Mid-tier binos 12x

[jw284]

Hi everyone.

Long-time reader of the forum. First time posting.

I currently own a pair of Sig 10x42s and have been debating whether to buy a spotting scope for longer glassing.

On a recent hunt, I got to try out one of the Guides NL 12x42s, which are obviously pretty great, and I'm now thinking a pair of 12s may be a better solution.

Can anyone recommend a more budget/mid-tier 12x option in the $1000-$1500 range?

Apologies if this question has already been asked.

Many thanks for any insight given.

JW

 

[Fritz D]

Vortex Razor UHD 12x50 can be had for ~1500 USD if you wait for a sale? That’s what I’d go with in that price range anyway.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a look at the GPO Passion HD 12.5x50 Binoculars on sale for only $999.99

• Incredible light transmission, 99.7% ags
• Double HD glass technology
• GPObright™ lens coating technology
• Center focusing locking diopter
• Tough aluminum eyecup tubes
• Magnesium micro-bridge and body
• Waterproof and fogproof
• Ultra eye relief
• PASSIONdrop™ hydrophobic coating

 

[4090Sharps]

They’re not NLs, and long term reliability and support is an unknown, but the Sky Rover 12x50 is pretty impressive. I say this having owned the 12x42 NL. There is a stateside dealer now too. Plenty of feedback on these in birding and astronomy circles.

Sky Rover 12×50 mm Banner Cloud APO Binocular | High-Power Apochromatic Precision for Deep-Sky Observation

Explore deeper with the Sky Rover 12×50 mm Banner Cloud APO Binocular. Dual-ED apochromatic optics, 6.5° field, magnesium body, and 90%+ transmission deliver stunning deep-sky contrast and planetary detail.

astronomics.com

 

[4090Sharps]

Rokslider feedback on Sky Rover here:
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/sky-rover-banner-cloud-10x42-binocular-review.392296/

 

[jw284]

Thanks for your answers. I will investigate all of these options.

 

[BackcountryLR]

They’re not NLs, and long term reliability and support is an unknown, but the Sky Rover 12x50 is pretty impressive. I say this having owned the 12x42 NL. There is a stateside dealer now too. Plenty of feedback on these in birding and astronomy circles.

Sky Rover 12×50 mm Banner Cloud APO Binocular | High-Power Apochromatic Precision for Deep-Sky Observation

Explore deeper with the Sky Rover 12×50 mm Banner Cloud APO Binocular. Dual-ED apochromatic optics, 6.5° field, magnesium body, and 90%+ transmission deliver stunning deep-sky contrast and planetary detail.

astronomics.com

What about the NLs are better and by how much compared to the sky rovers?

 

[4090Sharps]

What about the NLs are better and by how much compared to the sky rovers?

Objectively better in the NL:

• Slight edge in central resolution, not that noticeable a difference from my recollection
• Slight edge in chromatic aberration. Didn't really notice any at all with my NLs, can detect some in the SRBC, but it isn't readily apparent.
• Weight and size - substantially so, but you have to decide how you weight that in priorities.

 

[LongWayAround]

I would throw the Tract 12.5x50 in here.

It took me awhile to warm up to them initially, but really grew to like them over the last year.

 

[rideold]

Maven

 

[Brian Fahs]

Meopta meostar. Bargains come up in classifieds

 

[fatlander]

In that budget range, I’d look hard at the sig Zulu 12x42 image stabilizing binos.

The glass isn’t alpha, but it’s good enough. The ability to spot game without a tripod is worth its weight in gold for the type of hunting I do.

My hunting partner brought a pair on our annual elk trip this year. He said “they’re black magic” before we left. I was skeptical and didn’t think they’d be so much more impressive than my swaros. I can’t count how many times I got him to hand me his glass throughout the week. I sold my SLCs soon after we got back and replaced them with the Zulu.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[West2East]

I like my Maven 12x50s. I was in that price range and had to choose between the Meopta Meostars and the Mavens, I went with the Mavens.