12 power vs. 15 binoculars

[c.jones]

Curious about who’s rocking 12’s in the field as their go to glass along with 15 power bino use? I have a less than to be desired 15 power spotter that I rarely take afield and use a pair of 10x42’s exclusively while still hunting and hiking out. I understand the benefits of tripods and using them with bino’s etc. Budget in the  $350-750 Range. Thoughts folks?

[JDHasty]

I have posted quite a bit on the 15x56 Swaro SLC in the last couple years.  You can probably do a search and find it.  They have been a real game changer for us.   

[jackelope]

The Vortex Vulture 15x56's got really good reviews from Robby Denning on Rokslide. For the money, I don't think you'd go wrong. They're no Swaro's, but you're not paying that money either. I think I'd go with those before I went with the Viper 15x50's in favor of a little more light gathering with the 56mm objective lens. Both are in your budget.

[JDHasty]

The Vortex Vulture 15x56's got really good reviews from Robby Denning on Rokslide. For the money, I don't think you'd go wrong. They're no Swaro's, but you're not paying that money either. I think I'd go with those before I went with the Viper 15x50's in favor of a little more light gathering with the 56mm objective lens. Both are in your budget.

THe Kaibab 15x56 is what my buddy went with.  When we are rockchuck shooting together we frequently will be using each other's optics and I can say unequivocally that this is a pretty darn good binocular. 

[Skillet]

I've been using 12x56 Nikon Monarchs for 10 years now.  No complaints at all. Use daily on the water, and with my monopod shooting stick as a stand for it to glass mulie country with.  Rarely felt the need for higher power, or to carry heavier glass or another piece of equipment into the back country.

[c.jones]

Anybody using 12’s in the field for their primary glass? Appreciate the feedback. Definitely considering the Vultures or something comparable, but have given the idea of 12’s in a Leupold, Vortex, or Nikon a strong consideration.

[c.jones]

Thanks Skillet. Posted without viewing your comments.

[jackelope]

The Vortex Vulture 15x56's got really good reviews from Robby Denning on Rokslide. For the money, I don't think you'd go wrong. They're no Swaro's, but you're not paying that money either. I think I'd go with those before I went with the Viper 15x50's in favor of a little more light gathering with the 56mm objective lens. Both are in your budget.

THe Kaibab 15x56 is what my buddy went with.  When we are rockchuck shooting together we frequently will be using each other's optics and I can say unequivocally that this is a pretty darn good binocular. 

I would have suggested the 2 you brought up, but neither fit his budget.

[c.jones]

Love Rokslide. Read that Vulture vs Kaibab article. Good read

[WA hunter14]

My only pair of binos are 12x50 vortex . They would awesome for the type of hunting I do most but sometimes I miss my old 10 powers when doing initial scanning or things up close. Though I'll never go back to 10's, 90% of the time I love my 12's but I would never go any more magnification unless a guy strictly hunts wide open or you were going to also use a set of 10 powers.

[c.jones]

Good feedback guys searched the archives and found some good intel too. We’ll see what Christmas provides and what’s available on sale.

[JDHasty]

Good feedback guys searched the archives and found some good intel too. We’ll see what Christmas provides and what’s available on sale.

My buddy got his Kaibabs for something like $800, but that was about three years ago when they were doing a model upgrade. 

His are HD, so he was looking at differences mainly in the ergonomics IIRC.  He was going to save up for a pair of Swaro after using ours, but when he saw the Kaibab on discount he asked me if I knew anything about the Kaibab and told him that I had considered them and almost bought a pair but decided on ponying up for the Swaro because it fit my face better.  The Swaro is better optically, but the Kaibab would have met and exceeded our needs in that regard.