So, am thinking I'm about to invest in one of the 'Big Three' as Leica, Swaro and Zeiss seem to be known. Should I also consider Nikon HG-L?
They're a good bit cheaper than the other three (at least here in the UK), are they in the same league?
I will try any before I make a purchase but I thought I'd canvas opinion here too.
Any other thoughts about the relative merits of each of the above would be gratfeully received.
I want them for general birding and am thinking of the 8x42 options of each.
Thanks in advance
Blues,
I'd consider Meopta in that crowd. Excellent wide flat view and built to the same standards. Many in the states compare to Swaro SLC. Priced a little over half of the big three but with latest rebates Leica and swaro are very attractive.
Try if you can find a Meopta
Cheers
[QUOTE=bluesinlondon;1499874]So, am thinking I'm about to invest in one of the 'Big Three' as Leica, Swaro and Zeiss seem to be known. Should I also consider Nikon HG-L?
They're a good bit cheaper than the other three (at least here in the UK), are they in the same league?
I will try any before I make a purchase but I thought I'd canvas opinion here too.
Any other thoughts about the relative merits of each of the above would be gratfeully received.
I want then for general birding and am thinking of the 8x42 options of each.
Thanks in advance[/QUOTE]
I feel the Nikon HGL's are a notch down from the other two alphas Nikon hasn't really changed them much and I feel they are not top tier binoculars anymore. This may sound old but definitely try the Zen 8x42 ED's. I found the Zen's to be quite a bit superior to my Leica Ultravids 7x42 and way superior to my Nikon 8x32 HGL's both of which I sold and kept the Zen's. When I compared them side by side the Zen's were clearly the best of the three. If you have to have one of the big three then get one with ED glass because I feel it makes a big difference especailly in CA(Zeiss FL, Nikon EDG, or Leica HD). The new Nikons with ED glass although I haven't tried them I have heard from other reviews they are quite excellent although expensive. Again try the Zen's because they are as good as any binocular up to $1500.00. I think the only thing that will best them in optics is the $2K plus Alpha ED's. Certainly don't spend big bucks on a non ED glass. You are buying old technology IMO. If you don't like the Zen's you can always return them!
Dennis