Need a new pair of Binoculars

[Steve G]

My binoculars were swiped last weekend during a trip in the Sequoia National Forest so I need a new pair. I think the last pair (Vortex Diamondbacks) left a little to be desired for longer range viewing so I am now considering an upgrade. My diamond backs which were very affordably priced were 10X42 power. Among others I am considering the Vortex Kaibab 15X56 and the similarly priced Razor's in 10x42. The primary use is tripod mounted spotting, which translates hours behind the glass. Anybody hear have experience with the two and wish to provide any thoughts in regards to a compare and contrast of the two?

[WapitiTalk1]

That stinks Steve, there's nothing worse than a thief! I'm not a smart optics guy; maybe Elknut will chime in on the Vortex binos.

[ElkNut1]

Steve, nice to talk with you over the phone! Decisions, decisions! (grin)

ElkNut1

[husky390]

Maven just came out with their new B4's.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lefty]

Am I the only guy that prefers 8x?
I prefer rubber eye cups instead of twist out cups,.. maybe thats now old school too.
there is a reasonable selection in the 200-500 range

[Steve G]

That stinks Steve, there's nothing worse than a thief! I'm not a smart optics guy; maybe Elknut will chime in on the Vortex binos.

Yeah it stinks, but that is just the way the mop flops. I think that I under spent on the last pair so, this will allow me a chance to fix that.

I like the Vortex brand so I will probably buy another pair from them.

Husky, thanks for mentioning the Maven brand I will give it some thought as I like supporting a US Company but they are new and their warranty won't mean much if they don't succeed. I just may have to give there demo program a try.

[RAMMONT]

The best pair of lightweight hunting binoculars that I've ever used are my 10x42mm Leupold Cascade model. It's been the best compromise between weight, size, dependability, and performance. As long as you buy a higher quality product you probably wont be disappointed, most manufacturers seem to have found a good glass, mechanics, and coating combination that provides crisp and bright images regardless of time of day and weather conditions.

Lower powered optics are perceived to be brighter due to a better match between the binocular's exit pupil size and the human eye's pupil but with modern glass and coatings they seem to have improved the light gathering abilities of binoculars to the point where matching the pupil sizes doesn't seem to matter as much as they used to. The old 8x50 style of binoculars will produce a bright picture but my 10x42 seems brighter than any of the 8x that I've looked through (not including big military binoculars with huge objective lenses).

All that being said, I've recently picked up a Sig Sauer Oscar3 10-20x30 spotting scope/monocular with electronic image stabilization. I have to admit it's clear and bright but the best part is the image stabilization, it helps reduce eye fatigue and it pulls out the details when you are pushing it to extreme ranges. It's a about he same length as my binoculars but half the width so I can easily put the scope in to a trouser cargo pocket or belt mounted cargo bag and pull it back out without struggling and wasting time.

[Indian Summer]

The key piece of info is your intended purpose which is using them for spotting with a tripod. I have really good uses for 8 power and my go to 10 x 42s. Leupold makes a really nice 10x50 model. But for you those 15 by 56s are the tool for the job. I'm inclined to ask if you are spotting long enough distances to considered a spotting scope but even then those binos will be less eyestrain and fatigue and I know you'll love them. Even 10 power binos benefit from a tripod and they shine because they double as the around the neck work horse for all of your other hunting. But the big boys will outshine them on the tripod for sure.

I had a client once who carried 15x56 Swarovskis all day around his neck. They were huge and me and his partner called them the Hubble Telescope but that guy outspotted me many times that hunt. In the end I opted for a 20-60 x 80 Swaro spotter... the real Hubble scope, but I have a use for it as I spot to unlimited distances.

[Steve G]

The key piece of info is your intended purpose which is using them for spotting with a tripod. I have really good uses for 8 power and my go to 10 x 42s. Leupold makes a really nice 10x50 model. But for you those 15 by 56s are the tool for the job. I'm inclined to ask if you are spotting long enough distances to considered a spotting scope but even then those binos will be less eyestrain and fatigue and I know you'll love them. Even 10 power binos benefit from a tripod and they shine because they double as the around the neck work horse for all of your other hunting. But the big boys will outshine them on the tripod for sure.

I had a client once who carried 15x56 Swarovskis all day around his neck. They were huge and me and his partner called them the Hubble Telescope but that guy outspotted me many times that hunt. In the end I opted for a 20-60 x 80 Swaro spotter... the real Hubble scope, but I have a use for it as I spot to unlimited distances.

I find binos of any size around my neck to be annoying (even with one of those cases that keep them in place). I prefer to spot my animal and then put them in my pack and go. The pair I lost were 10x42 and I think that you are right. I think the binos will be less fatiguing than a spotting scope.

[Indian Summer]

I guess I used the term hanging from my neck loosely. I can't imagine anyone doing that these days with the available options.


There are bino harness threads and reviews on here but I like my Alaska Guide Creations Bino Pouch where you use shoulder straps instead of a noose around your neck. If your binos are in your pack you aren't using them enough. Two things I'd never keep in my pack are those and if I needed it either bear spray or a handgun. Those things are front and center at all times.