Sig HDX 12 vs 16 (42 mm not the Pro)

[gostovp]

I’m seriously considering jumping into the IS Bino world. I’ve looked at the Pros and they are way too big for what I want, so thinking the HDX line.
I know the FOV is the same on both the HDX 12 and 16’s, and know the limitations that come with it, and I’ve looked through the 16x’s and am blown away by the tech.
But I’ve read the 12x’s are ‘easier to get behind’ and they have a bigger exit pupil so low light performance will be better.
My use case for these:
- Archery elk in a mix of timber and possibly more open glassable areas
- archery and rifle whitetail hunting in the Midwest
- possibly mule deer archery and rifle in the future
(If I do get into more archery mule deer spot and stalk I’m thinking our group will invest in 15x56’s on a tripod)

Given this, I’m leaning towards the 12x’s, but just wanted to get more feedback.

 

[wnelson14]

Had 12s trade for 16s and immediately hated them, I got crazy mirage/ blury on the 16s. I now have 12s again, really want 10x42 for archery or even 8s
Also I think 12s might be a little easier to find stuff fast vs the 16s especially with my kids.
I think Steve from EXO and Jay from Mindful Hunter also prefer 12s they have had podcasts and videos stating this as well.

 

[pjohnson8168]

I had the same experience as wnelson, in fact I am looking for a good deal on a pair of 12x right now.

 

[gostovp]

That aligns with what I’ve been reading too… that the 12’s, even though they have same glass and coatings, will appear more crisp and clear.

My current chest binos are 8x42 Tract Torrics which I do really like. I went with 8’s simply for the ability to hold them steadier when not on a tripod.

 

[Hank101]

In the pro line the 14s were much better than the 16 on a cloudy. I wonder when they will build a 10x42.

 

[Sundodger]

I noticed on the sig website they don't list the FOV at 1000 yards, which is annoying. Has anyone aggregated the FOV specs for each model somewhere?

 

[gostovp]

from what I calculate given the FOV angles from Sigs website, for the HDX's

10x30's - 273' at 1000 yards
12x42's - 199' at 1000 yards
16x42's- 199' at 1000 yards

I posted another thread about feeback on the 10x30's, as now I'm seriously considering them because of their much better FOV. I'm either going to get the 10x30's or the 12x42's.

For archery elk because I'm just going to be looking for elk and not trying to discern bull trophy caliber, I think I might be able to get away with the 10x's...there is hardly any feedback or reviews on them out there...

 

[Hank101]

from what I calculate given the FOV angles from Sigs website, for the HDX's

10x30's - 273' at 1000 yards
12x42's - 199' at 1000 yards
16x42's- 199' at 1000 yards

I posted another thread about feeback on the 10x30's, as now I'm seriously considering them because of their much better FOV. I'm either going to get the 10x30's or the 12x42's.

For archery elk because I'm just going to be looking for elk and not trying to discern bull trophy caliber, I think I might be able to get away with the 10x's...there is hardly any feedback or reviews on them out there...

Field of view is important, but so is the exit pupil for lower light. This is why Sig needs a 10x42. Handholding the Sig 14x50 compared to my NL Pure 10x42 is a dream.

 

[180ls1]

10's for your use case. That's what I run on my chest.

I have the 20x also.

 

[gostovp]

10's for your use case. That's what I run on my chest.

I have the 20x also.

Thanks. I am really on the fence on picking up a pair of the Zulu6's.
The 3.0mm exit pupil on the 10x30's really give me concern for their low light performance.

Have you used them much in low light? If so, what has been your experience?

 

[180ls1]

I have, they are not good but the FOV is a bigger plus.

 

[gostovp]

Field of view is important, but so is the exit pupil for lower light. This is why Sig needs a 10x42. Handholding the Sig 14x50 compared to my NL Pure 10x42 is a dream.

yeah, I'm thinking about holding out for a 10x40/42 to see if they come out with one.

I tried the Pro's at Scheels and the form factor is just way to big for me.

 

[Marshfly]

I bought the 16x42s last week. They are intended for VERY specific purposes. Glassing for bears, fast glassing for antelope, elk and mule deer in more open country. Glass and clarity wise they are mid lower tier at best. I am coming from Swaro EL 10x42s. Lowlight performance is probably comparable to any other mid tier 16x42 Bino, not great. A 16x42 simply isn't collecting a ton of light by design.

But, for my purposes, they will be absolute game changers. I have a mountainside that I can glass off my back porch that is 3-5 miles away. With the Swaros I can see if elk are there if they are in the open but can't really make up much about them. For that I have to pull out my spotter. With the Sigs I can find elk in the broken brush and trees and immediately tell if that elk is a spike or cow or something much larger. And I can do that one handed, standing there, with 16x binos. I can glass hillsides from the moving truck with the window down. That will be incredibly useful for antelope. Are those white dots all does or is there a buck in there? Now I know without stopping the truck and pulling out the spotter. The tech is incredible. Very happy with my purchase.