10x vs 12x binos, is the extra magnification worth it?

[7mmfan]

I've been considering for a while upgrading to 12x binos. I've been using the Leupold BX3 Pro Guides 10x42 for several years now and I'm very happy with them. However, since I got them I've started doing a lot more hunting in big country and have found myself feeling a little under powered at times. I do have the 15-30x50 Leupold Gold Ring compact spotter, and it's a great tool, but I can't glass with that thing.

So is the 12x jump worth it? For guys that use them, can you effectively glass while holding them, or do they NEED to be supported? When glassing close, say under 100 yards are you way over powered at that point?

Ultimately, I just don't want to invest that kind of money in something that only has a mediocre increase in effectiveness. I'm very much a tool for specific uses kind of guy, and don't like lots of overlap. I need to feel like I gained a lot by spending the money.

[Rainier10]

I have 10x42's for hunting.  For sitting and glassing I have 12x50's.  A tripod makes them much more useful and you can glass longer and more efficiently with the support.

[Karl Blanchard]

12x spank 10's on a tripod. With that said, 12's kind of suck when using free hand. For just throwing up and checking something out real quick they are fine but any sort of glassing while unsupported is very shaky and can kick off a headache right quick. I'm a 10 guy still but likely moving to the NL pure 12's. The field of view is incredible and mitigates some of that wobble. This is all just my personal opinion though

[Ghost Hunter]

I've been considering for a while upgrading to 12x binos. I've been using the Leupold BX3 Pro Guides 10x42 for several years now and I'm very happy with them. However, since I got them I've started doing a lot more hunting in big country and have found myself feeling a little under powered at times. I do have the 15-30x50 Leupold Gold Ring compact spotter, and it's a great tool, but I can't glass with that thing.

So is the 12x jump worth it? For guys that use them, can you effectively glass while holding them, or do they NEED to be supported? When glassing close, say under 100 yards are you way over powered at that point?

Ultimately, I just don't want to invest that kind of money in something that only has a mediocre increase in effectiveness. I'm very much a tool for specific uses kind of guy, and don't like lots of overlap. I need to feel like I gained a lot by spending the money.

I've got both.  I use the 12x from 100 yards for real detail, to miles for spotting.  If using extended, a rest is the best.  10x for all around.  Both Swarovski, both purchased used for a killer price.  New price probably would have passed.  I don't use my 20x60 spotting scope as much since getting the 12x bino's.  Loaned the spotting scope to a buddy last fall for his goat hunt.  Made a big difference for him.

[KFhunter]

I went to 12's

I often use my range finder for those quick peeps, quicker and easier to check that "ear" but I sure like the 12's when I don't have a spotter with me. 

I put some accessory on my trekpoles that snaps them together, gonna see if it'll work for a makeshift tripod

[7mmfan]

I rarely glass with a tripod, like almost never. But I do glass off my shooting sticks a lot, either extended to standing height, or sitting down. It's proven to be a very lightweight/mobile glassing support. That's probably what I'll continue doing.

What do you feel your effective range gained was when going to 12's? Do you think you can now positively ID animals at an extra 500 yards? 300 yards?

To Ghost Hunter's point, I've considered that if fully supported, they could make finding blacktail hiding in the brush much easier. Picking out an ear, antler, throat patch, etc... at 250 yards in the brush is a challenge.

[Karl Blanchard]

I rarely glass with a tripod, like almost never. But I do glass off my shooting sticks a lot, either extended to standing height, or sitting down. It's proven to be a very lightweight/mobile glassing support. That's probably what I'll continue doing.

What do you feel your effective range gained was when going to 12's? Do you think you can now positively ID animals at an extra 500 yards? 300 yards?

To Ghost Hunter's point, I've considered that if fully supported, they could make finding blacktail hiding in the brush much easier. Picking out an ear, antler, throat patch, etc... at 250 yards in the brush is a challenge.

without a tripod your gain is minimal and in some cases diminished.  Your glass is only as good as its support system. You could have the best spotter in the world but if its shaky its gonna suck. Get a tripod man. You're missing animals without it guaranteed.

[7mmfan]

I rarely glass with a tripod, like almost never. But I do glass off my shooting sticks a lot, either extended to standing height, or sitting down. It's proven to be a very lightweight/mobile glassing support. That's probably what I'll continue doing.

What do you feel your effective range gained was when going to 12's? Do you think you can now positively ID animals at an extra 500 yards? 300 yards?

To Ghost Hunter's point, I've considered that if fully supported, they could make finding blacktail hiding in the brush much easier. Picking out an ear, antler, throat patch, etc... at 250 yards in the brush is a challenge.

without a tripod your gain is minimal and in some cases diminished.  Your glass is only as good as its support system. You could have the best spotter in the world but if its shaky its gonna suck. Get a tripod man. You're missing animals without it guaranteed.

Just spending my money for me aren't you?

[Karl Blanchard]

I'm hear for you buddy 

[pickardjw]

I've been considering the same thing. I have 10x42's currently and liked my buddy's 12x50's when glassing big country. I was thinking about going with some 15's instead of 12's though to really ramp up the power since I pretty much only use a tripod in big country anyway. And I think the extra magnification is better for picking out bedded mulies. Black bear, probably still going with the 10's.

But I need a spotting scope worse so I might be sticking with the 10's this year.

Looks like this company rents 12's, 15's and even 18's if you want to try before you buy.

https://rentoutdoorgear.com/product-category/shop-rentals/binoculars/

[pianoman9701]

Interesting discussion. My 10x42s are my everyday carry in the woods. I've been thinking about a spotter for long distance and quality glass is expensive. 12x50s may be a more economical option, especially here on the wetside where I normally don't need to see for miles.

[phildobaggins]

I carry my 12x50's year round. In the last four years I've had them, I can think of ONE time where I felt like my FOV was too small/magnification was too great, and it was a minor inconvenience.

I rarely ever hunt in timber though.

[fishngamereaper]

Clear 10x for 90 percent of hunting. 12x is way to much for timber and other close situations. And let's face it, you have to get closer to kill it anyway, so seeing it with 10x or 12x doesn't make much of a difference at a mile.
Big country that requires antler I'd I'll bring a spotter to save boot leather. And if necessary my rifle scope hits 16x if I need to study an animal during rifle season.

Clarity will outperform magnification and is more important. Imo

[phildobaggins]

Clear 10x for 90 percent of hunting. 12x is way to much for timber and other close situations. And let's face it, you have to get closer to kill it anyway, so seeing it with 10x or 12x doesn't make much of a difference at a mile.
Big country that requires antler I'd I'll bring a spotter to save boot leather. And if necessary my rifle scope hits 16x if I need to study an animal during rifle season.

Clarity will outperform magnification and is more important. Imo

If I'm in "timber or other close situations" I probably won't be looking through a magnified optic LOL

[fishngamereaper]

Clear 10x for 90 percent of hunting. 12x is way to much for timber and other close situations. And let's face it, you have to get closer to kill it anyway, so seeing it with 10x or 12x doesn't make much of a difference at a mile.
Big country that requires antler I'd I'll bring a spotter to save boot leather. And if necessary my rifle scope hits 16x if I need to study an animal during rifle season.

Clarity will outperform magnification and is more important. Imo

If I'm in "timber or other close situations" I probably won't be looking through an optic LOL

Well I'm a born and raised blacktail hunter so Im stuck looking for part's of deer, an eye, ear, etc....

But even in elk country I end up in big timber...so I'm constantly picking apart the country with my binos.

[7mmfan]

I use my binos in timber a lot, especially for blacktail. In that case I would definitely not be using 12x, I'll stick with my 10x.

I guess what I'm really trying to fish out is for guys that made the switch from 10 to 12, was there a significant difference? Like WOW what I have been missing?! Or was it a little more magnification but didn't significantly change your ability to find game? 2x on paper sure doesn't seem like much, but in real world environment, is it quite significant?

[Karl Blanchard]

As I stated before, without a tripod no. With a tripod absolutely.

[KFhunter]

Clear 10x for 90 percent of hunting. 12x is way to much for timber and other close situations. And let's face it, you have to get closer to kill it anyway, so seeing it with 10x or 12x doesn't make much of a difference at a mile.
Big country that requires antler I'd I'll bring a spotter to save boot leather. And if necessary my rifle scope hits 16x if I need to study an animal during rifle season.

Clarity will outperform magnification and is more important. Imo

If I'm in "timber or other close situations" I probably won't be looking through an optic LOL

Well I'm a born and raised blacktail hunter so Im stuck looking for part's of deer, an eye, ear, etc....

But even in elk country I end up in big timber...so I'm constantly picking apart the country with my binos.

In brush, timber, at close ranges, a 7x range finder turns antlers into sticks, eyes into moss, ears into leaves pretty quickly 

[b23]

I agree, no tripod or window mount on anything 12X or above and to me it's like I'm losing clarity.  I have a pair 15x56's and hand holding them versus using them on a tripod or window mount it's like you're looking through two different sets of binos.  Maybe this isn't the best way of describing it but to me when my 15x56's are on a stable mount the clarity seems soooo much better.

My go to binos is 8.5x42 Swaro EL's and they've been excellent but I've been considering getting the new Swaro 10x42NL Pure. 

[phildobaggins]

I agree, no tripod or window mount on anything 12X or above and to me it's like I'm losing clarity.  I have a pair 15x56's and hand holding them versus using them on a tripod or window mount it's like you're looking through two different sets of binos.  Maybe this isn't the best way of describing it but to me when my 15x56's are on a stable mount the clarity seems soooo much better.

My go to binos is 8.5x42 Swaro EL's and they've been excellent but I've been considering getting the new Swaro 10x42NL Pure.

Ya'll drinking too much coffee if you're struggling with the 12x's Use the hat method if you don't have a tripod! 

[Karl Blanchard]

Yeah one day I'll hopefully figure out how to glass effectively 

[Buckjunkie]

I’m with Karl. Get a tripod and use it. It’s personal preference, but my go to are 8x42 EL Range Binos and I always pack a tripod and either a spotter or 15’s. I use the 8’s on a tripod constantly. The giant field of view and amazing clarity helps you catch color and movement at amazing distances. They are also good at close range off hand.

I personally don’t know why people want more power hanging around their neck which are hard to keep steady and have a small field of view. If I could pick one combo it would be quality 8x binos and a good spotter with a tripod.

[ASHQUACK]

I have the 8x, 10x and 12x all in leupold. The 8x are used for hiking, still hunting and in the boat. The 10's go absolutely everywhere the truck goes I use them for almost everything except glossing big cuts and desert landscape that's where the 12x come in handy. I use trekking poles to steady them as they need it. I also have a pair of Steiner 15x80 military marines and those are dedicated to a tripod or window mount.

[Magnum_Willys]

2 years ago was in Utah on son’s bull elk hunt.  I had swarovski 10x42’s.  Son had Meopta 12x.   I ended up borrowing his hundreds of times to get a better look at animals we spotted.  Got home, sold the 10x and bought 12x Pures.   They are not needed to spot game.  They are sooo much better to see what the horns look like.
The ONLY reason I don’t use ranging binos is that they don’t come in 12x.  Its that important to me. 

That said if I am hiking and have my spotter handy then 10x plus spotter is better. 

Westside under 500 yards? Not needed at all.

[7mmfan]

Well you guys did absolutely nothing to make up my mind.

[fishngamereaper]

Well you guys did absolutely nothing to make up my mind.

Apparently your expectations where to high...

[pickardjw]

Quality may be a factor in my experience with the 10x Diamondbacks vs 12x Vipers. Yeah, everything was a bit closer in the 12's but maybe it was the clarity difference that was most noticeable...I just didn't notice it!

I need better quality glass I think...my wallet ---> 

[blackveltbowhunter]

7mm..... it depends on what you want from the glass and budget. If your intent is to run often without a decent tripod dont do the 12s imho, even the 12 pures were a bit shaky for me without a tripod.  With a tripod the 12s are significantly better than a 10. But if your going to be a slave to a tripod go 15x56 and glass for days.

[Magnum_Willys]

Fyi - 12x pures were better at 1.5 mile horn ID than 15x vortex binos to my eyes..

[wallab]

I went through this a few years ago.  Almost bought Maven 11 x 45 just so I didn't have to decide between 10's and 12's.  After testing a bunch I went with Tract Toric 10 x 50's and I really like them with or without a tripod.  It almost seems like having a little bigger FOV on 10x makes up for the slightly less magnification.

[boneaddict]

If I had to own one pair, no, stick with 10s.   

[KFhunter]

Quality may be a factor in my experience with the 10x Diamondbacks vs 12x Vipers. Yeah, everything was a bit closer in the 12's but maybe it was the clarity difference that was most noticeable...I just didn't notice it!

I need better quality glass I think...my wallet ---> 

I have the viper hd in 12x, fits barely in my muly freak bino pouch.   Pretty happy with the setup, love the 12x binos

[KFhunter]

Guys with glasses on needs a tripod!  I can't hardly use the 12x when I got glasses on without a tripod holy shakarama!

Without glasses on I extend the eyecups, jam the cups around my eyeballs and I got a solid picture and can glass just fine without a tripod. 

For long glassing periods you need a tripod, arms get tired 

[7mmfan]

Alright well you gave me something to ponder on anyway. I may need to head down to Cabelas and test run a couple pairs and see if I can make up my mind.

[Rainier10]

Alright well you gave me something to ponder on anyway. I may need to head down to Cabelas and test run a couple pairs and see if I can make up my mind.

Keep in mind the store is very well lit so you won't be able to tell the difference between light gathering capabilities at low light, dusk and dawn conditions.

[7mmfan]

Alright well you gave me something to ponder on anyway. I may need to head down to Cabelas and test run a couple pairs and see if I can make up my mind.

Keep in mind the store is very well lit so you won't be able to tell the difference between light gathering capabilities at low light, dusk and dawn conditions.

Yeah I've been down that road. Cabelas in Tulalip has let me take sets outside before to test out, I'll try to get there close to dark to check them out.

[wallab]

Dropping a $100-$200 on demos and rentals can be a good investment to figure out what works.  I’d start with mavens and then rent some Swarovskis for a few days.  I was going to drop the money on Swarovskis until I rented them for a few days.  The mavens were great.  Honestly, the tracts were just better for me.  A lot of it comes down to what works for your eyes.

[BigGoonTuna]

I definitely don't want higher than a 10x without having some kind of tripod or support.  Have considered buying a pair of 12x or 15x and a tripod for hunting the big country, but find myself in the woods most of the time, so usually carry 8x compacts.

I bought a pair of 10x42 Nikon Monarch HG binos a few years back, they have incredible glass, but after owning them a while i've realized they don't have the most comfortable eyecups...they're sort of hard and square.  May have to suck it up and look at another brand.  Tract would probably be worth a look, i bought one of their Toric scopes this past year and it's been fantastic.

[thinkingman]

I definitely don't want higher than a 10x without having some kind of tripod or support.  Have considered buying a pair of 12x or 15x and a tripod for hunting the big country, but find myself in the woods most of the time, so usually carry 8x compacts.

I bought a pair of 10x42 Nikon Monarch HG binos a few years back, they have incredible glass, but after owning them a while i've realized they don't have the most comfortable eyecups...they're sort of hard and square.  May have to suck it up and look at another brand.  Tract would probably be worth a look, i bought one of their Toric scopes this past year and it's been fantastic.

If you decide to part with the Monarch HGs, let me know.

[BKMFR]

I use all Swarovski - 8's,10's,12', and 15's.... really depends on the hunt and terrain.
15's definitely need tripod, no question.
I use my 12's all the time with or without tripod.
10's have rangefinder so go depending on circumstances.
8's are just really nice and probably get used more than the others....
Going on spring Bear hunt in May, will take 10's (because of built-in rangefinder) and spotting scope, this will be a backpack hunt or I would be taking 12's, spotting scope and rangefinder.
My .02 cents!

[Alchase]

Quality may be a factor in my experience with the 10x Diamondbacks vs 12x Vipers. Yeah, everything was a bit closer in the 12's but maybe it was the clarity difference that was most noticeable...I just didn't notice it!

I need better quality glass I think...my wallet ---> 

If I have a choice, I would take quality of glass over range every time.

[huntandjeep]

Quality may be a factor in my experience with the 10x Diamondbacks vs 12x Vipers. Yeah, everything was a bit closer in the 12's but maybe it was the clarity difference that was most noticeable...I just didn't notice it!

I need better quality glass I think...my wallet ---> 

If I have a choice, I would take quality of glass over range every time.

This all the time . I would rather have a pair of Tier 1 glass in a lower power then a pair of $400 12's or 15's .

[bigdub257]

Quality may be a factor in my experience with the 10x Diamondbacks vs 12x Vipers. Yeah, everything was a bit closer in the 12's but maybe it was the clarity difference that was most noticeable...I just didn't notice it!

I need better quality glass I think...my wallet ---> 

If I have a choice, I would take quality of glass over range every time.

This all the time . I would rather have a pair of Tier 1 glass in a lower power then a pair of $400 12's or 15's .

 

[nwhunter]

The swaro 12 pures are very impressive. Don't make a decision without looking thru them is my advise..