HOOKNBULLET2
Active Member
My first alpha binocular purchase was a used set of Swarovski EL 10x42. No regrets and will never go back to b level glass again.
Do we live in a perfect world?I didn't read through all 8 pages of this, so it may have been mentioned before, but the real question is what do you want them for? Are they simply for observation or do you want them to enhance your capability? I.e. Do you want an integrated laser range finder? Do you want integrated ballistics software?
Personally, to me it's unequivocally worth the extra $ to get something that has all 3. That said, regardless of which route you go I would be willing to spend the amount necessary to get something that won't leave you wanting later (the oft repeated buy once cry once). Right now, I use the Leica HD-B 3000. At the time, they were the best on the market. Image and range finding are excellent, onboard ballistics software work fine but are distance limited and dated (SD card). Now they are surpassed by a few including the Leica Geovid Pro 10x42 AB+ and the Vectronix Vector X. Revic BLR10b and Swaro EL Range are also worth considering. The Sig Kilo 10k Gen 1/2 doesn't have the same image fidelity but it's not a hindrance and certainly has some cool tech integration. Leica has the best warranty of the high end stuff. The only reason I am considering upgrading to any of the above is to get better on board ballistics.
The fact remains though that the image fidelity and range finding of the HDB-3000 are still fantastic, onboard ballistics are accurate and reliable out to 800, and I have a Kestrel 5700 for shots beyond 800…so still extremely convenient, useful, capability enhancing, and a relevant.