Higher or Lower Magnification for AZ Canyon Country?

[RoamingBison]

Looking for recommendations on binos for hunting late rifle canyon country in AZ and obviously other uses. I currently use 8.5x50 Vortex Diamondbacks. Do I look for something with higher magnification or is it unnecessary and should I spend my money on other gear?

 

[BBob]

What is canyon country specifically? What area/unit? General rule of thumb for glass-able country in AZ is 10x on your neck and 15x in the pack with a tripod. Some are now using 12x as a single binocular option to cut weight when carrying something larger like the BTX.

 

[RoamingBison]

Ill be hunting 6B. So tall and steep canyons generally. Anywhere from couple hundred feet to 1500' tall.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

If you're glassing for miles and/or looking for parts of cous, you cannot have too much glass in the open country of AZ. I got the BTX w/ 96mm specifically for such regions. No regerts.

 

[canyonhunter47]

If you’re after elk, I would make sure my boots, pack and layering are squared away first. If you’re good on those and have $$ leftover I would get 12’s or 15’s, depending on what works better with your future hunting plans

Fwiw, I used 10x42’s DB on a tripod in 6B and had no issues. Tag-holder wife had higher end 10x42’s and I was able to spot the same elk. I don’t think 8.5’s would be what kept you from success unless you’re counting inches

 

[RoamingBison]

I am after elk in late season and should be good to go in the boots and pack department. May need to upgrade my pants.

 

[BBob]

I'd add more magnification if you can swing it but at the very least get what you have on a tripod. If you don't get much or any snow they'll still be some on top to chase in the thick.

 

[Ben RT]

I have no first-hand experience with 8.5x50 DBs, but the specs show only a 283' field of view. I've heard they're bright and clear (for what they are), but WOW that has got to be a bit of a tunnel view. 8x binoculars are commonly well over 400'+ FOV. 10x are commonly 320'+ and 12s can even be found with a wider view than those 8.5s. You've got to see an animal before you can harvest it, so I would say better glass would be an upgrade you wouldn't regret at all. And a tripod!

I'm no pro on this; however, what I've been learning over the past year or two is that a stable view is key, and that there's way more to binoculars than their digits/specs. I've really been enjoying 8x SLCs around the neck, and they're really awesome on a tripod (408' FOV that's pretty usable). If I want more reach I go to my 15x Meostars. I've had 12x ELs and they were incredible, but I couldn't hand-hold them well enough to use them as my "one-binocular-to-do-it-all" so I sold them and am pretty convinced that something close to a 8x and 15x combo is where it's at. If I was to only have one binocular I would possibly go with the best 10x I could swing, with an emphasis on a wide field of view (that's clear as far to the edge as possible) and a deep depth of field (e.g. things both close and far are in focus at the same time). Some might suggest EL10x50s would be perfect for me, but I had some for a short time and the rolling-ball effect made me dizzy and nauseous. There are just so many variables, so I would say it depends on your budget, which binos you're looking at, whether or not you already have a tripod, and (ultimately) what looks the best to your eyes. I say take your Diamondback to a store that sells lots of binos (Cabela's?) and compare them to anything and everything you can possibly afford. I think you'll know if you need an upgrade or not.

 

[Hatchet Jack]

i've never hunted 6B but glassing is the name of the game on those late rifle hunts and it's amazing how well the bulls can hide in those canyons. find a good deal on a used pair of swaro leica or meopta 12 or 15s, put them on a tripod and you're set. If you need you can always recoup your $ after the hunt. Those az hunts always have a chance at a big bull and you don't want to go cheap on glass, who knows when you'll get another tag.