optics, where to buy

dwalton · Jul 2, 2003

My wife has given me the go ahead on new binos for my Nevada desert sheep hunt. I'm looking to buy the Swarovski 15x56 and a tripod to go with it. Where's the best place to buy, and how much can I expect to spend for this outfit?

One last question...What do you think I should buy my wife when I miss our 10 year anniversary because of this hunt?

Thanks for the help!

bullwidgeon · Jul 2, 2003

I got my 15x56's off E-bay from a lady in L.A. who had a bunch of different pairs of Swaro's. I guess I don't have a U.S warranty as I didn't buy from an authorized dealer, but I got mine for $400 less than any of the stores around here or Cabelas had them for. 2 hard years of beatings and they still are as clear as the day I bought them. I use the Swarovski adapter mount on a cheap Velbon tripod. I am trying to upgrade to a bogen tripod as soon as I find a good one on ebay. The velbon lightweight one I have now shakes too much in the wind. Congrats on the desert tag. Sheep hunting should be a one day thing. You should have your ram found, bedded down and killed at sunrise the first day. So maybe you won't miss it....If you do miss it then you will have to shell out another grand or so on jewelry I imagine ;-). Anyways I would look on e-bay if you are not concerned about the whole US warranty deal, if you are it doesn't really matter, the price will all be the same or within about $20 from any authorized dealer. If you go non-warranty you are looking at $1300 for the glasses and if you go warranty I think they are right around $1650. Tripod and mounts can go anywhere from $30 for tripod and $80 for mount to $300 for some of the nicer carbon fiber outfits and custom heads.

Bret M.

AZbowhntr · Jul 2, 2003

Well I can't help you with the glasses but I can help you with the jewelry. I took my wife to Vegas a couple months ago for a few days and found a pawn shop that had a ring that she has wanted. So I am set for the whole upcoming season. And only had to spend just under 2K for a 1 1/3 carot rock, plus the little junk around it. Watching her show it off to everyone lets me know that I did all right. And I won't feel bad if I'm gone to Idaho for a week this fall. Orlin

slowbow · Jul 2, 2003

Outdoorsmans

http://www.outdoorsmans.com

I bought the same glasses, along with the backpack tripod and outdoorsmans' pistol grip last year. The tripod and grip combo isn't cheap- but you get what you pay for. There have been plenty of posts on this board and others on MM so I don't need to go into detail. Good luck on your hunt.

antler · Jul 2, 2003

The best price you will find is on Hotbuyelectronics.com

The binos on hotbuy dont come with warranties, but you can buy 2 sets for the price you would pay for one with a warranty.

Lance

desertbull · Jul 2, 2003

LAST EDITED ON Jul-02-03 AT 10:45PM (MST)[p]I just bought a pair of Minox, made by Leica, that were regularly priced at $1,100 for $699 at www.bearbasin.com . There were very professional to deal with and are not grey market. They carry just about every brand of glass that there is and have great prices.

Remember, if you buy online and out of state there is no sales tax and Bear Basin also offers free shipping. The Swarovski's now have a $100 rebate also.

dwalton · Jul 2, 2003

Thanks for the help!

Wyorawhide · Jul 3, 2003

Most of these are gray market. Swarovski has a 30 year warrant. For warranty work you will have to send them to europe. I hope I never have to use a warranty. It is worth about $600 for me to find out. I also recomend a doubler. urns it into a 30 spotting scope.

http://www.aaabinoculars.com/swarovski_wbslc_15x56_binoculars.html
$1135 + shipping. Dont know if it comes with tripod adapter or not. Call and ask. (Should have rain caps, dust covers, neck strap carry case and tripod adapter).

http://www.samplelist.com/ Glasses are $1300 plus shipping. These are used. I think they are in like new condition. I think they come with a lifetime warranty. Don't know what accessories come with them. The doubler is $199.

http://www.camera-exchange.de/
These are shipped from Germany. Should have all of the above mentioned accessories included $1250 plus shipping. (green or black)

http://www.eurooptic.com/products/catalog.asp?vendor=Swarovski
$1325 plus shipping. Don't know what kind of warranty.

I also recomend winged eyecups to keep out ambient light. theyare about $30.
Hope this helped. I have seen four pair of the Zeiss 15x60 go accross ebay for around $750. As for a tripod, either the bogen digipod or the bogen 3001. They are built heavier than a regular tripod and are solid in the wind. If money is no object then you can get ahold of the Outdoorsmans in Phoenix and they have some awsome gear. Pricey for me though. www.outdoorsmans.com
Hope this helped.