Thoughts on Zeiss 15x56 binos please?

[chav0_12]

Kinda the same but kinda not. When I was shopping for new binos, I looked at about everything in the $1k price range. I was looking at 10x42s because that's what I needed. I ended up with the SLCs because those were by far the clearest, most colorful, comfortable, etc. out of all the binos I looked through. The Zeiss' eyecups didn't feel as comfortable and had that blue hue to them. The Leupold's focus wheel was too touchy not as bright. The Leica Trinovids just didn't seem quite as bright but still a very good optic. The Vortex Razor HDs were absolute junk, grey not clear, depth of focus was terrible, it was at that moment I swore off their optics, at least buying anything new as I do have a few Razor riflescopes. If I hadn't decided to spend the extra money on the SLCs it would've been the Trinovids. This is me saying that if I were to buy 15s I'd be skipping the rest and go straight for the SLCs.

On this same note, I have a buddy that has the Mavens and I've looked through them for coues and mulies and they're pretty nice, a little less edge-edge clarity and a tad touchier focus wheel than my SLCs. Also hard to completely compare as mine were 10s and his are 15s. So, when we looked my stuff was clearer but his was closer.

 

[wonderman4]

Heard lots about the Meopta Meostars

So have I, but never used any of 'em so I can't comment on their use and effectiveness.

Besides, the OP was asking about Zeiss products.

 

[RockyRandy]

I have owed a set of Swaro. 15x56 for about 10 years now and they are my go to bios. for scouting up Elk. I had a set of Vortex 20x56 and they just won't clear like my Swaro. were. I pack a set of Ziess 10x42 for my everyday hunting bios. and couldn't be happier. I looked at about every brand there was when I bought them and felt they were the best but the Mavens were right there IMO.

 

[dennisinaz]

I have 15x56 SLC, and 18x56 UHD. They're both excellent.

 

[DoneNOut]

So have I, but never used any of 'em so I can't comment on their use and effectiveness.

Besides, the OP was asking about Zeiss products.

Why aren't you trying to moderate everyone else for mentioning something other than the Zeiss? You have some affinity for me in particular?

 

[Glenn Tullius]

This guy said the Steiner 15X56 were good. They were the most horrible optics I've looked through. Cost me $45 to try them and return them.

Nothing happened to them really. What annoyed me was when I tried to focus on something out to 500 yards (Coues deer) there was distinct out of focus around the deer. Kinda like looking through a scope with your eye back to far away. So I guess I might be saying the depth of focus was very narrow at longer distances, I think.... imho, I wouldn't buy a Steiner ever, period. My guide had the Swaro's 15x56, and they were incredible. I just thought I might sell the Vortex's and buy my buddies half of new price Zeiss Conquest 15x56HD's. I don't think I'd get hurt to bad. I also know first hand that Zeiss's Customer Service is outstanding. They refurbed a pair of 10x40 Classic's for me to brand new at no cost. I sold those to get my 10x42 Swaro EL's.

 

[DoneNOut]

I just thought I might sell the Vortex's and buy my buddies half of new price Zeiss Conquest 15x56HD's. I don't think I'd get hurt to bad. I also know first hand that Zeiss's Customer Service is outstanding. They refurbed a pair of 10x40 Classic's for me to brand new at no cost. I sold those to get my 10x42 Swaro EL's.

So, will this friend let you look through them before you buy them?

 

[Glenn Tullius]

Glenn,

What happened to your vortex?

I have been looking at four different ones as well:

Swarovski SLC 15x56
Zeiss Conquest 15x56
Meopta B1 Plus 15x56
Vortex UHD 12x50

This guy seems knowledgeable:

Yes he did,

 

[Rutvick1]

Anybody use or have any experience with Zeiss 15x56 HD binoculars! My Vortex 15x56 fell woefully short on my Coues deer hunt this year.

 

[Rutvick1]

Anybody use or have any experience with Zeiss 15x56 HD binoculars! My Vortex 15x56 fell woefully short on my Coues deer hunt this year.

Love mine! Been running the 15x56 HDs for a few years and with a sturdy tripod, and high quality pan head. It's hard to beat! Another good quality optic in that same power range would be Maven! 3 different models in that 15 power setup!

 

[Reelamin]

Sounds like you have a deal and for half price...snag the zeis. I preferred the Meoptas over the SLC in vision quality. Add in I saved a 1000 bucks only makes it better.