Vortex Kaibab HD 20x56 ???

Founder · Feb 2, 2014

I've never used binoculars of this power or probably even weight. How about any of you? I'm thinking these could be real sweet.

I had a friend who used some huge Doctor's (20 power), and they looked like a great tool, but they were huge and I don't think they'd work for me in the places I usually hunt.

These Kaibab HD's are about 3 lbs. (43 oz). I'd probably still have to take the 10x bino's too. I don't know? Or would a 15x bino work better and leave the 10x home?
Would a heavy tripod be a must with a 20x bino? Probably? Maybe? Anyone have experience with optics of this power?

Camera Land has them at $1399.99.

Vortex Kaibab HD 20x56

[IMGhttp://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortexkaibabhd20x56.jpg][/IMG]

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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BIGJOHNT · Feb 2, 2014

I guess my thinking is ...if you are using 15 powers on a tripod why not 20 powers on a tripod. Isn't bigger always better ? Using two eyes rather then just one? It would not be good on a back packing trip. But all things have their place, right !

heffe · Feb 3, 2014

It's going to be a poor performer in low light, IMO.

Exit pupil = 2.8mm.

10x50, for example, has an exit pupil of 5mm, nearly twice as large.

15x56 will have an exit pupil of 3.7.

Exit pupil is one of the biggest factors in light transmission.

Those 20x binocs would have been more useful if the they 60 or 65MM, instead of 56.

Founder · Feb 3, 2014

The low light performance would be a concern for sure.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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BIGJOHNT · Feb 3, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Feb-03-14 AT 11:26PM (MST)[p]When is it when the eye can only draw so much light threw the pupil . I remember reading about it a few years back.I was thinking it was about 2.8 ? Please correct me and give us the real number. I will do a little research on it as well. Thanks
Looking threw my Vortex Razor 20-60x85 has a exit pupil of 4.3mm - 1.4 A friends Swarovski 20-60x65 has a exit pupil of 3.3 - 1.1 exit eye pupil. At dusk looking at animals set up side by side. I could still see game threw my optics when his where dark. So 2.8 exit eye pupil to 3.7 exit eye pupil will be noticeable at dawn and dusk. That being said I would still like to try out a set in the field !

dang302 · Feb 4, 2014

I think you need a pretty good tripod for 15X's, and still need to carry a smaller bino. But I am a real fan of the tripod. I don't really even like free handing my 10's anymore cause its just creates eye strain. I carry big awesome 7X50's and either my 10X50's or 15X56's utilize the tripod. I just got the 15's, so sadly the 10's may just collect dust now, and I am not sure of the fate of my spotting scope either.

-I have fought tougher men, but I really can't remember when-

coues52 · Feb 6, 2014

I would had liked to see them as a 20x60 or even better 20x65..I have the ED 15 x58 minox and a 20x80 B&L ..what I really want is the 25x Kowas..but those are deep pockets..hope to check them out at the sport shows over the next couple months..Danny

BIGJOHNT · Feb 11, 2014

Maybe they will have a pair at the hunt expo this weekend ?

257Tony · Feb 11, 2014

I've always found those big binos are at their best for locating bedded animals during the day, when their is plenty of light. Being able to use both eyes make a big pair of binos far superior to a spotter for picking out tiny details under shrubs, behind trees, etc. IMHO, of course!

I would love to try out a pair of these, anybody want to donate a pair for me to demo ;-)

HardcoreOutdoor · Feb 25, 2014

I am a Vortex fan (they are my favorite tier 2 glass and the service/warranty is outstanding) and think that these are a lot more practical not to mention affordable at $1300 than the huge Kowas at what, $5000?

We put all the current 15s side by side on Outdoorsmans tripods/heads for an upcoming article and threw the Vortex 20s in just for fun. They are pretty good.

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

mFlirt · Feb 28, 2014

I bought my HD Kaibabs a couple years ago and I love them. They're hard to free hand but off a tripod they're awesome. I'm at the point I usually just take the Kaibabs/tripod and a pair of compact Leupolds. I think there great for general season type hunts. You're not going to see enough detail to make the decisions you need to on a trophy type hunt. I can say i find more deer and elk now, its easier on my eyes and mine perform great well past legal shooting light.