Move to 15x or 20x Binos?

[PathFinder]

As I've been hunting this year I've thought a lot about how nice a high powered pair of binos would be to glass with for long periods of time. I currently run 10x32 Maven B3s and a Razor HD 65mm spotter. Almost all of my hunting is done in high mountain areas where I'm glassing anywhere from a couple hundred yards to a couple miles. My rifle hunting is almost all long range work. I'm always looking to kill mature bucks but I'm not super picky about judging exactly what a buck is. What binos do you recommend if I do make the switch? I'm willing to spend up to 2k. Does anyone make a doubler to go with their high power binos?

 

[jwb300]

I run Swaro 15's - single best piece of hunting equipment I own. They make a doubler for them that screws onto the eye piece. Never used 20's but I would be interested to give them a try.

 

[PathFinder]

I've been doing more research. Swarovski and Meopta both make doublers for their 15x binos. That could make a mean combo.

 

[MattB]

I've been doing more research. Swarovski and Meopta both make doublers for their 15x binos. That could make a mean combo.

The doublers are great in concept but poor in practice. Don't waste your money.

 

[PathFinder]

What wrong with the doublers? Are they not as good optically or can the objective just not keep up with the higher power?

 

[beachbunny]

yup, the doublers work ok in good light but give it up when the begins to fail. i got mine at a good price so i figured i try it.

 

[dotman]

The exit pupil on a doubler is super tiny, pretty much useless unless there are perfect conditions. I think the 15's would be better then the 20's because again the exit pupil or whatever the optics guys call it is smaller on the 20's considerably.

15's are my favorite optic.

 

[PathFinder]

I'm leaning towards the 15x Meoptas and a doubler. I figure the doubler won't be great all the time but I know there will be times when I really want it.

 

[WRO]

I use the SLC HD 15s, they work great. I used the SLC 15X neus prior and uses them side by side last week. Their a good option as well.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Buddy had a pair of Leica 15x56 Geo's while I was hunting last week. I was actually shocked how steady they where. For the first time I was disappointed in my old vortex razors. Time to upgrade.

 

[jaxdialation]

yup, the doublers work ok in good light but give it up when the begins to fail. i got mine at a good price so i figured i try it.

Yup, doublets lengthen the focal length of a scope in order to increase magnification. But doing that without increasing the objectives size ends up reducing the light hitting your eyeballs.

 

[PathFinder]

I went and checked some out last night. The zeiss and Swarovskis were great. The kaibabs were definitely a bit behind. I think I'm going to pick up the swaros on Thursday and hunt with them this weekend.

 

[jwb300]

I went and checked some out last night. The zeiss and Swarovskis were great. The kaibabs were definitely a bit behind. I think I'm going to pick up the swaros on Thursday and hunt with them this weekend.

You won't be disappointed. Let us know what you think.