pedro47 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 Hi guys First of all this is my first post here, I would like to explain that I am not an expert with the English tongue so I apologize for some of my mistakes. I am posting here because I am interested in some direct personal information on the Minox 15x58 BR (I like and I prefer the high powered binoculars) optical performance (since the Minox price is a good deal now) side by side with the top of notch Swarowiski 15x56 or the Zeiss 15x60 GAT* (or the early BGAT*) and why not to say with the Fujinon 15x60 HB. My main concerns are not exactly focused on the ''big weight'' of the Minoxs in comparison with for example the ''light'' Swaros (that I am quite aware about) or on their ''body built quality'' (since I believe of course the Swaro for example should have a big step on) or even on their low light capacity facing the Swaro since I used to watch using binos mainly at the midday or to some astronomical (casual) purposes. I do not wear glasses when using binoculars so I believe the eye relief of the Minox would be quite good for me. I own a Nikon 18x70mm -if somebody have some experience using both (Minox and Nikon) would be also very interesting. I have never tried one of these because here where I live I can't find any one available in the main stores- so I am wanting to know please somethings about them as these listed below for some one who know they closest: 1) How sharp and crisp is the Minox 15x58 side by side with the Swaro? It's there some real Huge difference? 2) Show the Minox's picture a good color saturation (vivid and clear colors)? 3) It's a easy thing to reach (or find) a good crisp focus point with the Minox? 4) A very important issue for me - how noticiable is the CA (chromatic aberration- false color fringes) with the Minox when looking at some very critical objects? Its possible to notice some color fringe since they carry an ED element? thank you very much in advance Pedro Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GameHauler Report post Posted January 27, 2008 First of all, Welcome to the site. There is a reason Swaros cost more than the others I have not used any of the other Binos you talked about so I can not say Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted January 27, 2008 In my mind, you are leaving out the "top dog"of binos. The Leica Duovids. They have the best glass of all, and in my mind ( in my side by side comparison to Swaros) they are clearer. Now, the 10+15x50 are not as big around as the Swaros but in the side by side comparison I came to the conclusion that there isnot enoungh difference in brightness to change anything in a HUNTING situation! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azryan Report post Posted January 27, 2008 In my mind, you are leaving out the "top dog"of binos. The Leica Duovids. They have the best glass of all, and in my mind ( in my side by side comparison to Swaros) they are clearer. Now, the 10+15x50 are not as big around as the Swaros but in the side by side comparison I came to the conclusion that there isnot enoungh difference in brightness to change anything in a HUNTING situation! Dont waste your money with the duovids. There is a reason why Swarovski sells a lot more, they are better. I guess Bass Pro got rid of their Leica selection, the optics guy informed me of this his exact words " they do not sell enough". They are more expensive then Swarovski, but "clearly" are not as good. I love the feud between Swarovski and Leica they are both good but Swarovski still wins out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted January 27, 2008 IF you have the $$$ for the Swarovski, it's a no brainer. The Minox will be inferior in every aspect, but for $700 they are a great value. I've glassed many many deer, elk, antelope, pigs etc with mine and they are as good or better than 95% of the glass you can buy. The 5% they are inferior to are the Leica, Zeiss, and Swarovski's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GameHauler Report post Posted January 27, 2008 Pedro, If you are Young, Dumb and full off Casey Look at the Lick a butts When you get more time under your belt you will be selling them to buy Swaros. Sorry Casey. thats the way it is Signed, Coues7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ402 Report post Posted January 27, 2008 Save your coin for the Swarovski, best glass around. The Leicas are a half step behind but nice glass for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jamaro Report post Posted January 27, 2008 Pedro Welcome to the site and don't worry about your English.. It is probably better than 75% of the people on this site... anyway, The Minox are good glass. Are they as good as the Swaro's maybe not... but they are still great glass. Just learn how to use them and get a good tripod.... Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GameHauler Report post Posted January 27, 2008 Pedro Welcome to the site and don't worry about your English.. It is probably better than 75% of the people on this site... anyway, The Minox are good glass. Are they as good as the Swaro's maybe not... but they are still great glass. Just learn how to use them and get a good tripod.... Jason Well Said Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 27, 2008 I heard that another major optics manufacturer will be introducing a 15X bino at the SHOT show in Feb Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longshooter Report post Posted January 27, 2008 I have to agree with firstcoueswas80 on the Leica glass. I have a pair of the 10x42 geovids and they are awesome. I have done a side by side comparison between my leicas and my dads swarovski el's and I also compared them to coues snipers el's. I can see a difference between the 2 and I like leica better Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kcw Report post Posted January 27, 2008 another vote for the leicas. I had the swaros. and even though they were great glass I sold them and bought the Leicas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ajohunter Report post Posted January 27, 2008 I will cast my vote for the EYES OF GOD. Swarovski that is. Great glass all around, but it really shines in low light conditions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted January 27, 2008 Pedro, based on your name, i am going to guess that you speak spanish, if i am in correct, please excuse me. Leicas son las mejores del mundo. los swarovskis estan bueno, pero, no son Leicas. cuando azryan hablan, no oidas! el es un nino muy joven quien no sabe nada! Gamehauler es muy veijo, y el no sabe nada! pero longshooter,old timer y yo, nos estamos muy MUY intelligeinte! yo veo muchas mas vendados con mis leicas de azryan y gamehauler han con los swarovskis! si quiere comprar lo mejor, compra las lecias pronto! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted January 27, 2008 In my mind, you are leaving out the "top dog"of binos. The Leica Duovids. They have the best glass of all, and in my mind ( in my side by side comparison to Swaros) they are clearer. Now, the 10+15x50 are not as big around as the Swaros but in the side by side comparison I came to the conclusion that there isnot enoungh difference in brightness to change anything in a HUNTING situation! Dont waste your money with the duovids. There is a reason why Swarovski sells a lot more, they are better. I guess Bass Pro got rid of their Leica selection, the optics guy informed me of this his exact words " they do not sell enough". They are more expensive then Swarovski, but "clearly" are not as good. I love the feud between Swarovski and Leica they are both good but Swarovski still wins out. Your right, i doubt Leica sells as much as Swarovski does. Most people pay for the name when it comes to Swaros. Leica has to be doing something right since they have been around for ever ( Leitz before they were Leica) The duovids are more expensive but you get two pairs of binos in one. lets break this down : Swarovski SLC 10x50 binos =$1799. Swarovski 15x56 binos = $1999 add that up and you get $3800 ( NOT CHEAP) Then you get the Leica duovids which are 10 and 15 or 8 and 12 power all in one,that are just as good (better) than the swaros for a whopping $2645 ( all prices from bearbasin.com) now, according to my calculations that is a savings of $1200... hmmm makes sense to me but then again..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites