Binos-Let's hear it...

[Hatchet Jack]

I should put this in the optics forum but I figured I'd get more feedback here. I realize it's a lot or personal preference but i'll ask anyway

 

Just moved to AZ from UT about 2 years ago. on my late rifle hunt last fall I decided it's time to step up my optics. I have used vortex viper (non hd) 10x42 for several years now. They still work great for hand held scanning at medium distance. I also have the vortex nomad 20-60x60 (not the greatest).

 

Should I stick w/ the vipers for around my neck and and get a pair of SLC 15's for the tripod

or ditch the vipers and get a good 12x50 as my all purpose glass

 

I'll be hunting mule deer in WY/CO/UT, elk in WY/AZ and coues deer. What do you guys think?

[AZ_SAWBUCK]

That's a tough one ........ If you have the $$ to spend I'd get the Swaro 15's and not look back. If you are on a budget, since you already have a spotter I'd sell the 10's and add a little $$ and get some 12 x 50 razors. Depends on how much weight in glass you are willing to carry as well.

 

I'm actually looking into selling my 15x50 vipers and buying a pair of 12x50 razors....

[DesertBull]

15s and 10s

[TOBY]

keep beating the 10s around your neck and buy swaro 15s. Buy once cry once. Vortex...great warranty because you have to use it repeatedly.(

[rossislider]

I just upgraded my Razor 12x50s to Swaro EL 12x50s. While I have used the Vortex warranty multiple times (I have several Vortex rifle scopes, have had several pairs of their binos, and still have my viper spotter), I disagree with the comments that some make about needing their warranty all the time. Only time I had to use it was when I dropped my binos, lens first, into rocks, or things that were otherwise my fault. I've never had one of their products fail on me. For the money they are great optics and I would never discourage anyone from getting them.

 

I upgraded to Swaro quite simply because they are better. But they also cost 150% more. If you can afford Swaros, get Swaros. If the best you can afford is Razors, Vipers, etc. get those. Either way you are getting good optics and will very be happy with your purchase.

 

I prefer 12x50s because my aging surgically repaired knee and ankle don't like to carry around any more weight than necessary, especially on the down hill slopes. IMO the 12x50 is the best bet for an all in one bino so I don't have to carry two pairs.

[Titanium700]

8's on a harness

15's in backpack.

[wildwoody]

Theres alot of great deals here on swaro 15s picked up a second pair for my son for $1200.00 great shape and I don't see much difference between slc and the hd, but the el's are to die for. Just remember what ever you choose , to tell good glass , look at the outside radius and it should be as clear as the middle, bad glass will be foggy on the outside edge, good glass is clear. My opinion only

[HNTNGUY]

Swaro 12x50EL HD's around your neck. Field of view and magnification just are that drastic to have the 15's if you already have a spotter IMO. Have had the best of the best (Zeiss, Vortex, Leupold) and NOTHING compares to the Swaro's. You get what you pay for when it comes to glass!

[joe hunter]

FWIW...I bought Swarovski EL's about 8 years ago, great binos for sure. I have used them hard ever since new. Last year I dropped them from a tree stand in Kansas and they wouldn't focus past about 100 yards. Long story short....I sent them in and about 5 weeks later they came back like new !!! better than new ...No charge... I know one thing I would never be without a pair of Swaro's !! I have NEVER regretted owning Swarovski Binos.

[AverageJoe]

Youd be fine either route you take (15's or 12's). Money is the main factor and how much you want to spend. It is nice only having one pair to haul around.

[naturebob]

Crazy not to use 15's in the west. But I don't carry a spotter..............BOB!

[Viper]

I've always been a fan of 12's. IMO, good all around power. I got a great deal on Leica 12x50 Trinovids 10 years ago. I still smile everytime I sit behind them. Honestly, I've never used 15's but my buddy has them and I find as much game as he does. I've had to send them back to Leica once for a focus issue. It was free due to the VIP warranty offered 10 years ago. I understand they are pretty stingy with that now. I've read that folks had to pay a nominal fee for repairs. Swaro and Vortex warranty is probably better. People seem to like Vortex...but seems to be a path to a future upgrade to Swaros.

You may still want a small spotter for more detail. I have a Zeiss 65mm, but don't like packing it in the hills. I am considering a 50mm Vortex Razor for that.

[hoghntr]

If your gonna have 2 i choose 8's and 15's. I still wear 10 yr old swaro 8"s on neck and love them, now i have seen other glass as good as them for much less $ but remember they are 10 yrs old model. For hig glass I use nikon monarch 16's right now just for budget purpose but they are darn good glass.

 

If you can afford swaro do 8's and 15"s! 12's are the bomb but will need follow up with spotter often. Good luck! It is easier decision when you have less $ and less choices. L.O.L.

[TOBY]

If you are going to make a payment on plastic go big. Divide it by a lifetime of hunting and its not that bad. Making your wife understand that....good luck

[Becker]

I am a huge fan of swaros. I did win a set of vortex Binos at a banquet. I'm not sure the model. The main thing I notice with them is that the depth of focus is very small. Basically I have to refocus them constantly. Seems just a 100 yard change in distance requires a finger on that focus knob. They give me constant eye strain and a quick headache. I rarely have to touch the focus knob on my swaros unless it's a drastic change in distance. Say 50 yards

to 500. But more than not I sit down focus them and pretty good to go all day without adjusting.

 

Just my 2 cents on one of the biggest differences I notice between the top end and lower end that I don't hear much talk about.