.  The little loop on the side that holds the neck strap on the housing snapped off. I needed them for a coming moose hunt. I called to see if there was any way to repair it. The tech told me to send them in. Two weeks later--brand new pair of glasses. BRAND NEW in the box, brother. I will never own another brand.

[Gdpolk]

Originally posted by will_hunt:
Have not tried the Switch, but can relate this story for some extra props to Leupold.

I had a pair of Wind River binos for literally years.  The little loop on the side that holds the neck strap on the housing snapped off. I needed them for a coming moose hunt. I called to see if there was any way to repair it. The tech told me to send them in. Two weeks later--brand new pair of glasses. BRAND NEW in the box, brother. I will never own another brand.

Their customer service record is one reason that they are my preferred optics manufacturers.