Leica or Swarovski binoculars????

[Bullfrog 1]

I am interested in the 8X30 or 8X32. Is the Leica worth the extra grand? Thanks.   BILL

[k. sisco]

I have both brands,but my leicas are 10x42.
Although the glass in the leica bino's are better too me,no way are they worth a $K more.

[Joseph]

Swarovski.

[Walt Francis]

I have both, in my opinion you can't go wrong with either one.  For me, the difference in glass is little, if any; I can’t see paying an extra grand for one over the other.  Are you comparing the similar models?   Both companies have a base, and high-end model with the major difference being the weight.

[easyup]

My 59 year old eyes can see the difference in the really good glass and the top quality in the Leica and Swaro, but not distinquish between the two.  Have used Swaro for 9 years now and have put them through hell, Southwestern US, Mexico and Africa and they are perfect to this day.  You can not go wrong with either.

[Steve O]

I started with Swarovski and have had different Leicas for the past 10 years.  I guess I haven't looked lately because the price used to be about the same.  You must bu comparing the regular 8x30s (not the EL) to something like an Ultravid HD?

Between the Leica, Swarovski, and Zeiss it is pretty much personal preference.

[Johnny UMAA]

Yeah, I researched these two for several years and while I always liked the look of the Swaros, I own several Leicas. The glass is better (I'm 61 and my eyes can still see the difference). Is one worth a $1,000 over the other...hard to say. You're the one that would have to wonder whether or not you made the right decision either way.

If interested, I have an extra pair of Leica 10x32 Trinovid binos in excellent shape that I would let go for $950.00, shipping included (they are $1295 new I think). I've had them for about 5 years, but haven't used them in the past 3 years as my hunting has all but been put on hold due to family health issues.

My email is [email protected]

[jonsimoneau]

I own the Leica 8x32's  For whitetail hunting in the midwest they are perfect.  You will not go wrong with either one.

[lilbobby]

I like "jonsimoneau" have the Leica 8x32's I use for whitetail's in Louisiana & Mississippi, they are great! But I would also think either one would do.

[Dave Pagel]

I love my 8X32 Leica's for most bowhunting.  I have some 10x42s also that I picked up for a sheep hunt a few years back. I spent a lot of time researching 10 years ago.  Side by side is the only way to make this choice. I am very happy with the Leica's.

D.P.

[Robhood23]

Swarfs EL's, hands down the best glass you can buy! They all might look the same during daylight but in lowlight conditions they really shine!

[amar911]

I have both and each is fantastic. My preference is the Leica, especially the new semi-compact 8x32 HD model. But I would not pay $1000 difference to get the Leicas. The Swarovskis are already more than you really need for any purpose. They also tend to be lighter than some of the Leica models.

Allan

[Bullfrog 1]

Is there a BIG difference between the SLC and El Swarovski? Thanks.   BILL

[overbo]

No not a big difference in them.I'll add the Zeiss FL's are extremely good glass.If you check out some of the bino reveiws,the Zeiss FL's rate better than both the Swarv. and Leica.I've had all 3 and perfer the Zeiss.
If you are looking into whitetail binos?I would consider 6x.Many advantages w/ them.Widerfeild of veiw and twighlight performance is better than both the 8x and 10x w/ same objective size.Leupold makes a 6x32 Katimia modle that's smaller and lighter than any of the top euro brands and rate very well.
Thats my save you 12,000 cents worth

[PAPA BEAR]

save your money buy leupold.then spend the extra 5k you saved on a nice new hopped up bow.i grew up in the wettest place you could imagine,oregon coast,150" of rain a year....owned leupold all my life...never fogged....never let me down period....lifetime over the counter warranty,every bit as clear as anything out there imho

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Originally posted by elkherder:
save your money buy Leupold.then spend the extra 5k you saved on a nice new hopped up bow.i grew up in the wettest place you could imagine,Oregon coast,150" of rain a year....owned Leupold all my life...never fogged....never let me down period....lifetime over the counter warranty,every bit as clear as anything out there imho

DITTO
I just was on my Antelope hunt and the guy that I was hunting with had Swarovski 10x42 and a spotting scope, I was had my 10x42 Leupold and my 15x30x60 spotting scope both are Gold-Ring and you could not tell differences.Blake

[MnFn]

I used swaro' 8X for about 10-15 years and they served me well; the adjustment knob broke and they gave me a brand new pair. I did not think the new pair was as clear so traded for 10X Leica's. I  like them but if I had it to do all over again would proabably go to the 8X EL. Just for size/bulk.
I also have a pair of minnie Zeiss, but like a little larger piece of glass for most hunting.
Good luck in your purchase.