New Binoculars, spotting scope, or both...

[Scoutfan]

I never got a chance to look through the new compact kowa. Everyone I talked to that compared both said the glass was equal. Since the dual focus is a high priority for you I would say Kowa. I can be hard on equipment so I wanted the rubber coating on the atc without the weight penalty of adding a cover and I am more familiar with Swaroski. Just wish they would make a scope that I could trust!
Even when spending top dollar you still have to make compromises and pick which features mean the most to you.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

I can gather a few basic pieces and help walk you through the differences when actually in the glass if it’s you and me.

If we plan a Rokslide shoot, we can really get some stuff to test with others I know are here.

No one I know first hand has the NL Pures, but was out with a guide who had the 12s. Looking through the 12s was enough to convince me I would if I had the money.

I always wish I had larger field of view with the 15s, especially inside 500 yards. That’s what gets me most. It’s also why some prefer the 12 EL. To have the same magnification with bigger field of view is a big part of why the NL Pures are worth the step up. It’s more than just better glass.

You only catch deer and such when they are in the visible parts of the hill, so field of view and more peripheral vision to catch movement is a big improvement.

Is this something that happens often?

I'm a member at Phoenix Rod and Gun. Trying to get over the flu, but was planning on maybe running down there Friday to do a little load development.

Okay so far what I've gathered is, NL Pures are amazing. Seems like what you're saying is the NL Pure 14X have almost the magnification of the SLC 15X, but with the FOV of the 10X EL's?

 

[Scoutfan]

Don't forget the downside of the 14x is being way more difficult to use without a tripod than 10x or 12x. 10x is best for non tripod use. For me 12x seemed like the best for my one and done use.
YMMV

 

[iflyskyhigh]

Is this something that happens often?

I'm a member at Phoenix Rod and Gun. Trying to get over the flu, but was planning on maybe running down there Friday to do a little load development.

Okay so far what I've gathered is, NL Pures are amazing. Seems like what you're saying is the NL Pure 14X have almost the magnification of the SLC 15X, but with the FOV of the 10X EL's?

Was just looking at the Swarovski website and comparing everything.

I know is anecdotal as seeing they in person is the only true test, but at least on paper the specs for the 12x42 NL’s kind a look like a sweet spot? Good eye relief. Good FOV.

14x52’s look to be quite a but tighter. Be interested to see how that translates in the real world

 

[iflyskyhigh]

Don't forget the downside of the 14x is being way more difficult to use without a tripod than 10x or 12x. 10x is best for non tripod use. For me 12x seemed like the best for my one and done use.
YMMV

But even the 12x42’s are probably gonna be a little much without a tripod thought correct?

 

[hereinaz]

It’s personal preference between the 12 and 14/15, and can depend on the type of hunting you will do.

I ran 12x Leica Ultravid, comparable to the EL for a couple seasons.

I only sold them when Sig first released the 10x RF binos. I was OK with them as my single solution. If the 12 EL Range LRF and ballistics were better, I would very likely switch to that and carry the Kowa 554.

With the 10x32 LRF and 15s I was less likely to carry a spotter too.

If I recall correctly, actual magnification on the Pures is like 14.6 or something.

The guide was finding the same game I was with his 12s, but he said he only bought them because the 14s weren’t out yet. He had 15s in his pack, but didn’t pull them out. He used an 85 spotter with his binos, on the same ARCA bar that was co-witnessed so he could switch back and forth looking.

 

[Scoutfan]

Yes but still usable. It's just one of those things that you have to try for yourself and really see what best suits your personal needs

 

[hereinaz]

But even the 12x42’s are probably gonna be a little much without a tripod thought correct?

It’s the magnification of the shake. Lighter helps a little. It’s one of those things.

Nothing is perfect, but it’s doable handheld.

 

[hereinaz]

Yes but still usable. It's just one of those things that you have to try for yourself and really see what best suits your personal needs

This is the truth… some days I can’t even decide.

 

[Scoutfan]

If I could afford to by the best one of each then I would still have to decide which two to carry with me. Then after hours of deciding I would probably be half way into a hunt and wish I would have chosen something different.

 

[hereinaz]

If I could afford to by the best one of each then I would still have to decide which two to carry with me. Then after hours of deciding I would probably be half way into a hunt and wish I would have chosen something different.

Exactly!

 

[hereinaz]

Is this something that happens often?

I'm a member at Phoenix Rod and Gun. Trying to get over the flu, but was planning on maybe running down there Friday to do a little load development.

Okay so far what I've gathered is, NL Pures are amazing. Seems like what you're saying is the NL Pure 14X have almost the magnification of the SLC 15X, but with the FOV of the 10X EL's?

Hard to get a whole bunch together, so not really. But, we can try. I did an invite on coueswhitetail and we got a pretty good showing.

There is a thread where some of us have been plotting one. I will tag you.

After SHOT, I will be open and hoping to do some regular shooting and meet new folks before it gets 1000 degrees.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

If I could afford to by the best one of each then I would still have to decide which two to carry with me. Then after hours of deciding I would probably be half way into a hunt and wish I would have chosen something different.

Thomas said “There are no solutions. Only compromises.” Or something to that effect.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

It’s personal preference between the 12 and 14/15, and can depend on the type of hunting you will do.

I ran 12x Leica Ultravid, comparable to the EL for a couple seasons.

I only sold them when Sig first released the 10x RF binos. I was OK with them as my single solution. If the 12 EL Range LRF and ballistics were better, I would very likely switch to that and carry the Kowa 554.

With the 10x32 LRF and 15s I was less likely to carry a spotter too.

If I recall correctly, actual magnification on the Pures is like 14.6 or something.

The guide was finding the same game I was with his 12s, but he said he only bought them because the 14s weren’t out yet. He had 15s in his pack, but didn’t pull them out. He used an 85 spotter with his binos, on the same ARCA bar that was co-witnessed so he could switch back and forth looking.

I guess I can always hang onto my Nikon Monarch 10X42 for the quick stuff. They are decent enough glass for that I world think?

I’m really interested in looking through the 12X and 14X

I started typing this with another thought and lost it…standby…