Search for SLC replacement options ended up with Kowa Genesis

[Iawalleyeguy]

I waited too long to make the jump to "Alpha" binoculars. With the SLC 42's discontinued.What is an optic I can buy new in the $1000-1500 range that would perform like the SLC? I know I can buy used glass but just wondering what if anything will fill that price point and still be considered Alpha.

 

[Spoonman]

You could look at Zeiss conquest, Leupold santiums, Mavens. Now they may not be as good as the SLC’s but all are pretty damn good. Go to a place that might have the SLC’s and say maybe the Leupold sand go outside and look through both and see what you think. Not everyone will see the differences in glass that other might see.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Look at the GPO Passion HD's and the Kowa Genesis binoculars

 

[roosiebull]

Look at the GPO Passion HD's and the Kowa Genesis binoculars

Second the kowa genesis… I like them noticeably more than the slc (comparing the kowa 10.5x44 vs slc 10x42)

 

[Sonoman]

Third the kowa Genesis. Have a pair and really like them. Cameralandny is where I got mine. Great guys to deal with.

 

[Okokiehunter]

Keep saving, and keep an eye on eurooptic.com. They have good deals on demo optics. A month ago they had slc 10x42 for $1,300. Very temping not to buy. I just sold my conquests. They are nice, but not in the same league as slc much less el’s. Having top shelf optics is as close as you can get to having super hero vision!!!

 

[Hoodie]

Nikon Monarch HG and Maven B series are also very good. Meostar HD is another value in that range.

 

[CorbLand]

Zeiss Conquests
or
Used SLCs.

 

[Brian Fahs]

Meopta meostar HD in that price range

 

[JGRaider]

Love the Meostar's, and have them as well as the SLC's. Always love the "they're just as good as the SLC's comments too, when in fact if they were all the exact same price, I'd guess the SLC's would be the first pick 95% of the time.

 

[Iawalleyeguy]

Seems there are lots of options. Does anyone else find it strange that Swaro dropped the SLC when it is seemingly such a popular model? Is there any word if they will drop a new full size model into that price point? It seems they are missing out on the $1500 guys as there is no way for the common guy to justify $3000 NL's unless they actually help them make money!

 

[Hoodie]

Swarovski SLC -> Kahles Helia S

A brief background for those that were not aware - Swarovski discontinued the SLC line of binoculars about a year ago. This has been discussed a number of times here on Rokslide. After some research (on rokslide and birdforum), I found the Swarovski SLC’s are now being offered as a Kahles...

www.rokslide.com

Also the SLC is basically still being made. Kahles (which Swarovski owns) is selling them as the Helia S. Same optics, just different armor.

 

[Iawalleyeguy]

Where can I buy the Kahles?

 

[Hoodie]

The OP in thread I posted outlined how he got his. I believe it was through a site called Optics Trade. Not sure on the particulars.

There have been a few SLC posted in the classifieds lately as well.

 

[DangerRanger]

Idk about “considered alpha”

But I’ve had the newest SLCs and now have trinovids and I like the leicas just as much and has the money to buy a kestrel and a ranger with the difference ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[tdhanses]

Where can I buy the Kahles?

Believe the helia s is only sold in Europe.

 

[Iawalleyeguy]

I did find the Kahles Helia s available from optics trade $1409 plus $140 for shipping and all customs fees. I guess for that price I'd rather find another option. I wouldn't want to have to send them to Europe if something did happen!

 

[Iawalleyeguy]

I've been intrigued by the Leica Trinovid HDs but all I ever hear about them is the old version was better.

 

[Hoodie]

Review: Nikon Monarch HG 10X42

Nikon Monarch HG 10X42 Review by Matt Cashell, Rokslide Prostaff Through Rokslide, I have had some great opportunities to look at new optics and how they suit mountain hunters. I have had the chance to check out entry-level binoculars in the $200-$500 range, mid-priced in the $600 – $1200...

www.rokslide.com

 

[Iawalleyeguy]

Nice write up on the Nikons!