mattys281 Report post Posted September 20, 2006 Learned (quite painfully) this season that my 10x Alpens are not going to cut it for spotting the thinly distributed whitetails near my home in Superior, Az (unit 24B). Looking at larger ones, Steiner 20x80 Senators in particular. Anyone have any experience w/ Steiner glass? Are they worth the $1000+? If you know of another brand that makes quality glass between the 15-20x range please let me know brand name & model. Thanks. Matt S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortpants Report post Posted September 20, 2006 Minox 15's, good product, good price! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunt4horns Report post Posted September 20, 2006 Get with Doug, he'll give you a killer price on them Minox. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted September 20, 2006 For $1000, the Minox 15's are the real deal. For a little less, I think you can get the Ziess 15x45's. Field of view will be slightly less as will low light performance, but optically they are fantastic and they are slightly smaller and lighter. You'll need a tripod for either one though. I've never spent much time with Steiner glass, but I've heard from people I trust that they are not up to par. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coueshunter Report post Posted September 20, 2006 I wouldnt even consider the steiner 15 or 20x80's . I had a pair as my first set of big glass and they are way too heavy and bulky. The above suggestions are good, look at Minox if you want big glass with good objective or possibly Fujinon. You can save a few bucks compared to Swarovski but not give up alot on quality...........Allen....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortpants Report post Posted September 20, 2006 For $1000, the Minox 15's are the real deal. For a little less, I think you can get the Ziess 15x45's. Field of view will be slightly less as will low light performance, but optically they are fantastic and they are slightly smaller and lighter. You'll need a tripod for either one though. I've never spent much time with Steiner glass, but I've heard from people I trust that they are not up to par. I only paid $800 for my minox 15's but that was a few years back. I'm sure you can still find them under a $1000 if you look. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted September 20, 2006 Yeah, I paid $699 for mine in 2003 from bearbasin.com. I recently looked at getting a new pair becasue they made some improvments to the focusing, but the cheapest I could find was $975 plus shipping. I did find these MINOX 15's for $650, but there must be something fishy here. I'm thinking they are probably non-warranty or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COUESAZ Report post Posted September 20, 2006 What 10x alpens do you have and are you going to sale them to get other binos. If so let me know the price. I have the alpen 10x42 and like them just fine. I also have the 10x42 monarchs and they are just a bit brighter than the alpens. And the swaros are just a bit brighter than the monarchs. I need a back up pair so let me know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mkaml4868 Report post Posted September 21, 2006 Check with Doug, he has alot of stuff at great prices and he will work with you on the shipping if you dont like it. I have decided on the minox as well I hear that they are the up and coming challengers to Swarov and zeiss. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AzBuckCHaser1 Report post Posted September 21, 2006 pay the extra get swaro"s you definitly wont regret it once your in the field Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the breeze Report post Posted September 21, 2006 you could keep an eye on ebay for some 15x60 doctors for around 400-600 bucks. good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azhuntnut Report post Posted September 21, 2006 You could also look at the new Nikon Monarch 12x56 for a little over $400.00. David Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
out2hunt Report post Posted September 21, 2006 I love my ziess15x45's and they are so light.On the pod they work magic and I paid 600 on ebay brand new with warranty.Check them out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobbyo Report post Posted September 21, 2006 Same for me, Zeiss 15 x 45 really happy. Used on an antelope hunt and light transmission was not a factor, very suprised. Under 600 on ebay. love them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KGAINES Report post Posted September 21, 2006 Check with Doug on the Minox he has some great prices. Here is his info. Doug Camera Land 212-753-5128 gr8fuldoug@aol.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites