Hunting Binoculars

[Divehobo]

Thinking about upgrading my general purpose (Big 5) binoculars for Vortex Viper HD's. Lots of reading as of late about light emission, magnification, weight and brand name. I do not want to buy the 10x42's and regret not getting the 10x50 or 12x50's.

I have a Vortex spotting scope, its very sensitive to movement on higher magnification and is frustrating to use. Constantly finding myself dialing down magnification to keep the wobble away, clear up the image and not get a headache.

I am looking for the collective to provide some feedback. Hate to have regrets after buying. Any thoughts?

[racinjason233]

Light as in grams and light as in clarity are my main 2 concerns.

[Cali74]

I have the Vortex Viper HD 12x50's and love them.
They are only a few more ounces than the 10x50's and I don't regret it.
Used to get a lot of eye strain from near all day glassing.
Very clear glass and good detail in the low light.
Tested against a few friends much more expensive bino's and was very happy I went the Vortex viper hd route.

[Divehobo]

I have the Vortex Viper HD 12x50's

Are you using them on a tripod or wearing them on a harness?

[ArmsUnlimited]

Give these a try

https://www.armsunlimited.com/Steiner-P1050-10x50-Tactical-Binoculars-p/steiner-2030.htm

I've been using them on hunting trips in Northern Nevada

[d33pt]

I have a 10x42, but would rather have a 7 or 8x now that i've used it for a while.

[Divehobo]

would rather have a 7 or 8x now that i've used it for a while.

bigger is not better, why?

[Divehobo]

Give these a try

https://www.armsunlimited.com/Steiner-P1050-10x50-Tactical-Binoculars-p/steiner-2030.htm

I've been using them on hunting trips in Northern Nevada

Thanks but going to stick with Vortex at this time. You like the 10x50, lots of feedback online about the 10x42, not as much on the 10x50.

[RobG]

10x42 is a perfect combo for carrying and glassing all day. Anything larger gets to be a pain in the neck, literally. I use the Vortex Diamondback in 10x42 and they work well in lower light. The Viper should be even better. My hunting partner uses 10x42 Swaros, better clarity and light transmission as well they should be but, I don't feel "under glassed" using the DB's. For long range glassing on a tripod we use my bud's 15x56 Swaros. Now those things are bad azz but come with a hefty price tag.

Eta: whatever you buy, get a good bino harness. They make all carrying much more comfortable.

[d33pt]

bigger is not better, why?

less shake, better FOV, lighter, cheaper (not all the time)

[Divehobo]

Eta: whatever you buy, get a good bino harness. They make all carrying much more comfortable.

Had an old weaver harness with nothing but a leather pad and shock cord. Already purchased a LockDown Bino Harness with camo print

http://s4gear.com/lockdownx-binocular-harness-camo/

[BJJ223]

I have Vortex Viper HD 8x42s. They are great binoculars. However, they don't even compare to my Canon 10x42L Image stabilized binoculars. Frankly, once you use stabilized binoculars, you will never want to use regular binoculars ever again.

I have compared my Canon IS binoculars to $3000 Alpha brands. No comparison. The Canons blow them away. Holding a pair of binoculars will always introduce vibration. The image stabilizer completely eliminates this vibration.

The difference is that great.

[pennstater]

Divehobo, PM sent.

[Hairball]

I use a pair of 18x50 Canon IS, they are great. Might be a little more weight than you are willing to carry but they make smaller sizes. While I do use Vortex (rifle/spotting) optics, for binoculars I have no regrets with Canon...ymmv

[mega4ce]

You use the Canon's Hunting BJJ223? Just looked them up and 40 oz without the batteries is pretty heavy.

I am looking for good hunting binos like the OP and I'm in the same boat.

Do I got with more weight and ?x50 and get better light?
Do I go 10x and get closer for bedded down deer or go 8x and better FOV?

Just need to pull the trigger at some point.
Looking at the Vipers also.