Good Pair of 15x or 16x

[kphunter]

I've been told the Vortex 15's are slightly better than the Brunton 15's, and I've scouted with the Vortex but never with the Brunton's so I can't validate that claim. But looking at the price difference ($599 vs $313) it might be hard to justify the higher price.

 

KP

[Red Rabbit]

Beneath the Swaros and Leicas, I think the next best is the Minox 15x58. The Minox do have the squarish edges on the eyepiece that can be discomforting, and the non-locking diopter adjustment that can get moved while focusing if your finger turns the wrong dial.

 

Canot say I am impressed with the Conquest 15 or Vortex 15 for resolution, which one needs when looking long.

 

A review on another board:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/big_eyes.html

 

 

[krp]

kphunter, the choice for me was between the vipers and the bruntons. I didn't like the vipers at all and was suprised with the bruntons, I didn't think they would work either. The zeiss I only looked at in the store so not a real comparison, I did read the same review Red Rabbit posted and just didn't think the 45mm was big enough.

 

I'm always on the search for a 15 that will work for me. In the last 10 years I've sat behind docters, steiner senators and big horns, vipers, bruntons and pentax. I would like to try the old zeiss and fuji if I can find some. The best for my eyes have been the steiner big horns. The bruntons have performed great for elk and antelope so far but I won't be able to test them on coues till after my buddies archery bull hunt, I'll know then if they are worth it or not. I really bought them for extras when my family goes with me on backpacking scouting trips for coues, They've gotten into playing where's Waldo. I like them so much I've been using them on my own hunts this last month. I don't know if any of this helps anybody but maybe it does.

 

I've had a member here ask about the pentax I offered so for now they are on hold for them.

 

Kent

[COOSEFAN]

Minox are the best on that list.

 

Agreed!

[GameHauler]

In the 50mm class, the bruntons are the best. I can't use big objective roofs because my eyes are to close together, probably a joke in there about my intelligence. I've been using heavy porros and decided to try a smaller objective roof for backpacking hunts and as a loner pair. The bruntons are alot better than the vortex and as sharp as the zuess. This last month I've spent 14 days behind them scouting elk and archery antelope hunting. My buddy had his swaros during 4 of those days, one day we stood in the rain for hours watching antelope, 2 miles away, this is what we decided after different light conditions. The brunton had 90% light gathering compared to the swaros, more just a light washout effect, colors not quite as bright during low light. Sharpness great even in low light and rain, he was suprised at how close to the swaros they were, he said he couldn't tell enough difference between them but really wanted too.

 

I'm not saying they are as good as the high end stuff, but there are reasons guys have for not being able to spend $2000.00 on optics or unable to use the big roofs. There are decent alternatives out there that work. I love my 10X52 Minox HG and really wanted to have the new 13's work for me, no go, probably the best buy going.

 

Anyway, the Bruntons are best in the 50mm class and at $313.00 are a steal, at half their original price I have a feeling they're being closed out. The Minox is your best choice in the bigger objective for your price range.

 

The pentax are not very good as a total package, about 80% optically and not comfortable to use. Yet somethings better than nothing and I have a set of 16X60's that I bought years ago and actually glassed up coues deer with at long range, the one hunt I used them on. I will send them to you or anyone else that needs something to get them started for free.

 

For myself I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get the 10+15 X 50 duovids someday.

 

Kent

 

 

Kent,

My girls could use them till they can step up to the pump.

PM on the way

[wbyfireman]

Check out the Fujinon 15X60's!!!! I have some friends who absolutly swear by them. I have checked them out and I was also VERY VERY impressed. Had I known I would of gotten them over my Pentax 12.5X50 DCF SP's.

 

Let us know what you ultimatly decide upon!!

Gfood Luck

[devinv]

 

 

look at the zeiss classics, they are very reasonably priced for how good of glass they are.. if you can find a pair.

 

[thegunsmith2506]

I spent several hours today looking for a mid-priced pair of binos. I was amazed at the Bruntons! I thought they were a great buy for the money. Just my opinion.

[Diamondbackaz]

Check out the Fujinon 15X60's!!!! I have some friends who absolutly swear by them. I have checked them out and I was also VERY VERY impressed. Had I known I would of gotten them over my Pentax 12.5X50 DCF SP's.

 

Let us know what you ultimatly decide upon!!

Gfood Luck

 

 

The Fujinon 15X60HB is out of production.

[Tucson John]

"Anyway, the Bruntons are best in the 50mm class and at $313.00 are a steal, at half their original price I have a feeling they're being closed out."

 

 

Where are these being "closed out"?

 

SW?

 

Thanks, TJ

[kphunter]

Optics Planet has had the Brunton's for his price for some time now so I don't know if it's a closeout or if it's just they're discounted price.

 

Anyone see the new Brunton Echo's in 15x63? They're even less expensive then the Eterna's but I'm not sure the glass is as good.

 

KP

[firstcoueswas80]

Less expensive NEVER equates glass being "as good", just a hint. Especially in optics

[Sundevils79]

I have looked throught he Brunton's, Vortex, Pentax, and Minox. Honestly I was really impressed with the Brunton's and you are all right for $313 they would get me by until I can save up for some Leica's or Swaro's. Thanks for all the information. I haven't made a purchase yet but am definetly leaning toward to Brunton's. Does anyone know who might sell the Fuji's mention a couple posts ago in Tucson?

 

 

[firstcoueswas80]

As posted, Fujinon is not making sports optics like that anymore. I was looking for their spotting scops and called them and the lady said they are not making binoculars or spotting scopes any longer.

[AzHunt]

I have the Pentax. Love them. Save some money for a good tripod as well.

 

I have to correct myself. I used them for many hours on my dad's antelope hunt. I couldn't get comfortable behind them and have since given them away. Looking through them for short periods of time, they were fine, but for extended periods, the sight picture became more difficult to keep and they were not comfortable against my face.