Vortex vs. Minox vs Zeiss

[creed]

I don't need a pair of 15's but I do want to add them to my already good box of optics. I am kind of up in the air about which brand to buy. My wife owns a pair of the Kaibab's. They are decent glass. I have considered a pair of the old SLC's but to be honest I don't think they are that much better.

 

Has anyone had any experience with the Minox 15x56's? I am also considering the Zeiss 15's. I could break down and buy the new Swaro's but can't justify the cost when I already own Nikon Premier 10x42's and a Zeiss 85mm spotter. Any thoughts? I get almost to the point of pulling the trigger on a pair of 15's but at the last minute think that maybe there is better glass for the money. It is hard to tell which is the best by comparing them side by side at Cabela's.

[Antmo23]

I have an older pair of Zeiss 15's that are 30 years old and still finding deer. Ill never part with them but I am going to be buying the new HD 15's. Look thru the Zeiss, same price as the Kiababs but way better glass, IMO.

[Shooter McGavin]

I own a pair of the Minoz 15x56 and aboslutley love them. I have looked through the Vortex and yes they are good, but I think the warranty is the key selling point to their reputation right now. I have a Zeiss rifle scope and love their glass. I think the glass on Minox and Zeiss are way better but that's my opinion.

[naturebob]

I have Minox in ten's and 15's and love them both. Had the 15's for about 10 years and Can find anything My buddies find with there Swaros. And they don't fit My narrow eyes ( Swaros). I bought a 700 dollar Vortex scope for My new 300 win Mag last year and not crazy about it. My buddies said they have the best warranty on the market. So I bought it , I am not much of a researcher. They are a hot Item because of their warranty, but if the chit aint no good to begin with what difference does it make. I had a pair of Doctor 15's for 11 years before the Minox and they were fine too. Havn't spent much time with the new Vortex scope but I will this year ,so we shall see. If I don't like it , it will be on here for sale. Of course the Swaros are a bit clearer and they should be for 2k more. Just My 2cents, thanks............BOB!

[Swivelhead]

Got some 15X Swaro's, the older version. Great glass, however eye relief is an issue (reduced FOV) for those of us that should wear glasses. Zeiss 15's have an additional 3mm of eye relief over the old Swaro 15's. 15X SLC's can be had for 1300 - 1500, New Zeiss are slightly more. If I were to purchase additional 15's, I likely get the Zeiss. Good luck with your search.

[HuntHarder]

Swarovski, Zeiss, Minox, Vortex in that order. If you got the money, the swaros are the best. I suggest looking thru all of them at dusk @ sportsmans warehouse. They will usually take you outside and let you look off in the distance. Looking inside the store does very little. Have them put them all on tripods and see what YOU like best. Everyone's eyes are different.

 

FWIW, I have owned 15's, and sold them both times. I always find myself using my EL's more than the 15's. I believe this is why lots of people sold their 15's when the 12 el's came out. Bigger field of view, better exit pupil and a crisper picture.

[azslim]

you will be satisfied with decent glass Bruce, I have the SLC's along with Vortex Viper's in 15's and find game with both of them, the Vipers are lighter because they are only 50mm vs 56mm and about $1400 cheaper. You know how and where to glass, you will be happy with any brand as long as it is good quality. When you get to the top of the line you are kind of picking the fly poop out of the pepper to say which is better than the other.

[Arrowsniper]

I bought my Swaros, then the Zeiss came out, dammit, bad timing on my part.

[rcdinaz]

I have read the new zeiss are pretty good. However, you can pick up some swaro's used on here for a great price. I have the original SLC's about 8 years old and they are still great binos. Swaro will service or fix for not much money and have sent me a couple of lost parts for free ovet the years. I have EL's, gold rings, HD Spotter, kahles, vortex, optics so have compared or used quite a fee of brands.

 

I still think the EL 12's are the bino king of the hill but everyone is getting closer to the same mark.

[429mike]

I myself have been shopping for a new pair of 15s I hvae it narrowed down to the ziess 15s and the new cabelas 15s both of them fit me better then the kiababs or the older swaro 15s and at 1000 dollars cheaper then the new slc 15s fit my budget alittle better

[chompy]

Bruce I hunt the desert like you, me and madglasser from monstermuleys both agreed that although the kiababs are awesome glass we are both going to the 12-50 razors they are awesome and perfect for the desert

[4Falls]

I have also found Zeiss' customer service to be exemplary.

 

Those are minox 15's in my avatar. They were ok.

[DesertBull]

The Minox are good glass but they are big and heavy and the eye cups are hard plastic which is annoying. The glass is clear and bright.

[Guest wdenike]

you will be satisfied with decent glass Bruce, I have the SLC's along with Vortex Viper's in 15's and find game with both of them, the Vipers are lighter because they are only 50mm vs 56mm and about $1400 cheaper. You know how and where to glass, you will be happy with any brand as long as it is good quality. When you get to the top of the line you are kind of picking the fly poop out of the pepper to say which is better than the other.

 

 

 

WHAT HE SAID!!!!^^^^^^

 

 

 

 

 

Take care, Willie

[rageinthesage]

I just looked through the Zeiss 15's next to my swaro Neu's and the Zeiss do not match up on any level. This is my opinion everybody will have a different opinion. I have never liked the vortex, the glass isn't as good, the craftmenship isn't as good, the only thing that is better is the warranty. Again just my opinion, my swaros have been the best investment I have ever made.