In need of optics advice

[Mike Molen]

I currently have a pair of Vortex Viper 10x 42 & a Vortex Razor 22x48x65 spotter. I’m trying to decide if I should get the razor 12x50s and forget about my viper 10x42s or get the 18x56 Kaibabs to add to what I’ve got? I’m typically in the high country but will be hunting mule deer this year in some of Utah’s open country.
Thanks!

 

[Rifleman86]

I’d say you’re perfect with what you’ve got. 10x42s are the most versatile piece of glass.

 

[kupper]

I'd argue that 12's are the more versatile as most people who carry 12's do it in order to replace their 10's and 15's. I get along just fine with my 10's and a spotter. If its just scouting then ill take my 15's along with the others but I wouldnt want to pack them on a back country hunt.

 

[Mike Molen]

That’s kind of what I was thinking. I might be better off having a higher quality of glass in 12s than ok 10s & 18s

 

[Nickofthewoods]

I have 10x42's that live in my chest pack, and 15x50's w/tripod setup. My next move will probably be getting a pair of 12's that will serve double duty, saving on overall weight and space.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

To my eyes the 12x50 Razors are superior to any set of Kaibabs I’ve ever looked through, and certainly more comfortable to use. I would always recommend the Razors between those two.

 

[FullValue]

Agreed Razor 12s over the Kaibabs 15's or 18's. I can run Razors a long time without eye fatigue or a headache but not so much with the Kaibabs. Could just be me though

 

[Newtosavage]

I’d say you’re perfect with what you’ve got. 10x42s are the most versatile piece of glass.

This.

It's so hard to be content with optics even when you have what you need. So many cool toys out there!

Only change I'd make (and it really isn't that necessary) would be to upgrade the Viper 10's when you get the chance. But those are pretty solid already.

 

[FlyGuy]

This.

It's so hard to be content with optics even when you have what you need. So many cool toys out there!

Only change I'd make (and it really isn't that necessary) would be to upgrade the Viper 10's when you get the chance. But those are pretty solid already.

So true! What I would do is buy all of them, then spend 30 min at the truck trying to make my mind up on which ones to leave behind...




You can’t cheat the mountain

 

[Newtosavage]

So true! What I would do is buy all of them, then spend 30 min at the truck trying to make my mind up on which ones to leave behind...




You can’t cheat the mountain

I didn't buy "all of them" but I bought over 20 pairs last year, and I spent hours and hours comparing them in all sorts of conditions.

If you ever decide to do this, here's a tip - you can't objectively compare the image quality of two pairs of binoculars unless they are both on tripods or solid support. Only then can you really see what you're missing with one or the other.

 

[SteveCNJ]

I didn't buy "all of them" but I bought over 20 pairs last year, and I spent hours and hours comparing them in all sorts of conditions.

If you ever decide to do this, here's a tip - you can't objectively compare the image quality of two pairs of binoculars unless they are both on tripods or solid support. Only then can you really see what you're missing with one or the other.

What did you decide on out of the 20?

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[Newtosavage]

What did you decide on out of the 20?

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That it was basically a toss-up between my Japanese (Kamakura) made Cabelas Outfitter HD's and Conquest HD's and either suited my eyes better and had better ergonomics than everything else I tried. The most expensive glass I bought was Swaro SLC and Cabelas (Meopta) HD's and the least expensive was a few pairs of Hawke, Sightron, Celestron and Vortex bins. I'm not willing to own binoculars that cost more than $1K because I can't afford to lose them and there isn't enough difference between today's 1K bins and the 2K bins IMO.

BTW, if you ever find a pair of the discontinued Cabelas Outfitter HD's (made in Japan) snag them. They are the optical equal of the Conquest HD and from what I've learned are made in the same factory. I think they may even be the same binocular. I have both right now and can't tell much difference other than the eye cups.

 

[SteveCNJ]

That it was basically a toss-up between my Japanese (Kamakura) made Cabelas Outfitter HD's and Conquest HD's and either suited my eyes better and had better ergonomics than everything else I tried. The most expensive glass I bought was Swaro SLC and Cabelas (Meopta) HD's and the least expensive was a few pairs of Hawke, Sightron, Celestron and Vortex bins. I'm not willing to own binoculars that cost more than $1K because I can't afford to lose them and there isn't enough difference between today's 1K bins and the 2K bins IMO.

BTW, if you ever find a pair of the discontinued Cabelas Outfitter HD's (made in Japan) snag them. They are the optical equal of the Conquest HD and from what I've learned are made in the same factory. I think they may even be the same binocular. I have both right now and can't tell much difference other than the eye cups.

Thank you for the info.

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[papawheelie]

The Vortex 12x Razors are a gem in the Vortex line up. I’d go with them over the Vipers or Kaibabs.

I recommend them all the time to my fellow AZ hunters.

 

[Jens22]

I currently have a pair of Vortex Viper 10x 42 & a Vortex Razor 22x48x65 spotter. I’m trying to decide if I should get the razor 12x50s and forget about my viper 10x42s or get the 18x56 Kaibabs to add to what I’ve got? I’m typically in the high country but will be hunting mule deer this year in some of Utah’s open country.
Thanks!

How do you like that spotter? Debating getting one