Vortex Razor vs. Swarovski SLC vs. Leica Trinovid

ty22 · Sep 24, 2013

I am in the market for some new binoculars. I have three on the radar: Vortex Razor, Swarovski SLC, or the Leica Trinovid. I have had the razors and they are nice, but wondering if it is worth stepping up to one of the other two. I'm not saying that my razors were just as good as the SLC's because I have compared the two side by side, and they are not. The Razors are dang good glass for the money, but the Swaro's take it. The one that I have not been able to look through are the Leica Trinovids. Any thoughts?

Timberbuck · Sep 24, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Sep-25-13 AT 03:53AM (MST)[p]The binos you mention, I take it you are talking about the most new Razor HD, the SLC HD and the new Trinovid correct? Or are you asking about the discontinued SLC NEU??

The SLC HD would be the best followed by the new Trinovid then the Razor HD.

If you are asking about the SLC NEU it would be a toss up optically between it and the Razor HD and Trinovid but my pick by a small margin would be the Trinovid.

The new trinovid is a great glass and optically on par with Leicas best glass the Ultravid HD to my eyes and in tests I have seen. It only gives up a little FOV compared to the Ultravid HD. Its also only $1400 new.

The very top glass today however is the SLC HD, Swarovision EL and Zeiss Victory HT. The Zeiss Victory FL is very close overall to those three and can be had at a much lower price point.

ty22 · Sep 25, 2013

Thanks for the reply. And yes, I am referring to the new razor HD, SLC HD, and new Trinovid.

So if I understood you correctly, you would take the SLC HD over the new Trinovid?

I know the new Razor HD is not on par with these two, close, but not quite there. I'm just wondering if you think it is worth the extra cash?

If money was not an issue I would get a pair of Swaro El's, but kind of on a budget.

fatrooster · Sep 25, 2013

My vote goes to the SLC HD. fatrooster.

ty22 · Sep 25, 2013

Thanks fatrooster. Have you ever looked through the new Trinovids? Just want to make sure that the Swaros are in deed better because it is about a $100 dollar difference for me. And I would prefer not to spend that $100 if the Trinovids from leica are just as good as the SLC HD.

Timberbuck · Sep 25, 2013

The Trinovid is not Leica's top glass-their top of the line is the Ultravid HD and it is a little dated compared to the SLC HD,EL Swarovision and Zeiss HT.

So yes, the SLC HD is worth it over the Trinovid. But the SLC HD is a $1800 glass and the Trinovid $1400. How are you getting a SLC HD for only $100 more than the Trinovid??

My top pick of them all would be the new Zeiss Victory HT.

BPKHunter · Sep 26, 2013

Word is they are "rebranding" the SLC HD and lowering the price. I've seen a few intensive tests that rank the SLC HD above the EL Swarovision. I say this as a Swarovision owner.

The one thing I would remind you of, is the amazing service that you get with Swarovski. I am sure this ad's value over Leica or Zeiss based on many testimonials read and my personal experience with Swaro.

Good Luck.

ty22 · Sep 26, 2013

Thanks for the replies. By the sounds of things, swarovski SLC HD takes the cake for my price range. Any leica nuts, make your voice heard, or I will probably be getting the swaros.

mtmuleys · Sep 27, 2013

I have a chance to compare Swarovski SV, Vortex Razor and Zen-Ray PRIME HD binoculars. Optically, PRIME and SV are very close. very sharp edge to edge with almost identical brightness at low light. Swarovski has slightly smaller barrel diameter, which makes it easier to handhold over extended period of time. Razor is good in the center resolution, but becomes noticeably blurry near 20-30% of the edge. Brightness is on par with both. I don't feel it is worthy the money to get a Razor when there is many other options available. If you can afford it, get Swarovski EL/SV. For sub $1000, I will consider Cabela Euro HD or Zen-Ray PRIME HD.

ty22 · Sep 27, 2013

Ok, so after a trip to the local sporting goods store, I have decided the following. To my eye, I would rank them Swarovski SLC HD, New Leica Trinovid, and Vortex Razor.

However, for the difference in price, I can't justify the swaro SLC HD. I think I am going to end up with the new Leica Trinovid, unless someone here thinks I am making a huge mistake. It was really hard for me to see a noticeable difference between the leica and the swaro. Thoughts?

mtmuleys · Sep 28, 2013

both Swaro and Leica are fine binoculars. I don't think there is much practical difference between them other than price. But you probably will notice how much better they are than the Razor.

ty22 · Sep 28, 2013

Thanks mtmuleys, I appreciate your comments in this thread. As you mentioned there was a noticeable difference between the Leica and Swaro compared with the Razors. Not that the razors are bad, but as mentioned, they do get a hair blurry around the edges whereas the Leica and Swaro's were both sharp. I think I will save some money and go with the Trinovids.

SteveC · Sep 29, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Sep-29-13 AT 12:11PM (MST)[p]According so Swarovski tech reps I have talked to the only difference in the SLC-HD and the Swarovision is the slower focus of the SLC-HD which is in line with Swarovski's determination that hunters like a slower focus than birders, hence a slower focus in the SLC-HD. This is Swarovski's hunter binocular. The main difference in the cost of the two is the SLC-HD has a simpler and much less expensive eye piece than the Swarovision. The SV chief claim to fame is the edge to edge sharpness which requires a complicated eye piece. This edge sharpness is from the hue and cry from the birding crowd. Hence Swarovski aimed the SV at birders. Far as I can see you can either go birding or go hunting with either one. The edge sharpness on the SLC-HD is way better than average. Same quality of glass and coatings in both.

I agree the SLC-is superb. I have not seen a new Trinovid yet. I would also advise you to see if you can find a new Zeiss Conquest HD. I think better than the Razor and right at $1,000. I think the new Razor HD is a lot better than either the original razor or the first Razor HD (which I had for some time)

ty22 · Sep 29, 2013

Holy smokes, that was a lot of great info! Thanks for the post, I will try to get a look at the zeiss. However, the closest zeiss dealer is about an hours drive for me.

fatrooster · Sep 30, 2013

I have not looked through the new Trinovid or the Zeiss but I'm sure that they are very close, and in some peoples eyes better, in quality as the Swarovski SLC HD's. The big three have always competed against each other and they are all three quality glass. As mentioined above, what sets them apart is customer service with Swarovski being second to no one. I've seen good things about Leica and Zeiss but I've also seen some bad stuff. By that I mean bad stories on this and other websites where people have had bad luck with customer service. I've never seen anything bad about Swarovski's customer service. Vortex also has excellent customer service. fatrooster.

ol490 · Sep 30, 2013

ty22,
I am an optic addict, so take my advice with a grain of salt... I would say buy what seems to be the best optically. Then worry about the money second. This is a lifetime investment so the slc-hd's may be the right choice even having the higher price tag. I just bought a set of Swaro EL 10x32 swarovisions after having many other sets. I am glad I spent the money to get what was the best to my eyes. I am lucky that I can finance these new binos through selling a set of zeiss victories already and having a set of Swaro el 10x42's that I still need to sell. However, I would of been glad to pay straight out of pocket for a set of binos my eyes liked and I plan to have for life. My two cents is don't save money now and have regrets later.....good luck with your decision.

ty22 · Sep 30, 2013

Fatrooster, you do bring up some good points. As you stated, I did come across a few concerning reviews with Leica. However, most of what I saw was the consumer not doing their part, i.e. not sending in product registration cards and then expecting the company to make an exception to their policy. I don't want to light a fire with this topic, but is there blatant customer service flaws that I am unaware of?

ty22 · Sep 30, 2013

I would
>say buy what seems to
>be the best optically.
>Then worry about the money
>second.

This is a good montra to live by, however, are you married?!?! Ha ha, my wife might not agree with your statement

ol490 · Sep 30, 2013

I am married to a very understanding wife. I do have to do a little explaining from time to time though.....

jarheadhunter · Oct 2, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Oct-02-13 AT 03:38PM (MST)[p]Don't know if you have looked at this website before? It has been on here a few times. Might help you in your decision.

In they're test the Vortex Viper HD actually score better then the Razor HD.

The Old SLC placed 4th and higher then the three you mention.

The new SLC HD placed higher then the other two.

http://www.allbinos.com/allbinos_ranking-binoculars_ranking-10x42.html

Willametteriveroutlaw · Oct 7, 2013

Get the SLC HD's, Leica's customer service is suspect at best, swaro is pretty much no questions asked. The conquests and the razors are pretty much equal.

If you ever have to sell them, the swaro's will hold their value better than the others as well.