Which Binocular Should You Buy?

[@blanchard899]

For the price I would look into the Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD’s. The UHD’s were a little brighter but not a big enough difference for the price point. That’s why I went with the BX-5’s

[@ehuntr512]

@@blanchard899 those BX-5’s are very nice. Great bang for your buck.

[@kevinwood3436]

I’m also a vortex fan. I live in Michigan but take yearly trips to Kansas and this season I’m putting in for antelope in Wyoming. I am currently looking between the Viper HD 10x42 or the Viper HD 10x50. Can’t decide. I like the smaller size of the 42 and seems like it’s a better size to keep on my chest but the 50’s let in more light. I do have the diamondback hd 15x56 and a viper hd angled spotter that’s 15-45x65 so I again lean towards the smaller but I have it backed up with bigger glass. I’m on somewhat of a budget that’s why I’m staying with the Vipers HD’s but I think they have awesome glass and hit a nice price point of quality vs price for me.

[@ehuntr512]

I would have to agree, where you already have bigger glass, I would lean towards the smaller one as well. They just fit better and more comfortably on the chest.

[@SENGVIN]

Get razor hd ,almost identical, smaller and way cheaper

[@skulmoski1]

The thing with Vortex and others is they include accessories that I do not want; I am purchasing binoculars and I do not want a case nor harness nor rangefinder pouch. I purchased a competing brand that did not include these extras. I already have bags and pouches from Billingham, Crumpler and Domke to name a few and appreciate not having to buy additional accessories with my binoculars. Cheers.

[@SENGVIN]

And ?

[@azdp5331]

Nice summary and buying tips. I agree, Vortex has all the bases covered for optics of various sizes and costs. I currently have 3 Vortex optics, all impressive and have never had any problems with them.

[@ehuntr512]

They’re great optics! They’re really hard to beat!

[@Alexb_1775]

I just ordered the UHD 12x50’s and haven’t received them yet, but I’m worried I should have ordered the 15x56’s… what say you?

[@ehuntr512]

I think you'll be happy with the 12s. Lightweight and still allow you to glass a long ways. They are the "do everything" bino. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[@milosukic1857]

as a rule, with small binoculars, the image shakes, the eyes get tired. What is the stability of the stillness of view with the Nikon 6x15 and Nikon 8x20hg, with the Zeiss 8x20, Trinovid 8x20, the image shakes, shakes! Are the Japanese ones better?

[@ehuntr512]

If shaking is the issue, I think all of them will be tough. I recommend getting a good tripod to eliminate the shaking.

[@jeffhunt3146]

That bull looks way familiar, wonder if I met him ???.................

[@ehuntr512]

Watched him this year for a long time. He does look familiar though doesn't he!

[@khumbongmayumchaoba6317]

Long range binocular around 15 km range

[@ehuntr512]

Honestly, I would go with either the Vortex Razor UHD 18s or the Swarovski 15s. Both are great!

[@PrimetimeNut]

Why would you spend $2K on vortex when you could spend that on Swarovski?

[@ehuntr512]

To each their own. I've looked through both side by side, and the Vortex or just as good. Plus, 2K is the MSRP. You can find them much cheaper in stores.

[@commonsense5709]

40% off law enforcement or military or first responders discount. It's totally insane to pay typical street prices for any Vortex products. They're realistically worth around half of what their MSRP says. Have a friend or relative in those lines of work order for you or watch out for half off sales from places such as DVOR and Focus Camera etc or order from places that you can negotiate for the best prices over the phone.

[@commonsense5709]

Especially if they're made in China.

[@azdp5331]

I recently bought a pair of Razor HD 8x42 for about $775, and just ordered the Razor UHD 8x42 for about $1,230. I currently also have the Swarovski EL 8x42 and will soon compare it to the Razor UHD and a Leica Noctovid. The Razor HD is impressive in good light, razor sharp, quick focus, but in low light it does not compare to the EL's. Also love the flat field and edge to edge sharpness of the EL. As mentioned by another, some dealers offer Vortex for 40% off to military/LE and BHPhoto will at times email a price to you that may be $500 below the online price, depending on the binocular. I also have a Vortex Viper HD that I'm fond of.

[@SENGVIN]

Swarovski like that would be more like 4k and these can be easily bought for under 1700