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

[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..