Need New Long Range Binos

jcav · Jun 16, 2014

I am relatively new to MM but needed some advice on this subject from people who have more experience with good glass and have actually used what they are talking about. I am on a new lease around the Palo Duro Canyon in Texas and my Bushnell Trophy 10x42s are just not cutting it anymore. I am looking to upgrade not only in quality of glass but magnification, I am thinking somewhere around 15x as we will be glassing for mule deer at long range. So far I have been thinking about the Vortex Kaibab 15x56 and Swarovski SLC 15x56. What are your thoughts on those and are there any other ones I should be looking at? Thanks.

JC

30Hart · Jun 18, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Jun-18-14 AT 08:28AM (MST)[p]Zeiss has a new 15X56 in the Conquest HD line, but you really need to use 15 powers on a tripod. 12Xs are good too and you can use them better off a tripod.

Timberbuck · Jun 18, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Jun-18-14 AT 10:36AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jun-18-14 AT 10:30?AM (MST)

The new Swarovski SLC (HD lenses,abbe konig prisms) 15x56 is the best going but $2500.

The Previous SLC NEU model can be had lightly used for around $1500.

Meopta just came out with a meostar hd 15x56.

Zeiss just came out with a Conquest HD 15x56

I would have to look through the new Zeiss,Meopta and older SLC against each other in field conditions before I could make a decision on which one was best in that price range. From what I have seen and read about these three (as well as my experience with the makers other models) you can't make a bad choice. Go with the one you can get the best deal on.

At a lower price point you have the Vortex kiabab HD which is a proven performer for the price.

The Minox German BL 15x56 is nipping at the heels of the kiabab and is only $600.

Keep an eye out for the discontinued Minox 15x58 ED as it performs at the level of the kiabab and can be had lightly used for $500-600.

You for sure want a quality 15x56 on a tripod when looking long for deer ect. Best tool for the job.

I would still want a top quality 8 or 10x42 to use in conjunction with the 15x (as well as a good spotting scope).

30Hart · Jun 19, 2014

Cabelas has the Vortex Kaibab HD 15X56 binos on sale for $799.

hornkiller · Jun 20, 2014

I have a tripod but my swaro 15's are just fine without a tripod!

Cant go wrong with swaro.

Outside · Jun 24, 2014

Just like 30hart said, Cabelas has the Kaibab's on for $799

Cabelas in Lehi has a set of Swarovski 15x56 in the bargain cave for $1700.

Both are amazing optics with great warranty.

BPKHunter · Jul 9, 2014

Absolutely NO way do I recommend:

1. Planning to use any Big Eye(12x+) as my primary bino. 8x or 10x is a must have.

2. Plan on using any Big Eye regulary without a sturdy tripod.

I have the older(pains me to say) SLC's and can imagine no tool better at finding game well over a mile. Spotters still needed to properly judge. With the price of the older SLC's at $1500 used, I would go there if you can, but make sure they fit your face as some people with narrow eye's can not use them.

If you only plan to glass shorter distances, under 1 mi, just get some quality Euro 10x and place them on a tripod and you won't miss any mule deer.

mtmuleys · Jul 9, 2014

This is a solid advice. You don't need higher power binoculars to see better. Higher power does not have higher resolution than 8x or 10x binoculars. Try to invest on a pair of quality 8x42 or 10x42, which will be more useful than a 15x binoculars. I went through the same learning curve and was frustrated with my Bushnell Excursion. Now, I use a pair of Zen-Ray PRIME HD 10x42 and a pair of Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42, which meet all my glassing need.

>Absolutely NO way do I recommend:
>
>
>1. Planning to use any
>Big Eye(12x+) as my primary
>bino. 8x or 10x
>is a must have.
>
>2. Plan on using any
>Big Eye regulary without a
>sturdy tripod.
>
>I have the older(pains me to
>say) SLC's and can imagine
>no tool better at finding
>game well over a mile.
> Spotters still needed to
>properly judge. With the
>price of the older SLC's
>at $1500 used, I would
>go there if you can,
>but make sure they fit
>your face as some people
>with narrow eye's can not
>use them.
>
>If you only plan to glass
>shorter distances, under 1 mi,
>just get some quality Euro
>10x and place them on
>a tripod and you won't
>miss any mule deer.

hogmover · Jul 9, 2014

Hello, I have a pair of 15x56 Swarovski for you can contac me @ 775-741-0112

peez3006 · Jul 9, 2014

I've compared the Swarovskis and Vortex 15s side by side. The Vortex are good. But do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of Swarovskis. Significantly better. You won't regret it.

Don P