New Binoculars for Missouri

[bwp]

I currently have the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42. I am considering picking up the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42. I mostly hunt whitetail and turkeys in north Missouri. Would there be a noticeable difference in the two or should I just stick with the Vortex?

 

[Trial153]

Conquests are good glass, either of the 8x both 32 and 42 will be nice upgrade and suit you will for typical whitetail hunting.

 

[bwp]

They vortex are fine unless it’s within 20 minutes or so of shooting light. I’ve also considered searching for a use pair of the Swarovski SLC, but they are a good amount more.

 

[Trial153]

Red hawk rifles has a set of 8x32 demos

 

[bwp]

How would the 32 compare to the 42?

Red hawk rifles has a set of 8x32 demo

 

[Trial153]

How would the 32 compare to the 42?

In 8x I think they compare better, lighter and more compact and will let plenty of light in at dawn and dusk. 8x32 els are all I use for whitetail hunting and I am not missing anything at all. The conquests are really nice glass.

 

[sneaky]

How would the 32 compare to the 42?

You'll lose some low light performance because of the exit pupil difference between the 32s and 42s. Simple math. 32s will be fine, but let's not kid ourselves into thinking they'll be as bright as 42s in low light.

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[GunsAreFun]

How far do you need to see and how much time do you spend glassing?

I have a pair of Bushnell Engage 10x42 that are like $200. I’m in Missouri. I have had those out well before shooting light to peer 50-150 yards through the woods to see if that weird shaped object was a bedded deer or a stump or to count antler points and have never felt like they were inadequate. Certainly there is better glass, but I have never felt remotely inadequate with those.

 

[bwp]

How far do you need to see and how much time do you spend glassing?

I have a pair of Bushnell Engage 10x42 that are like $200. I’m in Missouri. I have had those out well before shooting light to peer 50-150 yards through the woods to see if that weird shaped object was a bedded deer or a stump or to count antler points and have never felt like they were inadequate. Certainly there is better glass, but I have never felt remotely inadequate with those.

For archery season the diamondbacks are solid. I can see as far as I can shoot during legal shooting hours. For rifle or just wanting to see what’s across the field on the edge of the timber during low light they struggle. Most likely too dark to shoot. I don’t think the diamondbacks will ever cost me an animal…these are just excuses to pick up better optics and hopefully be able to see things a little later

 

[bwp]

I’ve found the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 and the Vortex Razor HD 8x42 for $800. Anyone have experience with those two?

 

[kkoerperich]

They vortex are fine unless it’s within 20 minutes or so of shooting light. I’ve also considered searching for a use pair of the Swarovski SLC, but they are a good amount more.

I agree. I’ve been struggling with diamondbacks at last light.

 

[WestNE]

I’ve found the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 and the Vortex Razor HD 8x42 for $800. Anyone have experience with those two?

Personally I've found that I get more use out of smaller/ compact binos. I would hold off and find a 32mm option though to answer your question id go Razor. The Conquest glass, in my opinion is superior but ergonomically the Viper wins hands down.

Another used option to keep a lookout for are the Cabelas Euro HD 8x32, prices have crept up but they are still a bargain and well under the $800 of the above options.

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[Matt G.]

I currently live in OH and I am from CT. I had Meopta Meostars which are in the same class as the conquests. I picked up the diamondback more as a car pair and more compact pair. I could not stand them due to a fisheye rolling effect when you scan around. I believe more due to the clarity or out of focus around the edges. That was my experience. Yes you can save money by staying with what your are currently using, or upgrade and see the world in focus better. I will say once you upgrade , you will have an issue downgrading. I picked up the ELs this winter and now I am going to sell my backup pair because it bothers my eyes just looking through them now.

Moral of the story, go to store and try a few pairs and see what fits your eyes.

 

[Macintosh]

Agree with several of the above posters, especially in the east I really appreciate very compact bino's, and the diamondbacks are great for somethings but the biggest drawback I have seen in mine is the lack of edge to edge clarity--it is limiting. I got a pair of the 8x28mm diamondbacks that I LOVE for the light weight and low profile, but the glass is really just "adequate"--I can see a turkeys head or a deers antlers enough to see if its a shooter before it gets super close, but I would not choose those for "glassing". The the zeiss glass I have looked through is in a different league altogether, and I think will be a huge improvement in all areas even if it's a 32mm objective.

 

[Poindexter]

I've been using Vortex Viper HDs 10x42mm, but have been looking at the smaller Maven B.3s on their website a little more than is healthy.

Have yet to find the Vipers cumbersome. I just like new stuff.

Hello @Macintosh - fellow Vermonter.

 

[Cajun Hunter]

I've been using Vortex Viper HDs 10x42mm, but have been looking at the smaller Maven B.3s on their website a little more than is healthy.

Have yet to find the Vipers cumbersome. I just like new stuff.

Hello @Macintosh - fellow Vermonter.

I second the Vipers. Very solid glass for the price

 

[Bear2022]

I second the Vipers. Very solid glass for the price

The vortex vipers are a lot of glass for the money considering they go on sale regularly for 350.