Binocular magnification

[cdl]

I currently have a pair of 8 X 42 swarovski binos and I am looking to add something with higher magnification. I really like what I've seen of the Vortex but am trying to decide whether to get the 12 X 50 Razors or 15 X 56 Kaibabs. Opinions?

[desertbowhunter]

I currently have a pair of 8 X 42 swarovski binos and I am looking to add something with higher magnification. I really like what I've seen of the Vortex but am trying to decide whether to get the 12 X 50 Razors or 15 X 56 Kaibabs. Opinions?

15x56 kaibabs!! I loved my Swaro 15s but had to sell them because of money issues but when Im ready to replace them I will have to look long and hard at the kaibabs that is a good pair of glass.

[Kaffer62]

I have used the vortex 12's and my swaro 15's I prefer the 15's ....the 12 werent bad I just prefered the higher power setting.

[youngbuck]

I prefer 10's on my neck and 15's in the pack w/ a tripod. Ive used 10's, 12's and 15's on tripods. All will work, and can find critters. I think you would get the most benefit out of 15s. The only time I will opt for a smaller magnifacation is if the others with me are using 15s. Ill use 10's so we arent covering the same country at the same time.

[cpugsie]

The 15's will increase your chance of simply seeing animals by a whole bunch. I was next to a guy that had a pair of 15x Swarovskis and I had my 10x Swarovskis (both on tripods) and just COULD NOT see the animals he was picking out with the 15's even after I knew where they were and put my glass directly on them. I bought a pair of 15x Swarovskis immediatly after this incident. You will miss seeing animals with less power even if you are the best glasser in the world. I don't know of any single item that will incease your odds of finding animals than a good pair of 15x binos. If I were to loose my 15x Swarovskis today I would do what ever I needed to get another pair before the upcoming deer season. I could never be without them!!! Good luck and bite the bullet and get the 15x with a good tripod and pan head. You won't be sorry!

[Good]

A buddy has the Swaros and they're nice, but not for the price difference between them and the Kaibabs.

 

I do think a 15 power is in order. I think a 20 power would be nice, without doing math, maybe like a 20x65. I wonder why Zeiss stopped making the 20X60 they used to offer.

[azmetalman]

I have 2 pairs of binoculars. I carry 10 X 40 Zeiss for walking around etc. There are great and I have had them for 20 years. In January I purchased a pair of 15 x 56 Vortex Kaibabs. They are an excellent. I spent a week using them for extended periods of glassing using both a tripod and a pair of steady sticks. As with the Zeiss glasses I experienced very little eye fatigue. My aging eyes don't like poor optics. Carrying the 15x56's with a good harness was no big deal. The price differences between Zeiss or Swarovski and Vortex is significant. I recommend the Vortex for the money spent.

[112coues]

every glass i own is vortex. they came out with some new HD models had a chance to look through them , they are great..best thing i like about vortex is they will fix or replace your optics no questions asked and no warrenty cards needed. i dropped and broke a lens on a pair of my 15's and i told them that and they fixed them for me and had them back in two weeks no questions asked

[cdl]

Thanks for all the input. I'm definitely going with the 15 X 56 Kaibabs now. Too bad I didn't get drawn. :{ I'll have to get a leftover tag or figure out something else.

[Gut Pile]

Thanks for all the input. I'm definitely going with the 15 X 56 Kaibabs now. Too bad I didn't get drawn. :{ I'll have to get a leftover tag or figure out something else.

Hey CDL, I didn't know they make Kiababs with prescription lenses! You'll be able to see me kill a buck from quite a distance! Can't wait to put our new gear to work this year!!!

Gut Pile

( Blood Instinct )