???Vortex Viper binos- 10x50 or 12x50???

[180ls1]

Nikon Monarch 7's are better in my book. They will also have a larger FOV and save a little weight. $399 at Sportsmans right now, that's a heck of a deal.

[RNE228]

As long as you can differentiate between Antelope and Rockalope

Have seen folks start to stalk a distance rock... Never me though...

In Wyoming, critters are a long way always...

[theduracellbigd]

I've hunted all over the world and I've settled on 10X binoculars. I've had guides carry larger but the vast majority have used 10X.

I have not hunted all over the world, but many places in the USA from ground squirrels to Elk and I too am a 10x for a do all magnification. You can keep 10x still enough if you hold them right. Long glassing periods can usually be done either sitting with knees, or find a tree brace, or table/truck hood etc.
8x does shake less but seems to leave me wanting more magnification. I especially appreciate the 10x when I am glassing and enjoying looking at other critters I do not plan to kill. I find big objectives weight and bulk not worth it for an all-day carry binocular. 10x40ish for me.

[theduracellbigd]

Nikon Monarch 7's are better in my book. They will also have a larger FOV and save a little weight. $399 at Sportsmans right now, that's a heck of a deal.

Seems like a great price, might need to get some. Did you compare to Vortex?

[bigbossman]

I have not hunted all over the world, but many places in the USA from ground squirrels to Elk and I too am a 10x for a do all magnification. You can keep 10x still enough if you hold them right. Long glassing periods can usually be done either sitting with knees, or find a tree brace, or table/truck hood etc.

Same here. The caveat is that at 10x, you really need to have quality glass.

[180ls1]

Seems like a great price, might need to get some. Did you compare to Vortex?

Yeah, Sportsmans should have a few to compare from if you're nearby one.

[middleofnowhere]

D14 is not a trophy zone, so no need to score animals before you stalk. …or however you are choosing to hunt. Personally I would look more for an 8x42. I run a tripod even when running 8x binos. The added steadiness really lets me pick apart terrain to find animals. If you are not running a tripod, then you definitely want 8X. The image will appear less shaky and you will spot more game with steadiness vs. magnification.

If you can save your pennies, I would recommend another brand like Maven or Leupold over Vortex. There are other lower to mid priced glass that are better bang for your buck than Vortex Vipers

Just my .02

[PoorRichRichard]

^^^ Yes sir, I do plan on running a tripod.

Again, thank you all. Wealth of knowledge here gentleman, and I sincerely appreciate it.

[Mesa Defense]

Nikon Monarch 7's are better in my book. They will also have a larger FOV and save a little weight. $399 at Sportsmans right now, that's a heck of a deal.

+1.

[FishnHunt]

My daughter has monarch 7. Granted they are 8x30 or something like that. They are great and are really nice and compact.
But, my tract 10x42 are the bees knees. I strongly recommend them! Do your research and they are close to alpha glass for half the price

[tsmithson]

I’ve had the Zeiss Victory 10X and foolishly sold them back in 2005. Probably some of the best glass I’ve ever owned.

Later I tried to save some money by getting the Viper 10X50 and had problems identifying if a buck was forked on one side at under 200 yards.
Went strait out and bought the EL 12X50 Swarovski.
Penny wise and dollar foolish?……When you add up how much you spend in total on hunting trips, great glass is money well spent.

My Viper 10X50 still get some use when I don’t want to beat up my good glass.

I would love to have a pair of Zeiss Victory 10X again.
BUT
I wouldn’t trade in my EL 12X50 Swarovski for the 10X Zeiss.

I considered selling my EL 12X50 Swarovski for the 10X Zeiss Rangefinders. I compared them at Sportsman’s and the EL Swarovski was a clear winner.

[bigbossman]

.....Went strait out and bought the EL 12X50 Swarovski.
Penny wise and dollar foolish?……When you add up how much you spend in total on hunting trips, great glass is money well spent.

Yeah - I had to gulp a few times before handing over the cash for my 10x42 EL Swaro's. That pain in the wallet has long been forgotten. Like you said - money well spent.