Swaro EL 10x42 v Leupold BX5 10x50

[USAF Marksman]

I'm looking to upgrade from my Vortex Crossfire Binos and really want to get something that should last me a long time and that I don't feel I need to upgrade out of after a few seasons. I'll be using those for glassing in the mountains in Utah/Idaho to help me spot game. I'm pretty well set on having a 10x because I don't think I really want to carry a tripod while backpack hunting. I'm trying to be conservative with weight. I'm going on my first spot and stalk black bear hunt in the spring and want to have a good set to help me find bears.

I can get the Leupold BX5 Santiam 10x50 for about $780 on their MIL/LE discount. Best I've seen the Swaros for is about $2100. I understand that the Swaro is the top of the line, but is the quality in the Leupold BX5 the next step down? The Leupold is in the budget and I'd have to keep pinching pennies to get the Swaros, but I'm willing to if that difference is worth it.

I experience the eye fatigue that I always read about when I try to use my Vortex binos for longer periods of time. I'd like to be able to glass longer without this happening, and to see everything in better clarity. I have not had the chance to actually look through either the Swaro or the Leupold.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I haven't looked through the Leupold model but I bought a used Swaro 10x42 EL and they're incredible.

 

[USAF Marksman]

I haven't looked through the Leupold model but I bought a used Swaro 10x42 EL and they're incredible.

I believe it. That's pretty much the consensus across the board. Someday, I suppose I'll end up with Swaros. If the Leupolds are close enough, for less than $800 out of my pocket, then I should be happy with them for a while. It would be a LOT easier for me to afford the Leupolds than the Swaros. I just don't want to be disappointed at the end of the day.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Yeah, that's the bottom line. Personally, I took a BIG jump going from inexpensive Bushnell to the Swaro. I

If you can find new ELs for 2100 go for it. I paid $1800 for used ones.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

As a long standing supporting vendor of this forum it would be our pleasure to discuss options with you if you've got the time to give a call, 516-217-1000. This way we can discuss what would be best for you.

 

[USAF Marksman]

As a long standing supporting vendor of this forum it would be our pleasure to discuss options with you if you've got the time to give a call, 516-217-1000. This way we can discuss what would be best for you.

Thanks, Doug. I had a feeling you might drop in. I probably should have just started there!

 

[dmj]

The Swarovski section aren't bad. Good luck

 

[dmj]

Darn spell check. Supposed to say Swarovski slc aren't bad.