Any optics aficionados on the box?

[thekarens]

I've decided to send the children to the salt mines and invest in some serious binoculars for birdwatching. I know there aren't any birders on this board, but often hunters are also into optics.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Zeiss Victory T* FL 10x42 bins. My second choice would be Swarovski EL 10x42 and last on the list would be Leica Ultravid HD 8x42.

I wear glasses so eye relief is really important. I'm leaning towards the Zeiss because of all the reviews I've read regarding brightness in dim lighting.

Anyone here have any interest or experience?

[danielp]

Nice top end choices any way you look at it.

Have you looked at Leupold? I really like them. They in my opinion are the best of the mid range group.

Vortex is also another good brand.

Go to binoculars.com or eagleoptics.com and review their product lines. Sorry these aren't url links.

These sites should save you some $$$ no matter what brand you go with,

[ssrprelude]

You can't go wrong with Zeiss glass. I hunt from time to time and on my rifle I have a Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x50mm Illum. Reticle. I was torn between the Leupold or the Zeiss and it came down to the look and the Illum. Reticle for close to sundown shots.

[cichlid1409]

no experience with the last two but i can say Zeiss optics are the best i've ever seen.

[thekarens]

I did consider the Leupold Gold Ring, but here's where the girl in me came out....I thought the bins were ugly :)