Following. Was hoping to skip a spotter and upgrade my binos since I have very little use for a spotter aside from the 2 weeks a year I plan to be out west.
I‘ve glassed big country in my home state of NM using Swaro 8.5x42EL 10x42EL and 12x50EL for many years..... just sold a set of 8.5x42EL’s I’ve owned for 10 years and if I had to choose just one it would be hands down the 12x50 EL’s. They are not bad at all to glass things that are close but put them on a tripod and they are great. If you are trying to glass 1000 yards away free hand sure you will shake some but who glasses 1000 yards without a tripod. I have a spotter but don’t take it like I used to but I wouldn’t be without one....I love sitting on the side of a mountain glassing with these 12x50’s !! Enjoy whatever you decide on.
I like 8/10 power for hand holding,, even 10s on a tripod are deadly. 15s are much better suited for long range glassing than 12s IMO. The 10/15 combo is ideal IMO