Post by: muleyslayer on December 12, 2015, 03:25:34 PM
Post by: Kurt_S on December 12, 2015, 09:19:13 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on December 12, 2015, 09:29:43 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on December 12, 2015, 09:33:54 PM
Post by: Crunchy on December 12, 2015, 09:36:37 PM
Post by: muleyslayer on December 12, 2015, 09:47:51 PM
Post by: bearpaw on December 12, 2015, 09:53:49 PM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on December 12, 2015, 10:10:13 PM
Post by: Smokepole on December 12, 2015, 10:17:45 PM
Post by: Crunchy on December 12, 2015, 10:22:24 PM
Post by: JDHasty on December 13, 2015, 09:36:05 AM
That is what a well known writer told me 25 years ago and I agree. We have a pair of 15x56 SLC and they are so much better than a scope for locating game that it isn't even a close call.
Don't get me wrong, we have a couple nice spotting scopes and would not ever not want to have a scope available, but if it looking for game that big binocular is where it is at.
You don't have to get the Swaro, the Vortex Kaibab is pretty close. The Docter has less FOV, but the resolution is absolutely amazing. Yes, higher than the SLC. It sells for about a grand.
I don't have experience with any of the others.
I use a Manfrotto 55 Pro B, I think is what it is, with a Manfrotto angle bracket and the center column horizontal. That way I can sit in my lawn chair and relax while looking through the binocular for hours.
Post by: JDHasty on December 13, 2015, 09:40:32 AM
I have 15x Swarovski SLC's, I love them, I use them mostly in my truck because they are heavy, a lighter pair of 10x binos is better in the field. If you have a steady hand or rest against something you see through the 15x just fine. You can put them on a tripod and use a doubler if you don't have a spotter. But if you are planning on hiking a lot with them I would get 10x binos fo pack on your neck and a spotter to put in your pack. I used to have a swarovski spotter but sold it because of it's weight, I got tired of toting it around. I love my Leupold 12x40 Gold Ring Spotter, it's hard to beat the compact and lightweight build of this spotter.
Me too. I have a Razor 85 too, but it never leaves the truck. The Leupold is pack able. Actually the 15x56 SLC is not all that bad to hand hold or rest on your knees.
Post by: JDHasty on December 13, 2015, 09:41:52 AM
For most country, I'd pick the 15's without a second thought. I haul mine all over, and the spotter rarely leaves the truck. You WILL see more deer using 15's on a tripod than with a spotter or any sort of binos without a tripod. I tried to deny this fact for many years and get by with 10's and a spotter, but eventually had to admit the truth that my buddies with the 15's were seeing more deer than me. Now they don't.
There ya' have it.
Post by: higunner on December 14, 2015, 06:49:09 PM
Post by: Bob33 on December 14, 2015, 06:59:11 PM
I have 10x binoculars, 15x binoculars, a 60mm spotting scope, and an 80mm spotting scope. I end up using the 10x binoculars and 60mm spotting scope the most.
If I had to choose only one of those, there's no question I would go with a quality 10x for all around use.
Post by: Hot Lunch on December 14, 2015, 09:37:59 PM
I picked up a pair and out to about a mile you can count points. I have had spotting scopes on and off and they are the most over rated piece of equipment unless you want to field judge animals. 10x42 is also a good choice, throw them on a tripod and you'll what you have been missing. The majority of 15x50 glass are not practical to carry, not much of a fan.
Post by: JDHasty on December 14, 2015, 10:15:50 PM
Post by: Kurt_S on December 15, 2015, 07:55:27 PM
12x50 El'sA spotting scope is a must have in my opinion. I wouldn't have got the buck I shot in Idaho this year without it. Spotted him bedded bout a mile and half away. I have a pair of 12x50 and couldn't see it through them.
I picked up a pair and out to about a mile you can count points. I have had spotting scopes on and off and they are the most over rated piece of equipment unless you want to field judge animals. 10x42 is also a good choice, throw them on a tripod and you'll what you have been missing. The majority of 15x50 glass are not practical to carry, not much of a fan.
Post by: WAcoueshunter on December 15, 2015, 08:17:25 PM
12x50 El'sA spotting scope is a must have in my opinion. I wouldn't have got the buck I shot in Idaho this year without it. Spotted him bedded bout a mile and half away. I have a pair of 12x50 and couldn't see it through them.
I picked up a pair and out to about a mile you can count points. I have had spotting scopes on and off and they are the most over rated piece of equipment unless you want to field judge animals. 10x42 is also a good choice, throw them on a tripod and you'll what you have been missing. The majority of 15x50 glass are not practical to carry, not much of a fan.
Some of this depends on the country. If you're mostly glassing at more than a mile or so, then yes, the spotter may be better. But less than that, the spotter is a significant handicap relative to the 15s. Most of my glassing is at a mile or less, regardless of the State. Both eyes open and 15x56 is night and day better at those distances.
Post by: JDHasty on December 16, 2015, 06:24:36 AM
:yeah:12x50 El'sA spotting scope is a must have in my opinion. I wouldn't have got the buck I shot in Idaho this year without it. Spotted him bedded bout a mile and half away. I have a pair of 12x50 and couldn't see it through them.
I picked up a pair and out to about a mile you can count points. I have had spotting scopes on and off and they are the most over rated piece of equipment unless you want to field judge animals. 10x42 is also a good choice, throw them on a tripod and you'll what you have been missing. The majority of 15x50 glass are not practical to carry, not much of a fan.
Some of this depends on the country. If you're mostly glassing at more than a mile or so, then yes, the spotter may be better. But less than that, the spotter is a significant handicap relative to the 15s. Most of my glassing is at a mile or less, regardless of the State. Both eyes open and 15x56 is night and day better at those distances.
Post by: muleyslayer on December 16, 2015, 12:30:54 PM
Post by: The scout on December 16, 2015, 12:34:44 PM
Post by: JDHasty on December 16, 2015, 12:46:54 PM
I would say that's a good choice for what your using them for, check out the vortex kaibobs. if you get something now you can paly with them scout with them and you would still have time to go a different route by hunting season
Probably good advice. I was looking at them when I purchased mine and they are pretty close to the SLC. I don't know about the other 15x56 roofs, there seem to be a few new ones out this year and last. The Docter porro is a brick. It is one heck of a good binocular, but it is HEAVY and BIG.
Post by: The scout on December 16, 2015, 12:57:50 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on December 16, 2015, 01:00:28 PM
Post by: JDHasty on December 16, 2015, 01:36:05 PM
If you go Swaro, get the new 15x SLCs that are HD. I looked through the old ones and compared to my Nikon EDG I be like :puke: :bdid:
You have got to be kidding me!! In your dreams maybe.
We have a Nikon EDG II 8x42 binocular and a Swaro 15x56 SLC Neu and have spent hundreds of hours in the field looking through them side by side every year. Our 15x56 SLC just predates the latest SLC and therefore it is non HD.
When I am set up rockchuck shooting I have my 15x56 SLC set up on a Manfrotto x55proB with the center post set horizontal and a Manfrotto 533 Right Angle Bracket. I will pan back and forth all day with the big binocular looking for chucks, but I also have my 8x42 binocular sitting on the shooting bench right to the left of my front rest.
We shoot from daylight until after sundown and where we shoot there are deer, coyotes, raptors and other birds, and various other things to look at.... and I do take a break from looking for chucks to just sit and enjoy looking at something that has caught my fancy.
If there is much, if any, discernible difference between the optical quality of an SLC and an EDG or EDG II binocular, I will eat my hat.
Post by: Bean Counter on December 16, 2015, 01:43:03 PM
If you go Swaro, get the new 15x SLCs that are HD. I looked through the old ones and compared to my Nikon EDG I be like :puke: :bdid:
You have got to be kidding me!! In your dreams maybe.
No, in my eyes.
- As someone who uses optics to make money :hello:
Post by: 2MANY on December 16, 2015, 02:06:39 PM
I cannot vouch for the whole my high school is better then your high school argument.
My 15's are sweet.
My 20x60's are sweet.
If I was a looking much I would choose the 15's on the tripod.
But then I would like to clamp on the 20X60's.
This combo can save a ton of calorie burn.
Post by: JDHasty on December 16, 2015, 02:24:18 PM
To put it succinctly: there is very little to not love about this binocular. Of course, with contrasting sharply outlined subjects there will be a higher level of CA than with a binocular containing the newest HD glass, but that is to be expected and it really doesn't do much, if anything, to take away from their utility as a high power hunting binocular.
Post by: JDHasty on December 28, 2015, 02:57:20 PM
Cabela's Instinct™ Euro HD™ 15x56 Binoculars
$1,599.99
$1,119.99
Plus an additional 15% in Club points so that would net out at under a grand.
Post by: jstone on December 28, 2015, 03:02:25 PM
Post by: jstone on December 28, 2015, 03:03:48 PM
Post by: JDHasty on December 28, 2015, 04:18:03 PM
Bought myself the Vortex 15 powers for christmas. Nice. I just need to get me a Bino mounted stand and i will be set. Cant wait to get out.
I think you will be very happy w/them. I almost bought them instead of the Swarro that I bought. One of my buddies did get that binocular exact and it is great. My tripod is rather heavy so I use a Gorilla Pod and an old Leupold Packer Tripod when away from the truck. I am not satisfied w/either and am still thinking how I am going to eventually end up. I really like the heavy tripod I have when I am set up next to the truck though.
Post by: Spawnstar on December 28, 2015, 05:37:44 PM
Post by: JDHasty on December 28, 2015, 05:56:15 PM
I use both, but tripod glassing with 15x binos is the number one way to spot game. A spotter is primarily used for measuring game. What ever you want get ahold of me and I can get you a great price on Swarovski or Leica
:yeah:
Post by: Elknut1 on December 29, 2015, 08:59:41 AM
ElkNut1
Post by: muleyslayer on January 01, 2016, 12:50:31 PM
If interested in the 15X56 Kaibabs we have the 2015/2016 model here in a Demo, excellent shape. Send me a PM! Thanks!Pm sent
ElkNut1
Post by: LOTG on January 28, 2016, 11:35:41 AM
Post by: JDHasty on January 28, 2016, 11:50:27 AM
If interested in the 15X56 Kaibabs we have the 2015/2016 model here in a Demo, excellent shape. Send me a PM! Thanks!Pm sent
ElkNut1
You won't be sorry. My buddy bought the Kaibab shortly after I bought our 15x56 SLC. When I was shopping I compared both extensively and thought the Kaibab was pretty close to the SLC.
Post by: syoungs on January 28, 2016, 12:08:49 PM
1: seems to be a re-occurring theme in this thread that 15x binos and a tripod are the cats meow for finding game, and the spotter is more for detailed inspection of already found game. what is the benefit of the binos, rather then running the spotting scope at a lower power? field of view and eye strain were all I could come up with, but not sure if im missing something else.
2: most of the glass discussed here seems to be higher end, my budget wont allow for high end anything until I get my house purchased later this year, and possibly not for a couple years after that (to many toys on the wish list), when comparing lower end optics, do the same rules of thumb hold true? im talking 350-400$ for spotter or binocs. ive been pretty happy with my barska spotting scope at the range, and for some glassing, but I don't use it much, as im not hunting areas where its needed much. But I was considering purchasing a newer spotting scope to get better build and quality sometime in the near future.
3: Bean counter, you don't gotta answer this, but im curious what your job is :dunno:
thanks all
Post by: JDHasty on January 28, 2016, 12:23:23 PM
a few questions; I don't know much about optics, so these may be rudimentary.
1: seems to be a re-occurring theme in this thread that 15x binos and a tripod are the cats meow for finding game, and the spotter is more for detailed inspection of already found game. what is the benefit of the binos, rather then running the spotting scope at a lower power? field of view and eye strain were all I could come up with, but not sure if im missing something else.
2: most of the glass discussed here seems to be higher end, my budget wont allow for high end anything until I get my house purchased later this year, and possibly not for a couple years after that (to many toys on the wish list), when comparing lower end optics, do the same rules of thumb hold true? im talking 350-400$ for spotter or binocs. ive been pretty happy with my barska spotting scope at the range, and for some glassing, but I don't use it much, as im not hunting areas where its needed much. But I was considering purchasing a newer spotting scope to get better build and quality sometime in the near future.
3: Bean counter, you don't gotta answer this, but im curious what your job is :dunno:
thanks all
1: I have had the big SLC bino for a few years, for twenty-five years previous I would spot chucks and game mostly with my eight or ten power binocular or my 12-40x60 Leupold Ring spotter set at about 12-15 power. Everyone just picks up so much more using the big binocular and I think the depth of field combined with sufficient power is what makes such a significant difference. Eye strain, in my case, is significantly less. When using a spotter I buy a dozen eye patches at the pharmacy early in the year and keep both eyes open and cover one with a patch. Have been doing it that way for twenty-five plus years. Field of view is sufficient in both, I think using binocular over spotting scope that it is easier to actually make use of the FOV you have available and that may help in finding animals.
2: It is entirely possible to purchase quality optics at lower prices today. Maybe a bit more than the price range you listed. The big thing is to compare what you are looking at under field conditions. Every optic performs "like a champ" in a well lit store.
Post by: whacker1 on January 28, 2016, 12:29:52 PM
a few questions; I don't know much about optics, so these may be rudimentary.
1: seems to be a re-occurring theme in this thread that 15x binos and a tripod are the cats meow for finding game, and the spotter is more for detailed inspection of already found game. what is the benefit of the binos, rather then running the spotting scope at a lower power? field of view and eye strain were all I could come up with, but not sure if im missing something else.
2: most of the glass discussed here seems to be higher end, my budget wont allow for high end anything until I get my house purchased later this year, and possibly not for a couple years after that (to many toys on the wish list), when comparing lower end optics, do the same rules of thumb hold true? im talking 350-400$ for spotter or binocs. ive been pretty happy with my barska spotting scope at the range, and for some glassing, but I don't use it much, as im not hunting areas where its needed much. But I was considering purchasing a newer spotting scope to get better build and quality sometime in the near future.
3: Bean counter, you don't gotta answer this, but im curious what your job is :dunno:
thanks all
I have been making the investment for the last 10 years and here is what I learned and other suggested. Buy what you can afford in binos and then save and buy the second time, but buy the absolute best you can buy. I didn't listen initially.
I went through a pair of bushnell binoculars, followed by Steiner bighorn that lasted quite a while and a buddy is still using, this next step is where I screwed up. I went to the Zen Ray ED, and then the Zen Ray Prime, and then the Leica. There is nothing wrong with the ZenRay binoculars, in fact I was very impressed, but the mistake I made is that I knew good and well that I was going to upgrade again and should not have made the steps in between.
on the spotter, I bought a Leupold Windriver spotter that is junk and sold it to my hunting partner for less than half what I paid and neither one of us use it. I will be purchasing a Swaro spotter this summer, which has taken me a while to afford.
My suggestion, is by the best you can now in 8 or 10x binocular, even if it means used. and then hold out as long as you can saving for what you actually want in a spotter or big binos.
Post by: JDHasty on January 28, 2016, 12:39:34 PM
a few questions; I don't know much about optics, so these may be rudimentary.
1: seems to be a re-occurring theme in this thread that 15x binos and a tripod are the cats meow for finding game, and the spotter is more for detailed inspection of already found game. what is the benefit of the binos, rather then running the spotting scope at a lower power? field of view and eye strain were all I could come up with, but not sure if im missing something else.
2: most of the glass discussed here seems to be higher end, my budget wont allow for high end anything until I get my house purchased later this year, and possibly not for a couple years after that (to many toys on the wish list), when comparing lower end optics, do the same rules of thumb hold true? im talking 350-400$ for spotter or binocs. ive been pretty happy with my barska spotting scope at the range, and for some glassing, but I don't use it much, as im not hunting areas where its needed much. But I was considering purchasing a newer spotting scope to get better build and quality sometime in the near future.
3: Bean counter, you don't gotta answer this, but im curious what your job is :dunno:
thanks all
I have been making the investment for the last 10 years and here is what I learned and other suggested. Buy what you can afford in binos and then save and buy the second time, but buy the absolute best you can buy. I didn't listen initially.
I went through a pair of bushnell binoculars, followed by Steiner bighorn that lasted quite a while and a buddy is still using, this next step is where I screwed up. I went to the Zen Ray ED, and then the Zen Ray Prime, and then the Leica. There is nothing wrong with the ZenRay binoculars, in fact I was very impressed, but the mistake I made is that I knew good and well that I was going to upgrade again and should not have made the steps in between.
on the spotter, I bought a Leupold Windriver spotter that is junk and sold it to my hunting partner for less than half what I paid and neither one of us use it. I will be purchasing a Swaro spotter this summer, which has taken me a while to afford.
My suggestion, is by the best you can now in 8 or 10x binocular, even if it means used. and then hold out as long as you can saving for what you actually want in a spotter or big binos.
That is very good advice. Get a good solid serviceable binocular and scope and then upgrade once and only once to what you want to eventually end up with.
Post by: high country on January 28, 2016, 08:58:21 PM
a few questions; I don't know much about optics, so these may be rudimentary.
1: seems to be a re-occurring theme in this thread that 15x binos and a tripod are the cats meow for finding game, and the spotter is more for detailed inspection of already found game. what is the benefit of the binos, rather then running the spotting scope at a lower power? field of view and eye strain were all I could come up with, but not sure if im missing something else.
2: most of the glass discussed here seems to be higher end, my budget wont allow for high end anything until I get my house purchased later this year, and possibly not for a couple years after that (to many toys on the wish list), when comparing lower end optics, do the same rules of thumb hold true? im talking 350-400$ for spotter or binocs. ive been pretty happy with my barska spotting scope at the range, and for some glassing, but I don't use it much, as im not hunting areas where its needed much. But I was considering purchasing a newer spotting scope to get better build and quality sometime in the near future.
3: Bean counter, you don't gotta answer this, but im curious what your job is :dunno:
thanks all
I have been making the investment for the last 10 years and here is what I learned and other suggested. Buy what you can afford in binos and then save and buy the second time, but buy the absolute best you can buy. I didn't listen initially.
I went through a pair of bushnell binoculars, followed by Steiner bighorn that lasted quite a while and a buddy is still using, this next step is where I screwed up. I went to the Zen Ray ED, and then the Zen Ray Prime, and then the Leica. There is nothing wrong with the ZenRay binoculars, in fact I was very impressed, but the mistake I made is that I knew good and well that I was going to upgrade again and should not have made the steps in between.
on the spotter, I bought a Leupold Windriver spotter that is junk and sold it to my hunting partner for less than half what I paid and neither one of us use it. I will be purchasing a Swaro spotter this summer, which has taken me a while to afford.
My suggestion, is by the best you can now in 8 or 10x binocular, even if it means used. and then hold out as long as you can saving for what you actually want in a spotter or big binos.
May I suggest looking at the nikon 82 ed with a fixed eyepiece, pentax pf 80ed and the kowa tsn these all ere better to my eye than the swaro. I have the 15x56 swaro neu and kept the 82ed.....but it is not as wide fov as the tsn scopes......but it is dang good a a narrower view.
Post by: Okanagan on January 28, 2016, 09:16:43 PM
a few questions; I don't know much about optics, so these may be rudimentary.
1: seems to be a re-occurring theme in this thread that 15x binos and a tripod are the cats meow for finding game, and the spotter is more for detailed inspection of already found game. what is the benefit of the binos, rather then running the spotting scope at a lower power? field of view and eye strain were all I could come up with, but not sure if im missing something else.
2: most of the glass discussed here seems to be higher end, my budget wont allow for high end anything until I get my house purchased later this year, and possibly not for a couple years after that (to many toys on the wish list), when comparing lower end optics, do the same rules of thumb hold true? im talking 350-400$ for spotter or binocs. ive been pretty happy with my barska spotting scope at the range, and for some glassing, but I don't use it much, as im not hunting areas where its needed much. But I was considering purchasing a newer spotting scope to get better build and quality sometime in the near future.
3: Bean counter, you don't gotta answer this, but im curious what your job is :dunno:
thanks all
1: I have had the big SLC bino for a few years, for twenty-five years previous I would spot chucks and game mostly with my eight or ten power binocular or my 12-40x60 Leupold Ring spotter set at about 12-15 power. Everyone just picks up so much more using the big binocular and I think the depth of field combined with sufficient power is what makes such a significant difference. Eye strain, in my case, is significantly less. When using a spotter I buy a dozen eye patches at the pharmacy early in the year and keep both eyes open and cover one with a patch. Have been doing it that way for twenty-five plus years. Field of view is sufficient in both, I think using binocular over spotting scope that it is easier to actually make use of the FOV you have available and that may help in finding animals.
2: It is entirely possible to purchase quality optics at lower prices today. Maybe a bit more than the price range you listed. The big thing is to compare what you are looking at under field conditions. Every optic performs "like a champ" in a well lit store.
Good questions and good answers. Mid level optics are superb compared to 20-30 years ago.
I have a friend who trains military snipers and uses the best optics money can buy. He worked as a hunting guide for awhile in earlier years. I asked him about optics, and he knows my interests and modest budget. He told me that if my life is on the line, buy the best optics made, no matter what they cost. For hunting, the difference between a $400-500 optic and one that costs 2-3 grand will seldom make the difference in getting game. If you have the money you can enjoy the best but it's probably is not worth it for someone like me. That's a personal choice, not necessarily for others. Friends of mine have some superb Leica's etc. and they are very nice, but I haven't felt limited with my $400 Nikons. Depends on how much discretionary money you have and what you want to spend it on.
Post by: JDHasty on January 29, 2016, 06:05:50 AM
a few questions; I don't know much about optics, so these may be rudimentary.
1: seems to be a re-occurring theme in this thread that 15x binos and a tripod are the cats meow for finding game, and the spotter is more for detailed inspection of already found game. what is the benefit of the binos, rather then running the spotting scope at a lower power? field of view and eye strain were all I could come up with, but not sure if im missing something else.
2: most of the glass discussed here seems to be higher end, my budget wont allow for high end anything until I get my house purchased later this year, and possibly not for a couple years after that (to many toys on the wish list), when comparing lower end optics, do the same rules of thumb hold true? im talking 350-400$ for spotter or binocs. ive been pretty happy with my barska spotting scope at the range, and for some glassing, but I don't use it much, as im not hunting areas where its needed much. But I was considering purchasing a newer spotting scope to get better build and quality sometime in the near future.
3: Bean counter, you don't gotta answer this, but im curious what your job is :dunno:
thanks all
1: I have had the big SLC bino for a few years, for twenty-five years previous I would spot chucks and game mostly with my eight or ten power binocular or my 12-40x60 Leupold Ring spotter set at about 12-15 power. Everyone just picks up so much more using the big binocular and I think the depth of field combined with sufficient power is what makes such a significant difference. Eye strain, in my case, is significantly less. When using a spotter I buy a dozen eye patches at the pharmacy early in the year and keep both eyes open and cover one with a patch. Have been doing it that way for twenty-five plus years. Field of view is sufficient in both, I think using binocular over spotting scope that it is easier to actually make use of the FOV you have available and that may help in finding animals.
2: It is entirely possible to purchase quality optics at lower prices today. Maybe a bit more than the price range you listed. The big thing is to compare what you are looking at under field conditions. Every optic performs "like a champ" in a well lit store.
Good questions and good answers. Mid level optics are superb compared to 20-30 years ago.
I have a friend who trains military snipers and uses the best optics money can buy. He worked as a hunting guide for awhile in earlier years. I asked him about optics, and he knows my interests and modest budget. He told me that if my life is on the line, buy the best optics made, no matter what they cost. For hunting, the difference between a $400-500 optic and one that costs 2-3 grand will seldom make the difference in getting game. If you have the money you can enjoy the best but it's probably is not worth it for someone like me. That's a personal choice, not necessarily for others. Friends of mine have some superb Leica's etc. and they are very nice, but I haven't felt limited with my $400 Nikons. Depends on how much discretionary money you have and what you want to spend it on.
What I meant to say in response 1 is that a stereo view, 3D if you will, is what I attribute a lot of the increased ability to pick out animals to. Also, I might add that some times I spend a full day behind optics for a full week, especially shooting chucks, but also when big game hunting to a lesser degree. Eye strain is a huge factor after the first morning and the big binocular is just so much more comfortable to spend long hours behind than a spotting scope.
Post by: muleyslayer on January 29, 2016, 07:43:57 PM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on January 29, 2016, 07:57:21 PM
Next up, a new tripod thread! :chuckle:
Post by: high country on January 29, 2016, 08:51:21 PM
Throw the head away and buy a really right stuff, acraswiss, manny.....etc.
Post by: JDHasty on January 29, 2016, 09:18:32 PM
https://www.botach.com/brunton-81-230318-carbon-fiber-tripod-4-section-w-removeable-pan-head/
Throw the head away and buy a really right stuff, acraswiss, manny.....etc.
DO IT NOW, before it gets away. Like tonight. I needed a mid weight tripod and this will not happen again soon, maybe in your lifetime!
Post by: JDHasty on January 29, 2016, 10:21:18 PM
" I already have a pair of 10x 42 vortex viper binos. I bought the 15x kaibabs now I just need a good tripod to go with them. 2017 I will be getting a spotter."
You are so close to being where you will ever want to be! Good job!!! You got to within 2% of what a Razor would get you at 2/3 the cost and for half the cost of what a Leica, Nikon EDG or Swaro would get you another 3%.
My favorite (actually my "go to" binocular) binocular is a 6x32 Viper and we own Nikon EDG, Leica and Swaro optics. The power of that binocular makes that binocular my "go to" unless I have a reason for more power. My hands down fave binocular is the 8x42 Nikon EDG, but the FOV and the depth of field make the little Viper my "go to" because I give up so little in image quality to be able to benefit from FOV and DOF in the little Viper. I have looked through the 10x42 Viper and what you have is 95-97% of what a Swaro, Zeiss or Leica or Nicon EDG will deliver.
I am saying to grab that Carbon Fiber tripod because you will never lose a dime on it. BUT, if you can live with weight, eventually get a Manfrotto 55 W/the capability of setting the center post horizontally. Some day I will post pictures. It also demands a right angle adapter though. That lets you sit with the binocular or spotting scope "floating" over your comfy seat.
We have a Leupold 12-40x60 GR scope and a Vortex Razor 85 spotting scope. Do the same analysis you did in purchasing your binocular. I had a Leupold GR 10x40 Poro before I upgraded to the EDG binocular and it was fine, you have a better binocular right now, but I bought the Leupold twenty-five years before I upgraded to the Nikon EDG. You have a better binocular in every way than I did for twenty-five years and I pay attention to optics.
Here is what you need to play off, one against the other, once you have decided on power range: Weight and portability and angled - vs- straight. The Leupold 12x40 owns the weight and portability consideration, IF that is a consideration and you can give up 40-60 or so in power, and then pony up for the HD as opposed to the non-HD just because the cost increase is so little for what you get. Even though my 12-40 GR is non and it is fine, two bucks is not that big a deal. Right? Save up for a few more months.
If packing is not a consideration then Kowa, Swaro and others make an 82-85 objective scope that is where you want to be. I have a Vortex Razor 85 and that may be "good enough" for you as it obviously was with me. BUT, make certain that you are not looking to resolve images at 60 power if you decide that you can live with a scope that is less than what the Razor will resolve. It is a fools errand to buy a scope with 60 power instead of a max 40 if what you see is a fog above 40.
Do your homework and ACTUALLY try packing the weight you are considering before you buy. Try an angled scope too, and I personally would prefer a straight scope if I had only one, YMMV. Try them in under conditions you would use them in.
Just my :twocents:
Post by: high country on January 29, 2016, 11:20:35 PM
Post by: JDHasty on January 30, 2016, 11:29:08 PM
I was pretty impressed with my leica 12x50's compared to my slc neu 15's.
That is not surprising. Even when the same binocular that is offered in multiple power are compared mano a mano... the lower power binocular usually is selected as "best." These are two "Alpha" binoculars and I would expect that.
There are trade offs that we make and a 12, if you have a ten or an eight, is pretty redundant though. Or if you are back country hunting and need a single binocular to do "double duty" lest you hate the day you were born after packing everything you own along.
If you don't need a hand holdable binocular and are looking at packing a binocular, a spotting scope and a tripod... the binocular to find game and a spotting scope to look at and assess game, then 12 power may not have enough power to work for you - or it might. It depends on what your expectations are.
I have packed my 15x56 SLC and a tripod or a Gorilla Pod and nothing else and it served me just fine (actually OK), but it was not ideal for spotting and I really missed having my eights or tens with me for just pulling up and looking all the time. But, this much I can say, 12 would not have been enough when I was assessing after looking.
Neither a 12 or a 15 is a "Jack of all trades," both are pretty specialized binoculars. A 12 is fair for looking for game and a 15 is about the same (a little worse), a 12 just doesn't have enough power to replace a spotting scope and a 15 has barely enough. Barely enough is.... just enough and not enough is not enough and a 12x50 and a comparable 15x56 are about equally capable in low light. So the 15x56 works (in a fashion) for both, and a twelve power binocular may not. You alone know what your expectations are and have to decide if 12 will or not.
I bought my 15x56 SLC Neu primarily for rock chuck shooting, but I do pack them a bit. Now that I have three kids under eight years old, I am not all that interested in more than filling the freezer with staples for the next year and so judging whether I want to make the effort, or not, is not a consideration - if it's legal... I am going after it. But, that being said, with the 15x56 SLC I can live without a spotting scope and can suffer not having my 8x42 binocular along. If I had a 12x50 I could also suffer not having my 8x42 or my 10.5x45 along, but I would also be giving up most of what a spotting scope, almost all of what a spotting scope, would provide me.
What I am saying is that neither replaces a normal power binocular, and the 15x56 does give me a lot of what the spotting scope has to offer. Twelve power may not.
:twocents:YMMV.
Post by: high country on January 31, 2016, 06:54:01 AM
Post by: coachcw on January 31, 2016, 06:58:58 AM