Middle of the pack 12x50 bino

[BC_hunter1]

I have been a long time rokslide reader but only have I recently regained my love of perusing large game and looking to update my binos.

The back ground- I currently carry Monarch M7 10x42 that do okay but for some of my longer range point counting and low light I am looking for some 12x50’s.

I have a number of Leupold products VX3, VX5, SX4 65mm spotter that I don’t use for long backpack hunts and so looking at a pair of the newer Gen2 BX4 ProGuides and went down the rabbit hole of reviews.

In terms of 12x50 I see there are the Tracts which may or may not offer better low light performance than the BX4. The Maven B6 looks like a good option but unfortunately I am North of the border and to get them in my hands is about $2k Cdn with freight, taxes and UPS brokerage. If I am spending $2k I may as well wait and go with something like the Zeiss SFL’s when I can budget it.

I have around a $1000-1200 Cdn budget which you would think is good but that like $500USD glass.

Any reason to steer clear of the BX4 gen 2’s? Not a ton of reviews other than the eye cups are better than the Gen 1. Unconfirmed if it’s Japanese glass. Never been a big Vortex guy either. I have some DB’s and a Viper scopes and I think my VX3 HD has better clarity.

Open to other suggestions but available products seem limited. Thanks.

 

[BC_hunter1]

I guess I’ll add the Vortex Viper HD to the list for under $1000 and right now the Razor HD lists for $1700 but it’s exceeding my budget. Not sure the Razor would be comparable to a Maven B6 or not but if it’s a significant upgrade over a Gen 2 BX4 I can stomach it. Thanks

 

[rookieforever33]

There are a ton of options in the price range. Without looking through them its really hard to tell. I picked up a pair of GPO Rangeguides for $800us and like them more than my gen 1 Leupolds. Both are clearer than my 15 year old Nikons, and my nephews Vortex Triumph pair. Good luck finding a pair you like.

 

[BC_hunter1]

There are a ton of options in the price range. Without looking through them its really hard to tell. I picked up a pair of GPO Rangeguides for $800us and like them more than my gen 1 Leupolds. Both are clearer than my 15 year old Nikons, and my nephews Vortex Triumph pair. Good luck finding a pair you like.

My challenge is the only shooting/outdoor store within 3 hours has Leupold and Vortex and no stock of 12x50’s. I am comparing the I stock 10x42’s so getting hands on for other options I rely on subjective internet experience.

I still have a few weeks before things really heat up for the season but I’d like to have a new pair before then.

 

[rookieforever33]

Reading here is how I decided on the GPOs. I even chose the 8s since I hand hold most of the time. My bx4s are 10s.