Binocular thoughts

bonepicker · Mar 30, 2016

I am just looking for input on what kind of binoculars you guys might recommend. I bought a pair of HD Steiner Peregrine 8x42's to replace my 8x30 Nikons a few years ago and they have revolutionized my hunting success. I do alot of shed hunting and rifle hunting where I am walking with them for 6-8 hours at a time so weight is a factor (but I've got a good shoulder harness so it's not the main factor).
So, I have saved up some money and I am looking to add a pair of 10x's, 12x's or 15x's for when I'm hunting big country and to add a some magnification (without needing a tripod). I am leaning toward 12x's but does anyone have any thoughts? I am mostly looking for input on magnification power, what do you like and why. I am open to brand recommendations as well regarding comfort/ease of use, but I understand the "get what you pay for" principle (as in, Swaro 8x42's would outperform Bushnell 15x56's and HD glass is way better than standard glass, etc.)
Thanks for your input!

schoolhousegrizz · Mar 31, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Mar-31-16 AT 06:30PM (MST)[p]I would stick with 8's if you do not want to use a tripod. I think 8's are better than 12's or 15's with out the use of a tripod. If you decide to get a tripod I would get 15's or a small compact spotter. Hope this helps.

BIGJOHNT · Apr 1, 2016

!0 X 42's are the biggest I can hike with and keep them steady. 15 powers on a tripod are great for glassing. The better and clearer the glass is the better. Your looking for that glimmer of horn or ear twitch. I used a 8 x 32 swaro a bit, and they are better then a 10 x 42 vortex as far as clarity.
I myself use Leica 10 x 42 range finding bino's . Not really a fan of Vortex binos but I do have a couple of their spotters I use. Just get the nicest you can afford and take care of them. High end binos will last you for years.

Zeke · Apr 6, 2016

7 or 8's if you're a wanderer (which it sounds like you are)

10', if you're more of a glasser/spot-n-stalker.

12's off a tripod only.... for me.

There's my 2 cents,
Zeke

Deerlove · Apr 6, 2016

Plus 1 zeke I wander so I use swaro 8's and carry a swaro 65 spotter. My swaro 10x50s get used very seldom.

coues52 · Apr 6, 2016

+1 ZEKE..love the "Big EYES" on a tripod.. even 10 X look better thru a tripod than hand held..Danny

bonepicker · Apr 19, 2016

Thanks for the input!

Willametteriveroutlaw · Apr 19, 2016

I run 12 x 50 Els and have run most all of them, The 12's are the sweet spot IMHO, they are still small enough to hand hold, but truly excel off a tripod.

I can not reccomend enough running your glass off a tripod, its a complete game changer.

NMBOWHNTR27 · Apr 20, 2016

I used to think 10's are the best all around Bino. Definitely with 50mm instead of 42mm, but I love my 12x50 swaros. Carry like a 10 but still close enough to a 15.especially off a tripod! Happy shopping