Another Bino Thread - Low Light Priority

[LincG88]

On the hunt for a new set of binos in the $1k range. I believe I have narrowed my search down to the Maven B6 10x50 or wait on a used pair of Swarovski EL in the 8.5x42. Possibly Meopta Meostar, but semi-concerned with the weight. Would love run the NL Pure, but that is just not in my budget.

I do a lot of archery hunting for deer in all various types of terrain from wide open to super thick, so really need a good "all-around" binocular. I have always run 10x42 with no complaints.

My main goal is to increase my low-light performance. But i am also worried about dropping down to 8x or 8.5x in magnification. I have just always run 10x. I consistently run into situations where i need to see clear enough at 300 or so yds in low light to age deer. I have also never run into a situation where a deer was in close at low light and the 10x felt like too much magnification. But, i have not had an 8x in my hand in that situation either, so i may not know what i am missing lol.

So looking for opinions on the B.6 vs the EL's in these situations?

Any other options i should be looking at in that price range?

I think the 10x42 options are out. I'm either going 8x42 or 10x50. But, if i go 10x50, i dont want a crazy amount of weight or bulk, which is why the Maven's look very intriguing. Any other 10x50's out there in the 30oz. area of weight?

I have ruled out the Zeiss Conquest and the Vortex so far.

 

[dreamingWest]

On the hunt for a new set of binos in the $1k range. I believe I have narrowed my search down to the Maven B6 10x50 or wait on a used pair of Swarovski EL in the 8.5x42.

These two choices are exactly what I would look for to meet your criteria. Although you'll likely need to spend about $1,450-1,500 for the Swaros. I'd try to get both and sell the second choice. I picked up the Swaro 8.5x42 used on Rokslide this year and they are my new favorite for archery hunting whitetails. I previously used Swaro SLC 10x42 and EL 8x32. Both were great, these 8.5x42 are near perfect.

 

[LincG88]

Any issues with seeing detail at the 200-300yd range with the 8.5x42 EL's?
I dont ever carry anything else besides binos. And would really prefer to stick to having 1 pair as an all-around rather than having different binos for different situations.

 

[signing off]

A current ad on here has 8.5 EL for 1k. Might need to dig a little bit great price.

 

[dreamingWest]

Any issues with seeing detail at the 200-300yd range with the 8.5x42 EL's?
I dont ever carry anything else besides binos. And would really prefer to stick to having 1 pair as an all-around rather than having different binos for different situations.

No. I live on a farm and glass a pasture with a 500 yard tree line daily. Everyone is different but to my eyes the 10s don't gain anything over the 8.5s at 200-300 yards.

I've become of sucker with specialization for my optics. The 10x42s SLCs were like a gateway drug for me. But I don't think you would regret 8.5x42 ELs as a one and only. Especially inside 300 yards. It's one of the best ever made.

 

[LincG88]

A current ad on here has 8.5 EL for 1k. Might need to dig a little bit great price.

I am working hard on the 10 messages criteria to contact the seller on those so i can do some digging lol