I have a pair of 8.5 x 42 Swarovski EL's, and absolutely love them. But I'm wondering if I might be better served to sell them and get two pair of great quality binoculars as a replacement.
I recently won a pair of Vortex binoculars in 6 x 32 and am completely impressed with the quality, clarity, and function of these binoculars. I think they will certainly become my go to whitetail hunting binoculars.
The quality of the Vortex glass has got me to thinking. My current Swarovski's have held their value very well - obviously that is a testament to the quality. But realistically, I could probably sell these Swaro's and end up with more than enough to buy a pair of Vortex 8x42's plus another pair of 15x50's.
If the Vortex quality is anything like the ones that I recently acquired I think I would be very happy with both. And it would give me two pair of very good quality glass that cover a wider range of applications than one pair of top of the line.
For those of you with experience with high quality glass, what are your thoughts? Would you give them up knowing that you would probably never be able to afford going back to them in the future?
On the one hand I really love the Swarvo's and they could serve me well for the rest of my life. On the other hand, a pair of 15 x 50's would sure be nice in long distance glassing situations, and the Vortex 8x42's are a very high quality glass in their own right. While maybe not quite the equal to the Swarvo's, the differnce is relatively small.
Very interesting question. I, too, have a great pair of Swarovskis but never really pondered selling them for two good quality binocs. Mine are 8x32 SLCs (?) and I love them, got them at a great deal, and could never justify buying a new pair of the same.
However, I don't use them to their best potential (I don't "glass" for long periods of time.)
I guess for me I will hang on to them because I know I'd regret parting company with them, AND I can sort of justify spending even a couple hundred bucks on some good glass of a different power that would serve my needs very adequately.
It's definitely a personal choice. I think I'd hang on to them.
Hmmmmm It is a dilemma. Vortex is good quality glass. Part of your dilemma is that the 6x will do everything you want the 8.5x to do in Wisconsin's woods. At the same time, 10x,12x or 15x would make a better glass than 8.5 x for spotting in Western states. I'm not familiar with all of Vortex' offerings, but I'd lean more toward a 10x or 12X if they make them, rather than a 15X, which can get pretty large and heavy and more difficult to hold steady for long range glassing.
I faced a somewhat similar dilemma as while back. Had a pair of 8x32 Leicas binovids and wanted to upgrade. I considered the Leica 8x12x variable, but ended up getting the new 8x32 ultravids. Really more power than I need for the northwoods of Wisconsin, but the light gathering and clarity/crispness is unbelievable. I don't sit and glass that much in my Western hunting, so though a pair of 10x or 12x would have been a nice to have, they weren't a must have. My 8x32s work just fine out there for what I need them for. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
I really really like the Vortex and they are great bang for the buck IMHO . My Swarvos' are great but I'd never spend that kinda money again because I can get great [ not as good but pretty darn close ] quality optics for a lot less money .
Joe, I'm in the same boat....I could never afford to replace my Leicas that I bought back in 2000 now.
I've never thought about selling them though. I still say they are the best "investment" I've ever made in my hunting gear!
Not high odds, but I have those exact two pair of binoculars, and no others. I bought the prior year 6x32 Viper on closeout because I wanted something smaller, lighter, and less power for deer in the woods, and now I'm using them most of the time and really like them.
I think Vortex is getting better all the time, and closing the gap. The perception from some that they aren't good glass may be because they have a big product line from cheap to expensive - the Diamondbacks are great bang for the buck. Their warranty is great. The Swaros are obviously great, but because they are built like a tank they are bulky.
I think it's a good question because used Swaros sell for 50-75% of retail (typically), and you can pick up glass that is maybe 90% as good for 50% of the price, and have more versatility. It is like a lot of products - a little better sometimes costs a lot more, and whether it is worth it is pretty dang subjective. I plan on keeping the Swarovskis because I picked them up used myself and never plan on buying an expensive pair of binoculars again. Unfortunately, I will probably lose them somehow before they die of natural causes.
Since I consider you a good friend, I will be frank.
No. Do not do it. Absolutely not.
You do get what you pay for and if you have not had them sitting side by side on that New Mexico mountainside for a full day, you are not going to notice how big that "little" bit of quality difference you see in the store is.
I just looked thru a bunch of glass at Cabelas a couple weeks ago. You CAN see a difference just in the store between the Swaro, Zeiss, and Leica and all the others.
Let's look at this another way...do you think Vortex (your choice, but fill in Nikon, Leupold, Bushnell Elite, any 2nd tier glass) is not charging you the same price as the Leica/Swaro/Zeiss because they feel bad making more money off you and want to give you a break, or because their product is not equal to them?
If you want some 15s, save up and buy the good ones, you WILL see things you will not in the lesser. I can fill you in on a place with very good prices that will let you demo a few different high/mid range optics. Mount them on tripods and look thru them in all conditions...like dawn and dusk for a few DAYS and you will send back the cheaper pair.
Whip,
If it helps I did almost exactly that...I came across an excellent buy on a set of Zeiss 10x40 Conquest Binoculars a couple years back... They were heavy... higher power than I needed and I was caring a lot of $$ around my neck. I sold them got a great deal on a set of Leupold 8x42 gold rings and followed this up with a very cheap but extremely nice waterproof set of their Yosmite 6x30's for use in the dark timber on the coast of WA while elk hunting..
I could not be happier...the 8x42's are just fine for mule deer hunting in wide open country and the 6x30 with the light they allow in dark circumstances is great.. by the way, the clarity of them is way better than I had expected.
I say you ALREADY have the perfect pair right now. You have a great new pair of glasses to use when a lightweight close up pair (in the woods) is needed. No hours and hours of straight glassing needed, although mine are inseparable from my eyes for the first and last 30 minutes of legal shooting.
Then there's the GREAT 8.5s that will let you see anything that you can walk to. Easy to glass for long periods of time which you might need in the mountains or prairies. You may not be able to judge them perfectly at 8,5 if they are REALLY FAR, but you WILL KNOW if you want to get closer for a second look. Finally, anything over 10 will eventually put you in a bind with heat waves, and/or not being able to hold them still enough.
JMHO, but think long and hard about it before you give up those ELs.
Superb glass is superb glass. I'll probably never sit in the mountains with my 7X42 Leica's but I know if I ever want to they won't let me down. Tried for years to justify spending the money for a good pair of glasses and finally took the plunge. Don't take a step back, you'll regret it.
Keep the Swarovski's
Oh, and to further dissuade you from doing something you are going to regret...
I had a pair of 10x42 Leicas for at least 10 years. I hunted everywhere with them. I decided to sell them to help finance a pair of 10-15 x 50 Duovids AND a pair of 8x32 Ultravids. Just about the same thing you are thinking of doing. I thought the 8x32s would be better in the close cover. What I realized is I was NEVER at a disadvantage in the timber with the 10s. So, a few weeks ago I found a great deal on a pair of Zeiss 10 x 42 FLs. I have everything covered now; big eyes, little eyes, and just right.
UUMMMM,
What SteveO said.
Had my Swarovskis since Sept, 1996. I will buy another pair of glasses,but I will never sell theses green beauties. Swarovskis customer service is top notch as well.
You know whats best for you though Joe,
CTT
Joe,
I can't offer firm advice because I've never looked through Vortex optics. I've heard they are good but have no first-hand experience.
Having said that, however, I have a history (since 1975) of going on at least one Alaskan hunt every year where spotting with binoculars is precisely how you hunt. Binoculars and spotting scopes are not an afterthought. They are the key to the hunt. In that type of hunting I'd have to agree with Steve & others who have said to not compromise with optic quality.
I have hunted several decades now with first Zeiss followed by Leica binoculars (Leica for the past 20 or so years). Never a problem and the glass has been USED hard, long, and put in the barn wet. I have always out-spotted my hunting mates and believe it's at least partially attributable to the fact that I'm using the best glass available.
For hunting where glassing is not the primary way you hunt then second-tier glass may be a good value. If glassing is HOW you hunt then top-quality glass is the last place I'd compromise.
It was good to see you in Portland and I look forward to visiting some more at other gatherings. Take care and be well.
This post brings tears to my eyes. A couple years ago I laid down my Leica 10x50's on a camp table at an RV campground overlooking Homer, Alaska. I drove off, and when I came back 1/2 hour later somebody had already picked them up. Recently I looked at the Vortex Bino's. They look like good glass but will never stand up the Leica's I foolishly lost. I bought the Leica for $800 and they are up to about $2800...still hanging my head in shame. :(
Steve and John nailed it. If you are doing any hunting at all where you need to be glassing I just don't think the Vortex will be what you want. Glass with them and your Swaro's a few hours tomorrow morning and I think you will answer your own question.
Joe,
First, it was good visiting with you last week in Portland.
Next, don't do it, the risk of not being able to go back to the EL's may not be worth it.
If I was set on trying 15x, and I have been close a few times, I would find a way to save up or find a way to
acquire a pair to test for a few days or use on a hunt.
I hear what you're saying, and sure do appreciate the high end glass. What has got me to even thinking about this is the fact that the vast majority of my hunts don't require hour after hour of time behind the glass. And that is where I think you can really notice the differences. Sure the expensive glass is better, but not by leaps and bounds. The Vortex is darn good. As good as the Swaro's? Of course not.
I really love these 6x32's and they are going to be perfect for virtually all of my Wisconsin and midwest hunting. The 8x42's are a step up for longer distances typically found out west.
The gap in my optics is on very long ranges. I really dislike spotting scopes and trying to look through them with one eye. A pair like the Vortex 15x50's on a tripod would be just the ticket for checking details on animals spotted at long distances.
I can imagine there might be a few hunts left in my future where I might appreciate the best of the best. A trip to Alaska might be one of them, maybe high country mule deer. But for the vast majority of the trips that I do year after year, Vortex Viper HD's would be more than adequate. And having a good quality pair of high powered binoculars would offer a real advantage in many situations that my current binos just can't provide.
Maybe I will decide to keep these - just giving it some thought at the moment. Obviously the easy answer is just keep what I have and spring for another pair of high powered glass. But that isn't really the question I'm asking right now.
Thanks for all the input! It is appreciated and taken to heart!
Joe, does this mean I won't be seeing those Vortex's in the classifieds again? :D
Ryan, nope, those are gone. The 8x28's that I had won got traded in toward the 6x32's and I love these!
Walt, it was good to see you again as well!
Whip,
I would suggest that you put your Swarovskis on a tripod before you make any decision.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at just how geat the "low" power glasses work for long range spotting.
Rock solid steady just adds SO MUCH to clarity.
Bigger and blurry are trumped every time by smaller and clear.
Good luck!
Bob
I have a full range of Leica and Swarovski binoculars and spotting scopes, along with some Vortex, Leupold, Baush & Lomb, and Burris optics. The Vortex binos are very good, but the Leica and Swarovski optics are significantly better than the second tier brands. I would stick with your ELs. I have the 15x56 Swarovski binos, and they are outstanding for long distance viewing. The Vortex Vipers simply do not measure up, especially at the high powers with big glass where smaller defects are literally magnified. Six power magnification and 32 mm objective lenses will not show optical aberrations like binoculars with 15 power and 56 mm objectives. Like others have said -- keep the Swarovskis!!!
Allan
There may be a teeny bit of difference in the quality of the Vortexs and the Swaro but I can't tell it. I think some of it is in the heads of the owners.
Both are great glasses and if you took the cost difference away and did a test not knowing which one was which I would be willing to bet that a huge percentage of people could not tell the difference. I chose the vortexs over the Swaros and price would not have made a difference if I could have told the difference.
I could and would trade the Swaros for two pairs of Vortexs without blinking an eye or getting a tear in it.
God bless you all, Steve
Funny this should come up because iv spent a lot of time on the optics lately.
Firstly I will say the Vortex has been really really good, Nigel has a pair of the Viper hds and they are supper glass for the $.
I have a good friend here in the army in a special unit that requires and depends on great glass in the field. They have been using the Vortex for a few years now and absolutely love it. Just yesterday I was looking through the 15x50s and the Razor hd Spotting scope. These things have been battered and beaten and the glass is still crystal clear.
but having said that its not Swaro class
and after spending a lot of time behind glass the last few years, decided that when i did up grade I would go all the way....So i own a set of HD 10x42 SLC Swaro's.
I wouldn't do it.Your bino are some of the very best you can have,you can always save some money to have a cheaper back up pair for special use.
For a Western or Alaskan long range hunting a X15 can be small anyway,you need a spotting scope!For hunting close to home:how much you use them and what's the maximum viewing range,any cheap pair of binocular can do the task as well as your great 8,5X42!
Buy nice or buy twice, nough said.
I had the same decision last year between 8x30 SLCs and the Viper 6x32, I sold the Swaros. It sounds like the majority of your hunting is like mine in the woods and the Vipers worked better for me there. The Swaro is nice glass but I ran the Viper head to head against it in a variety of conditions from dark woods to open country and dusk/dawn. The Swaro was slightly better but not enough to justify keeping them over the Viper.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
A few months back I spent about six hours over two different days at Cabelas trying to find something as good but cheaper than the Swaro 8.5x42 EL Swarovision binos I bought. I spent a lot of time with the Vortex Razor HD...really no comparison to the ELs. The Vortex were definitely good glass but the image was noticeably darker and had less contrast than the Swaros. Especially noticeable in the dark corners and shadows of the store. It was a step down in image quality from the Swaros to the Vortex although I wouldn't feel handicapped in any way with the Razors.
I doubt you will see anything with the Swarovskis you couldn't see with the Vortex binos, but since you already have the best I wouldn't go back. The longer I spend looking through my Swaros the better I feel about the expenditure.
Joe,
While the difference in glass may seem minimal when comparing them side by side for a few minutes, remember that when hunting the West, you may glass for hours at a time. I remember my frst trip West for an Elk hunt, I took all of my optics, Spotting scope, 15 x 52 binos, 6 x 32 binos. What I quickly learned was that while I did use all these at times, the scope was too cumbersome for packing for most times, the 15 x 52's were too heavy and bulky to carry at all times except when spotting from the road and the 6 x 32's were just too small at most times. When I returned from that trip the first thing I bought were some 8 x 42's as the guys I was with were using either 8 x or 10 x glass exclusively. From that point on, The only glass I bring West is the scope and the 8 x binos. But I still use the 6 x glass in the WI woods when stalking. However if I ever were to part with any pair it would be the the 6 x glass.
I'll jump on the "Don't Do It" bandwagon. I bought a pair of 10x42 SLC Swaros as a college graduation present for myself in 2004 and it's been the single best hunting gear purchase I've made. I know if I ever got rid of them I'd regret it and with the current costs I wouldn't be able to replace them.
There's sure no doubt that everyone thinks Swarovski's are better glass than the Vipers. I couldn't agree more. That was never in question, and I'm not trying to argue that at all. I'm also not asking whether Swaro's are worth the higher price.
The real question in my mind is who is going to see more game - the guy with one pair of 8.5 x 42 Swaro's. Or his buddy who has a pair of Viper HD 8x42's AND a pair of 15x50's. Naturally this question is only relevant in situations where long range detail is sometimes important.
Ultimately of course I may end up keeping what I have and eventually buying a high powered pair to go with them. But what I'm really interested in hearing is opinions on my question above.
Thanks for all the input - it is an interesting discussion.
I think you have a perfect combination right now with your Vortex and Swaros.
But I just don't care for big (12-15x) glass probably because I have very limited use for them.
Joe,
15s are a VERY specialized piece of equipment. If you have the need for them, you are best off saving for one of the big 3. You are not going to see the same thing. I hunted the Navajo in NM with guys that had Vortex 15s...they were crying for Swarovski's.
Having read the responses, if I had a pair of swaros right now, I would not sell them. And I do quite a bit of glassing. I can't see a need for 15X for any hunt. The reason I say that, is if the animal, even at long distances, looks good, I don't need to nit pick to go after it. I don't think you will see more with a high power glass vs a great pair of high quality glass. That being said, I will probably never be able to afford a high quality pair and would really like some vortex. I'd rather go hunting, than buy a pair of glasses that cost over $1800. But that's my opinion, and only you will be able to decide what's right for your situation. Good Luck :)
Same is true in spotting scopes!
I am with Steve O,damn we are PBSers,it means we are pros.LOL.
I know they are specialized. And I don't need them on all of my hunts. But there are times when they would be nice. Just not $2,000 or more nice. Guys that do that type of spotting all fall year after year can probably justify the money for the best. I can't, and won't be buying top of the line glass in a pair of 15's.
Who wouldn't like to be able to afford the very best of everything? But the reality is that there are some very functional products that can do the job for the average guy without breaking the bank.
It goes back to the question posed in my second paragraph above. Given the need (or at least desire) for a long range glass, will the guy with 8.5x42 Swaro's see more game than the guy with 8x42 AND 15x50 Vortex?
When a bull elk steps out into a meadow a mile and a half away, who is going to get the better look at him?
Ahhh, how it wish it were fall and I could be trying out my theories on a mountainside rather than debating them here! :biglaugh:
Honestly Joe, I think the guy who see's the bull first is the one who knows how to spot game, I don't think glass has anything to do with that. I have out spotted game with my 12 year old nikons than my Dad whoe has the swaro el's. But once spotted, I'm trying to get his glass away from him :)
QuoteOriginally posted by Whip:
It goes back to the question posed in my second paragraph above. Given the need (or at least desire) for a long range glass, will the guy with 8.5x42 Swaro's see more game than the guy with 8x42 AND 15x50 Vortex?
When a bull elk steps out into a meadow a mile and a half away, who is going to get the better look at him?
You are posing two
very different questions there as the same one...
To judge the bull at 1.5 miles you want a spotting scope. You could
probably get by with a Vortex or Leupold.
Who is going to see more game? I bet it would be a toss up.
You know, if you are trying to save money, just get a doubler for your 8.5s. :biglaugh:
I will say it one last time, in case you missed it earlier, you will regret it.
It takes a fair amount of time to set for glassing with 15s and you really do need a tripod to do it right.
Just finding the right location that gives you the best (most) country to glass can take some time. And a pad for your butt is probably worth the effort to drag along.
Me, I betting on the guy who can cover more country, faster and quicker with the 8.5.
True he may miss some animals that are tucked away in shadows but thats more mule deer hunting than elk.
And are you hunting "out" of the truck or on your back? Makes a difference.
Its a good problem to have...
Bob
I have been very happy with my Vipers and they served me well on my sheep hunt last year where I spent hours a day glassing.
Whip, never sell anything.
If you are old and decrepit enough and don't intend to bird watch from the front stoop of the retirement home anymore, then go ahead and sell your Swarovskis. Just make sure you have a spare pair in case you change your mind.
The Swarovskis could pay for another month's rent at Sunrise if you take care of them.
Killdeer
Never thought of that Killy, trade the ELs in when he's 100 for one more month at the Assisted Living Retirement Home :biglaugh:
QuoteOriginally posted by Killdeer:
Whip, never sell anything.
If you are old and decrepit enough and don't intend to bird watch from the front stoop of the retirement home anymore, then go ahead and sell your Swarovskis. Just make sure you have a spare pair in case you change your mind.
The Swarovskis could pay for another month's rent at Sunrise if you take care of them.
Killdeer
:biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Another happy dilemma!
I'm with Steve O, Guru, Two Tracks, Walt, DarkTimber and Killdeer.
Don't sell the Swarovskis. Sell the Vortexes (Vortices?)
The 15 is too much unless they have a gyro and then they're so heavy they need wheels.
I spend hours and hours with a pair of Leica's stuck on my face after years of headach-inducing Pentaxes, Nikons, Bushnells and much worse, which all rattle around in jockey boxes now. Coming out west from Illinois, I never believed 'em when they said that if there isn't a comma in what you paid for your binoculars you're going to regret it. I learned that lesson on an elk hunt in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado when a guide handed me his Zeiss binocs and I really, really, really didn't want to give them back.
Leica barrel alignment is perfect and that's what really matters. That's what you get for your money. I'd trade the Leica quality for another X or three any day of the week.
It's like the old saying, you don't need that kind of quality unless you need it really bad.
I own a pair of Vortex Viper 10X42 that are the back bone of my hog hunting. I have never used Leica's or Swarovski's so i cant say if i am missing anything or not but after using over the counter binos for most of my life the Vortex are hands down the best glass i have used and will never buy down from them. I think that the choise is all up to you sense you have used both and know what you need out of a glass to do the kind of hunting you like to do.
Can someone spot more game with Swarovski's compared to the person using a significantly cheaper pair of bino's? I think the answer is, it all depends on the user (skill) vs quality.
Kinda like saying " Can I kill a deer easier with a custom bow vs a production vintage bow.
I think you have already answered your own question so go ahead and sell them and get the vortex binos.
For me, I had some 10 power el's they were to shaky, so I sold them. I also had 6 power yosemite, sold those to. Now I have 7 power swarovski's and I am very content.
The only thing I find objectionable in this thread is the comparison of the
Voirtex binos with lower priced glasses such as the Bushnells, Pentaxs ect. Anyone that has used them knows better. They are minimally inferior to the Swaros if at all. I cannot see personally any difference in quality. Others say that they can. But then they also are justifying the huge price of the SwAros and I understand that. With binos of the quality of the Vortexs and perhaps one or two others I cannot justify the Swaros. Even if they scientificaly prove better by a tiny bit. Iffffffffffffffffffff.
God bless you all, Steve
Joe: I would also recommend to sell the Vortex and buy another pair of Swaros. I went scounting for high country mule deer with a friend last year. He had a pair of 15x56 Swaros on a tripod. They were great. Granted, you wouldn't want to pack them around a great distance. But for that purpose they were just the right thing. Over the years I have saved up and now have 3 pairs of Swarovskis 7x42,10x42,and 8x30. Jim
I would rather have a spotting scope on a small tripod than a pair of 15x binoculars. If weight is an issue I would buy a scope with a 60mm objective and straight 20x eyepiece.
This topic sure stirred up some opinions! All of them valid from my point of view. It just depends on where you stand I guess. As bowhunters, and especially bowhunters of western game, we love our binoculars.
I really haven't made up my mind yet. I'd say the odds are that I will end up keeping my present pair, mostly because I have them and know that if I ever gave them up I would never replace them. If I were buying new glass right now there is no way I would spend the money for top quality. Prices since I bought mine have gone through the roof! The difference between the Vortex and the Swarovski's just isn't large enough to me. The Vortex are extremely good glass and there are a lot of other things that huge difference in money could be used for.
But like I said, I already have a good pair, so hanging on to them is an easier decision than buying new ones would be.
I do hope to aquire a pair of 15x50's eventually. I think they would be very handy on many of the hunts that I have planned. I just really dislike spotting scopes for doing anything more than just checking something out from a distance. I don't like closing one eye or holding my hand over it for extended periods.
The 15x50's with a tripod can be used to do some serious glassing of distance hillsides. I just don't do it often enough to justify an outlay of 2 grand or more. The Vortex viper HD's are relatively light weight at 28oz, so I would be likely to carry them with me.
I think you are making a great decision keeping the ELs. But the Vortex is all you need and I wouldn't pony up 2 grand for new ones either.
BUT I WOULD KEEP THE ONES I HAVE. lol
I can't even begin to offer opinions on this thread.
I'm primarily forest-bound in white-tail country. I have never owned or even looked through an expensive pair of binoculars. I've always read that Swarovskis were great binoculars but I fear they would be wasted on me -- sort of like a great stereo when I don't even like to listen to the truck radio.
Mine are Leoupolds. I don't even take them hunting with me. They sit by the window in case a critter walks by about 150 yards out my backyard.
I do have a Leica rangefinder that beats the tar (clarity--especially low-light) out of the Nikons I gave away.
Now I'm curious.
Joe,
The 15 x binos are more handy than the spotting scope. Weight wise it's a horse a piece vs. the spotting scope. The issue of closing or covering one eye is a valid one in favor of the 15x binos and given this, I would suggest that you keep the Swaros and buy a set of 15x binos even though that wasn't one of the options you listed. Why? Because the vast majority of your glassing time will still be done with the Swaros given where you hunt the most.
Eric, That may very well be the way I end up going on this. My ultimae goal is to eliminate the spotting scope - I dislike using the darn things, so rarely do. I think I would find myself using the 15X much more often.
I wanted to get opinions on the option of selling the Swaro's and replacing them with two Vortex. I didn't list the option of just buying another pair - that's always the easiest choice and the obvious solution.
What I really wanted here was a discussion of what I consider to be two very good pair of binoculars versus a single pair of a top of the line model. And I sure got some good discussion! It has been a fun and informative thread.
Hey Joe - I kind of come at this from a different angle - What are you going to USE? - you said it yourself, with spotting scopes I doubt you would use the best quality one in the world - because you don't enjoy using them. This is my take on binos - the ones that you'll USE are the best quality for you....and that may not necessarily translate to the "best" (or most expensive) pair. I've settled on what I use because its what I'm used to, like to carry (size/wt/magnification), and they serve my needs. That translates to being good at spotting game with them - 'cause I look through them - ALOT. I've never spent "hours" at a time behind binos - but have outspotted plenty of folks with better glass than I have because I know how to use mine. Several years ago an outfitter with 10X42 Swaros - who prides himself on his glassing - gave me some flak over "these hunters bringing up junk binoculars to go hunting" when he saw my glasses - after I spotted a couple animals that he missed - and the ones he spotted as well - (with my $300 "junk" binos) he shut up about it. True, I couldn't field judge those animals at several miles, but I could tell "small" from "big" - and I don't care to field judge within 2 inches P&Y - if its big enough its big enough as far as I'm concerned. True, I haven't went on hunts where I needed to spend "hours" behind glasses at a time, but what I have has served me well all over the US (and AK), Canada, and Down Under, and the confidence I have in them is probably one of the biggest factors in spotting game.
Short answer to a long story - my opinion - get the glass you feel you will use the most and stick with 'em.
Ryan
Whip,
I'm surprised with your elk hunting experiences that the cheaper brands would work well for you.
I know that sitting and glassing for 4-6 hours at a time on an elk, caribou, moose, etc hunt the Leica 10X that I have keep me in the game. Cheaper binos lend to a lot of time just looking with your naked eye because the binos don't work well.
John, Jason and I spent many days in moose camp behind good glasses and spotting scopes.
Mike
Ah, and that is a good question Mike. Would the Vortex work for me and would I use them as much as I do the more expensive ones? I tend to think that I would.
I've spent a lot of time in various camps with some pretty darn good hunters. Many of them, and Ryan is in that group, don't carry high priced glass, yet they kill great animals year after year. So I've come to the conclusion that while a great pair of binoculars are nice and can be appreciated by anyone, they are not the defining piece of gear that seperates good hunters from average hunters.
There is a hugh difference in quality between a $200 pair of binoculars and a $6-700 pair of Vortex. To take the final step up the ladder to one of the big three doesn't yield nearly as much difference in quality in relation to the huge difference in price.
This discussion has kind of gotten away from the original question and evolved more into a comparison of the best glass versus second tier. And that's ok, it's all good information.
Here is my subjective take on it, for what it's worth. (Granted, not worth much, considering what you're paying for my opinion ;) )
On a scale of 1-10, the big three are easy. Give them all a 10, and it's a matter of personal preference as to which you like better.
The cheap glasses are easy too. Without spending more than $200 you aren't going to get much that would rate more than a 3 or 4.
In my mind, and here is where it really gets subjective, the Vortex would rate as an 8 or 9. Not very far behind the top end glass in my humble opinion.
All that being said, I do still like my Swarovski's! :D :D
For anyone who has never spent time behind a high powered pair of binoculars mounted on a tripod, you are missing something. In the right situations they are simply incredible.
I have a cheap pair of 20x60. I'd much rather use these than stare through a spotting scope with one eye for any length of time. I've already mentioned how much I dislike doing that, and no matter how much you pay for a spotting scope it still requires using only one eye.
The biggest problem that I have with my cheap pair is that they are huge and heavy, so I tend not to carry them very often. The Vortex Viper HD's that I am considering are about half the weight.
As SteveO had mentioned, the 15X binoculars are a very specialized piece of equipment. But in the right situation they are fantastic!
Joe just draw a UT tag and bring them all out. We'll do some field comparison :)
QuoteOriginally posted by steadman:
Joe just draw a UT tag and bring them all out. We'll do some field comparison :)
That Utah mule deer tag would be one of the spots I'm thinking of :bigsmyl:
Joe,
You may want to check out Zen Ray also. A lot of bang for the buck in those as well.
QuoteOriginally posted by Bishop:
Joe,
You may want to check out Zen Ray also. A lot of bang for the buck in those as well.
Yep, even though you have your heart set on those Vortex, Minox makes a very good 15x58 ED. You might compare them.
Whip,
Let me know when you are selling the Swarovski's! I need an 8.5 x 42 EL to go with my 8 x 30 WB's.