Expensive optics - anyone have buyers regret???

[Couzer]

I regret not buying them sooner, imagine all the game I did not see without them!!!!

[MULEYHUNTER1981]

I agree with Vowell. I see a lot more animals now with my 15x56 swaros. No telling how many quality animals I didn't see before I had them back when I was using my bushnells and Barskas

[lancetkenyon]

 

If you are worried about buyers remorse, I would consider how high the resale value is on swarovski optics. I love my leica rangefinder as well, but I would suggest buying glass elsewhere only because of popularity and resale. Leica is amazing glass, but I'm not so sure about the demand being the same. Also, you could buy used and be out almost nothing if you decide to resell. Finding a used, in like new condition pair of swaro 15s is pretty easy.

Thanks all for their input. This is an excellent point, and I've been considering it. I wish I could do an outside side-by-side comparison. Unfortunately, every pair of binoculars seems about the same when looking at the shoulder mounts in cabelas under fluorescent lights, but then you sure see a difference in them right before the sun comes up.

 

Ask Cabela's to put them on a tripod side by side and take them outside. They did it for me a few different times when I was looking for my 10x42s and 15x56s. They will be more than happy to do so, especially when it leads to a sale.

[twigsnapper]

Just don't pay retail for them. I buy and sell a ton of optics just so I can try different models. Most people have a little buyers remorse when dropping large amounts of cash on optics but that feeling goes away when you glass up animals. For me I feel like I'm at a disadvantage if I don't have my 12x50 swaros around my neck. The nice thing about good glass is you can always sell them if you need to. buyers remorse - yep, regrets for having expensive optics - nope.

[Shedhunteraz]

 

 

Yes i regretted it and sold them. I got wrapped up in the cycle of thinking i "needed" better optics to help me hunt better. That is lie and will only empty your wallet. Yes they are clearer but in reality i can find just as many animals with vortex as i can with swaros.

You want some peanut butter to go with that jelly?

 

Be right back selling 10 year old pair of swarovskis for $300 less than original purchase price.

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Was thinking the same thing. Think he likes you. But then again he is a "trphyhntr"

[naturebob]

I was really bummed when I got rid of My Simmons and upgraded to Tasco. Just no reliabillty. Couldn't see that pretty sparrow at 25 yards...............BOB!

[firstcoueswas80]

I've never once regretted buying quality (the best I could personally afford ) gear whether that be binos, packs, lrfs, scopes, rifles, pistols, boots, you name it.

[mattys281]

 

 

If you are worried about buyers remorse, I would consider how high the resale value is on swarovski optics. I love my leica rangefinder as well, but I would suggest buying glass elsewhere only because of popularity and resale. Leica is amazing glass, but I'm not so sure about the demand being the same. Also, you could buy used and be out almost nothing if you decide to resell. Finding a used, in like new condition pair of swaro 15s is pretty easy.

Thanks all for their input. This is an excellent point, and I've been considering it. I wish I could do an outside side-by-side comparison. Unfortunately, every pair of binoculars seems about the same when looking at the shoulder mounts in cabelas under fluorescent lights, but then you sure see a difference in them right before the sun comes up.

Ask Cabela's to put them on a tripod side by side and take them outside. They did it for me a few different times when I was looking for my 10x42s and 15x56s. They will be more than happy to do so, especially when it leads to a sale.

I didnt think cabelas would do that. Good thing to keep in mind.

[willhunt4coues]

I wanted the best of the optics also back in the day so I sold a bunch of CRAP I did not need and now I have some swaro 15. Big difference in what I thought I saw. I had a buddy loan me his Kiabab HD a year ago. I tried so hard to like the Vortex but dang I got a major headache from looking through them. A buddy got the new Nikon 16x binos and those are even better than the vortex. I then got into the long range game awhile back and new I needed a GREAT rangefinder well i forked out the cash and got the G7BR2. I can actually be standing holding the rangefinder and hit a mountain over 1700 yards away and it comes right back with a reading.

 

So every investment depends on what is needed. If you only hunt coyotes and a few quail every year then no you don't need it. If you LOVE coues deer hunting and scouting then you bet ya get them. My buddy has the Leica 10x42 with the range finder and they are very crisp. If I were to get some it would be the 15x56 with range.

[yotebuster]

I think the big thing people forget about it resale. If you watch these forums, swarovski really holds it value. I bought my 15's new for $1799. I would guarantee I could sell them for $1500 in a second. I've gotten 4 awesome years out of them and they're still incredible. Buy a pair of Nikon monarchs for $500 and you'll be hard presses to get $200 for them used. Same net loss except you get to have the quality along the way. I've even noticed a huge difference between resale on leica and zeiss vs swaro. Vortex seemed to hold value well for a while but now its slipping. In my opinion they offer to many grades of binos from the vipers to vultures to kiababs etc. That hurts the resale as people don't recognize the name as they're constantly changing them. Everyone knows that swaro SLC's are awesome, hasn't changed much in 15 years.

[218buck]

You cant go wrong with swarovskis and you keep hearing over and over there resale value speaks for itself. Good luck on what ever you decide if it comes down to the money you are better off saving up for the best rather than compromise on something of lesser quality just to save a few bucks. If you spend the money now you wont have to later.

[Guest wdenike]

You didn't really think after getting that fancy hawk branded on their arse, and tattooed on their arm. And more importantly all that money they can explain they spent. That you were going to hear, yes I did get buyers remorse. Because there are other products that get the job done. Did you????? Come on now!!!!!!!! :P

 

 

 

 

Take care, Willie

[AverageJoe]

Resale value is the same percentage wise. New swaro el's retail for 2800 and will sell used for 2200. Thats 78% of retail. The old swaro 15's are 1800 new resale 1400 maybe 1500. Vortex razors retail for 1200 and resale for 1000...kaibabs around 900. Zeiss new are 1600 and resale for 1300. So resale percentage wise is roughly the same throughout the brands.

[Guest wdenike]

Good point Joe. Not to mention more companies are throwing their hat in the ring. The Euros ( meoptas ) have always been a real deal. But have made a bigger splash with the 15's under the cabala's brand. Awful nice!!!!!

 

 

Take care, Willie

[Pine Donkey]

If you scrape together enough money to buy some quality glass you will regret it many times over.

 

Once you overcome the initial cost you will need to save up money for all the other associated expenses. For example you will begin to see a lot more animals, therefore you will become picky and hold out for a stud buck...Cha Ching, taxidermy bill. Unlike the purchase of binoculars a taxidermy bill is a reoccurring charge...they seem to happen almost every year. Pretty soon, your walls will begin to fill up and your wife will step in with a solution... Cha Ching, a new house! Not just a new house, but one with high vaulted ceilings. You never know, she may demand a house with its own man cave to display the mounts.

 

Do yourself a favor, save about 100 grand, go to wal-mart and get a pair of Tasco's!