15 x 60 Doctor Optics Question

972Elk · Oct 31, 2005

I have a pair of 15x60's (Doctor's)and am very happy with them. My question is it worth purchasing a pair of Swarovski 15x56's? Size, weight, quality, Etc. I have hunted 34A the past 4 years and my Doctor's have done well. I would like to hear from someone who has compared/used the two in the field.

My main complaint with the Doctor's is that when I am hiking up the mountain my binos are in my pack. If I sling the binos, the tri-pod adapter jabbs my ribs and they get heavy...Thanks..Jim

ASUCoues · Nov 1, 2005

Jim, I bought my Doctors back in '99. I really wanted to get the Swaros but even though I probably could have afforded them I just couldn't justify spending the money ($1,100). I found the Docs for $600. I also had two good friends who had Docs and they really liked them.

Other than being heavy, I was generally pretty happy with them. I got the bino strap that goes around your shoulders instead of your neck. That helps a lot. My buddies that have them carry them in their packs.

2 years ago I was with a guy who had a pair of Swaros. At first light, we were glassing the same hill and he was picking out deer that I couldn't see because the Swaros were brighter. Right then and there I decided I was getting Swaros for the next season.

Six months later, I was fortunate to find a gently used pair of Swaros for sale and bought them. I paid more for a used pair in '04 as I would have paid for a new pair in '99. I did however get a doubler and 2 tripod mounts. The cheapest I could find them new was $1,300. Now you are looking at $1,550 for a new pair.

To be perfectly honest with you, I would not trade my Swaros for anything. They are brighter, sharper and lighter. I have spent many hours looking through both pairs and am comfortable in saying that I can defintely tell a difference.

If you spend a lot of time glassing and you can afford them, I do not think you would be unhappy with upgrading to Swaros at all. CB

972Elk · Nov 1, 2005

Thanks ASUCoues...

Thanks for the post...I think I will buy the Swaros. I want to get them before January. I think I'm going down to Arizona for an Archery deer hunt.

Did you sell your Doctor's?? I think I got mine in 99 as well. What do you think I could sell my Doctor's for?

The Swaros I have found go for about $1700.00. Is there a cheaper place to buy them?

Thanks again...Jim

jaybob · Nov 3, 2005

Let me know if you are going to sell your Docters.

fisrtcoueswas80inches · Nov 3, 2005

my dad has the doctors, they are nice for the money but i like the swarovskis. you cant beat the edge to edge clarity on them, especially at the bottom of the FOV. i have looked through zeiss, leicas and swarovskis and the swarovskis won.
Casey

972Elk · Nov 11, 2005

Well, I just got my Swaros 15x56's yesterday. I threw them on my tri-pod and looked across the park. Wow, they are clear! They are about as long as my Doctors but much narrower. They seem to be a little lighter as well. The Doctors are out and the Swaros are in.

The true test will come in January down in Arizona.

AZBuckSnort · Nov 11, 2005

Where did you purchase your 15X56's? I'm looking for some and am getting quoted really high prices as there is a new model/version out?

Thanks,
Jim

972Elk · Nov 13, 2005

AZ,

I decised to buy them at Cabela's because they are so good with returned items. I believe they have the old style for about $100 less than the new style.

They were $1779 plus $89 for tri-pod adaptor.

Jim

nmhs · Nov 15, 2005

I bought the 15x56 a while ago and tried them on an oryx hunt recently. They are well worth the money. I was able to pick up the butts of antelope up to five miles out. The only bad thing was that when the heat waves started rolling in, it was a little tough glassing. They are a great glass!

Hooked_on_Coues · Nov 16, 2005

Take a look at the new Minox. They are beautiful....

Steelermadman2002 · Nov 19, 2005

If your looking to save a few bucks and still order from a reputable dealer try http://www.samplelist.com/ (www.swfa.com) is the main website.

I would also look at bearbasin.com they have some awesome deals on Sawros and tripods right now.

buckfever69 · Dec 7, 2005

I have the 15x60 docters as well. I love them. they are good glasses but like you said, they are heavy. I think that you can't go wrong with the Swaros. when I have the money, that is what I will get. For now, I am totally satisfied with the Docters. Good luck