Swarovski EL 12x50

[Cell4soul]

For those of you that have made the switch to the EL 12x50’s, do you find it difficult to hand hold these?  I am currently using Vortex Razor 12x50’s and think I am ready to upgrade my glass. I think the Razor 12x50’s are a little much to hand hold and wondering if the same would hold true for the Swaro’s; or, is the fact that they are better optics going to help with that.  Because I have been getting into backpack hunting, I really don’t want to carry a bunch of different optics so I can save weight and bulk in the pack. Thanks for any feedback. 

[oz31p]

I hand hold mine just fine. And your right on a backpack hunting, one optic is the way to go. 

[gr8fuldoug]

All glassing is greatly improved when tripod mounted. A 12x is very difficult to hand hold effectively for anything more than a quick look. For prolonged glassing you really should tripod mount

[rossislider]

Are you looking to use them primarily as a hand hold bino or do you plan to mount to a tripod?

My 12x50 ELs are used 95% of the time on the tripod, but I have no problem getting to the top of a ridge and doing a quick 3-5 minute scan job by hand. That said, I would not use 12x50's for more than brief periods without a tripod, but that hold true for any of my binos.  You will maximize any bino efficiency (magnification or brand) when they are on a tripod. If you don't plan to use a tripod, I recommend stay at or under 10 power. The hand shake is what matters and makes it hard to pick up on animal movement. Their isn't a brand out the that can remove hand shake, which is amplified as you go up in magnification.

[Cell4soul]

I would say most of my glassing is done with a tripod, probably 80-85%.  I have the Outdoorsmans medium tripod with the pistol grip.  That said, I do hand hold as well.  This is mostly if I am on the move to a new glassing spot or giving a quick look into an area before I hike through.