Nevada hunters -- 10x42 vs. 12x50?

[Dsundy]

It seems pretty unanimously recommended. I don't think they make them in 18x so it might be a moot point, but what're your thoughts on 15 vs. 18? 10 and 15 seem pretty well-distanced/well-rounded but wondering if taking that additional magnification step is worth it.

 

[cmahoney]

15 SLC and forget about everything else.


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[Dsundy]

That should make the search easy!

 

[Dsundy]

Thank you btw.

 

[RockAndSage]

I've had the chance to use Swaro's once before -- they were a pair of 8x42's that I borrowed for a few days and the difference is definitely apparent.

The difference between what everyone seems to call alpha glass like Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica, etc, and everything else, really stands out when trying to see into shadows. And given that shadows are exactly where mule deer are during the day...if there's any way you can get a pair of used Swaro 15s, it's a night and day difference. Especially once you spend a lot of time behind them in the field, actually hunting with your eyes through them.

 

[Braaap]

I live and hunt in NV and if you and your buddies are hunting without a spotter or 15’s you are absolutely missing animals, especially deer! In my opinion 10x binos on chest, best you can afford, 15x slc and best spotter you can afford. To me the spotter is an absolute necessity in NV. I borrowed my buddies 15 slc’s last fall for my wife’s deer hunt and they’re worth the money. I think you could probably get away with 15’s and no spotter most of the time but to me the spotter is a non negotiable.

 

[Fritz D]

I live in Southern Idaho and travel in Northern Nevada extensively for work. I could see a 12x50 being a very good choice for deer and elk hunting in that country.

 

[NickyD]

Sounds like you’re also looking for a tripod. I recommend getting something at least mid grade. First tripod I got was the cheapest vortex tripod I could find and it’s terrible.

You want minimal to zero movement in your tripod. It will help significantly when it comes to longer range glassing. It blows my mind every time how far you can see deer with quality binos and a stable tripod