Swaro VS. Vortex Binos

[glock24]

Hey Fellas,

I've been intrigued with this post as I too am interested in trading in my spotter for some medium-power, tripod-mounted binoculars. I really like the idea of glassing with both eyes at the range and in the field.

I currently own a pair of 8.5x42mm Swaro ELs. I understand and appreciate the impeccable image quality delivered by Swarovski.

However, I recently ran across the Meopta MeoStar B1 15x56mm HD binoculars. What caught my attention is that Meopta now too is using fluorite crystal glass just like Swarovski. While they do loose a bit of FOV when compared to Swarovski, they are hundreds of dollars cheaper.

I'm wondering if these Meopta 15x56mm HDs would be a more fair comparison for the Swarovski SLC 15x56mm. And of course the question is . . . can anyone comment on how closely they compare?

 

[Sheldon N]

Some info on this link and article comparing them to the older Swaro 15x56's here... they look like a good deal.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/optics/51766-review-meopta-meostar-hd-15x56.html

Only thing I'd throw out there is to make sure you know you're not going to secretly wish you'd bought the Swaro's. I always find that couple hundred dollar savings looks much smaller in hindsight and I catch myself shopping again for what I really wanted in the first place.

 

[*Tavman*]

So my Swarovski SLC HD 15x56 binos arrived today. I am super pleased with the choice. I had a chance to really sit down with them and do some glassing both at closer objects as well as out past 1000 yards. We just had a rain shower pass through then some sun, so the atmosphere is about as clean as it gets.

Going back to the original question of carrying these rather than a spotting scope for spotting at matches.... Comparing these side by side with my current spotting scope (Konuspot 20-60x80, cheap scope but with good resolution, I've had it side by side with a Swaro and Vortex Razor spotters several times) my take is that the resolving power of the 15x56's is about the same as the spotting scope on 30 power, maybe pushing 35 power. With the binos you can definitely see clearly at 1000 yards, more than enough to call impacts on steel. Now if you're trying to pick up a 6mm bullet going into wet dirt at 1100 yards or other really fine detail, the advantage goes to the higher magnification.

On the flip side, the binos have a couple advantages over the spotting scope. One is the massive field of view which is super sharp edge to edge. For spotting on a stage with multiple targets it's going to be much easier to have all the targets in view at the same time, and easier to reposition and locate another target. I also noticed that the depth of focus was a LOT deeper with the binos. Near and far objects were more in focus. The plus of this was that you can see more stuff going on in the air between you and the target. Anything with dust/pollen/etc floating in the wind, or light rain, or bugs is a lot easier to pick up since it's in focus and there's a wider view. Could be an advantage for getting a wind call in some circumstances. Not much mirage going on here today, but I think you'll be able to see some with the binos. Probably advantage goes to the spotter though on being able to read mirage.

Handholding will also be totally fine for an initial walk up on a stage where you need to locate and identify targets. Another plus will be that scouting at 15x will be roughly the same magnification you shoot at.

Ultimately the Swaros are just way more pleasing to look through. The experience is immersive and 3D, contrast/color/everything is stellar. The size is compact compared to my spotter (though they weigh almost as much!). Mine came with a Rick Young neoprene cover and I like it, very handy way to protect the binos when thrown into a pack but still easily accessible. I can even leave the tripod mount on the binos with the cover attached.

Anyhow, enough rambling... here's a pic.

Sheldon, are these the same ones you were using this past weekend at Blue Ridge? If so I really need to get a pair instead of a spotter. I found spotting with these much easier than a traditional spotting scope.

 

[Sheldon N]

Yep, that's the same setup. Been loving them for matches, totally worth carrying around. It was good shooting with you last weekend!