Bino Comparison: Burris Signature Select v. Swarovski SLC

[Ben Tiller]

Well,

I've been out of the loop for a while, settling in Montana and starting my practice.  But as hunting season rolls around, I suppose it's time I start getting a bit active on the board again.  

This whole move to Montana was expensive.  And late last fall, it entailed selling my beloved pair of Swaro 10x42s which I had carried faithfully for 9 years.  I needed to cover some bills.  

Well, although things are going well, I couldn't convince the old lady to allow me to gouge the account another 1,300 to replace them.  370 was my budget.  I went into a large local sporting good store planning on buying either the Bushnell Elite E2's or the Nikon Monarch ATBs.  After being unimpressed with either, I thought I should at least check out this lone pair of Burris Signature selects.  

Needless to say, at 370 (my max budget), they were a great deal.  Retail is in the high $700.  Here's how they compare.  

Pros--I truly believe these glasses are AS sharp as the SLCs.  Now, mind you, I had an older generation, but the glass seems well ground and clear.  They are also exceptionally bright!  Noticeably brighter than the E2's, the ATB's and the Leupold Pinnacles.  Brightness is probably the same as the SLC's.  


Cons--They are considerably lighter than the SLCs, probably 8 oz.  I always appreciated the heft of the Swaro's, but I know most people prefer the lighter weight when trekking a hill. The biggest downside, and this is probably related to weight somehow, is the FOV.  The FOV of the Burrises is a mere 264.  This is on the bottom end of the 10x42's that are out there.  But the clarity will hopefully make up for the narrowness as the season progresses.  

As always, you can't complain about the warranty with the Burris product. The body seems well-made, and I don't expect I'll need to put it to use anytime soon.  That said, the warranty card is in the mail.  

These Bino's are on sale everywhere, it seems, because it doesn't look like they are making the 10x42s anymore.  If you are looking for a great value, and like me can no longer take food out of the kids's mouth to put Swarovskis to your eyes, I urge you to give them a look.  I don't expect I'll be missing the SLC's as bad as I thought I would.  

Sorry about the length.  Been a while.  

Best

ben (in Montana for good)

The

[George D. Stout]

Now I could tell you about Bushnell and Simmons, but not Burris and Swarovski.  *^).

[Don Stokes]

Ben, a timely post for me. I'm hunting mule deer this fall, and need to upgrade. I'll check out the Burris Signatures. My budget's about like yours! Lighter weight is a plus for me.

Thanks!