Sig Sauer 18x50 Zulu6 HDX Pro review

Russ

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Mar 20, 2012
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17
So I went to Scheels to buy some new glass, and a friend told me to check these binos out........and damn! These things are amazing!

Hand held, these 18s feel like they are on a tripod when glassing. When added to a tripod, the wind, and bumps on the pod are non existent. When switching back to zeiss 15x56s on the tripod it was exhausting to the eye after looking through the stabilized Sigs. Although they may not be swarovski glass, they definitely have high quality glass, and you pick up more detail without all the vibrations.

I can imagine that many back pack hunters such as myself will use these because its makes the need to carry a tripod not necessary. Or my Mexico hunts in the high rack when bumpy roads, and running vehicles under a high rack make for vibrating views through high powered glass.

The only thing I would say is that the stabilization turns off like every 10 minutes, and I am not sure if you can adjust that or not. Its not a big deal you just have to turn it back on again......but would be nice if it was every 30 minutes to one hour instead.

I hope they come out with a higher powered scope with a larger objective, because I will be in line for it for sure!

Give these bad boys a try, I do not think you will be disappointed.
 
I went on a hunting trip several weeks ago and a guy in camp had some and I got to play around with them.
The stabilization mode was amazing.
I thought they were pretty slick, however for looking pretty far off say 700 to 800 yards at deer, I still wanted more mag. At first I kind of thought about getting some, however I still prefer having my 8x Swaro NL's and my Althon Ares 15-45 65mm spotter, that covers all the bases for me.
 
I went on a hunting trip several weeks ago and a guy in camp had some and I got to play around with them.
The stabilization mode was amazing.
I thought they were pretty slick, however for looking pretty far off say 700 to 800 yards at deer, I still wanted more mag. At first I kind of thought about getting some, however I still prefer having my 8x Swaro NL's and my Althon Ares 15-45 65mm spotter, that covers all the bases for me.
Man I used the 18s on a tripod and it reduced eye fatigue greatly. Zero shakes or vibrations in windy conditions at 1-2.5 miles while glassing for elk in Nevada. I never used my 15s I liked it the sigs so much.
 
the SIG IS are completely sold out at my local sportsmans both gens. I picked up some 16x50 mm and love them.
 
Just got a pair and it's game changing. I've been messing around with them at work in preparation for an upcoming hunt and they blow me away everyday. Spotters tend to wear me out quick so I always stuck to my 12 or 15's but these essentially solve all my problems. I can glass in these for much longer without the fatigue. I can ditch the spotters completely, and also the tripod if I choose to (still deciding on that), which is a good 5-6 pound weight savings. I ended up going with the 14x50 hd pro's, and I think I made the right choice. Honestly for the glass quality and stabilization the price wasn't that bad. I have a feeling that the bino world is about to change greatly in the next 3-5 yrs. I think we're gonna start seeing a lot of swaros go up for sale.
 
If you buy the newest PRO versions of the Sigs, do yourself a favor and never look through the gen 2 HDX versions. You'll likely find that the Pro stabilization isn't as good, the glass isn't as clear, they're heavier, bulkier, require twice as much batteries.... But hey - at least they cost $700 more!?

They are slightly better at low light, and that's where the benefits end. I run the 10's and 16's in the Gen 2's and love them. Bought THREE different pairs of the new Pros to verify they are a garbage deal compared to the cheaper gen 2's and posted results here on Rokslide as well.

Yes - I'm salty that Sig Sauer told me to pound sand when I told them their advertised new and improved "Next Gen" glass sucked and they were within spec. Sig rep told me that I should expect lower resolution with larger objective lenses.
 
If you buy the newest PRO versions of the Sigs, do yourself a favor and never look through the gen 2 HDX versions. You'll likely find that the Pro stabilization isn't as good, the glass isn't as clear, they're heavier, bulkier, require twice as much batteries.... But hey - at least they cost $700 more!?

They are slightly better at low light, and that's where the benefits end. I run the 10's and 16's in the Gen 2's and love them. Bought THREE different pairs of the new Pros to verify they are a garbage deal compared to the cheaper gen 2's and posted results here on Rokslide as well.

Yes - I'm salty that Sig Sauer told me to pound sand when I told them their advertised new and improved "Next Gen" glass sucked and they were within spec. Sig rep told me that I should expect lower resolution with larger objective lensure what ya mean bud.

Not sure what ya mean bud. These were around $1500 at scheels. I dont think they had 18s for $800 at any time did they?
 
Not sure what ya mean bud. These were around $1500 at scheels. I dont think they had 18s for $800 at any time did they?
He's talking about the 2nd version not the HD version. I never really understand the rants about price. Its like all the posts on Sitka and how much it cost blah blah blah. Just don't buy the shit. I mean if what he's saying is true then I guess he should be super happy. He got better binos for $700 less and it seems to be a secret no one has discovered.
 
He's talking about the 2nd version not the HD version. I never really understand the rants about price. Its like all the posts on Sitka and how much it cost blah blah blah. Just don't buy the shit. I mean if what he's saying is true then I guess he should be super happy. He got better binos for $700 less and it seems to be a secret no one has discovered.
I can return these PROs if he is saying I can get 18s for $700 less that are better quality
 
I can return these PROs if he is saying I can get 18s for $700 less that are better quality
They didn't make the Gen 1 and 2 Zulu6's in 18's, only 10X, 12X, 16X and 20X.

If you call around/wait for sales, you can snag the Gen 2's for $7XX.

I also recommend doing what I did - go buy multiple pairs of both versions, return the ones you don't feel are worth it. My experience was that the QC was all over the place after buying 3 different Pro models. I've settled on the Gen 2 10X and 16X pairs for now.

The reason that nobody has seen what I've seen is that people usually only buy one pair and run them. Ignorance is bliss. But I happened to buy the new Pro 18's and tested them side by side with my Gen 2 16's and noticed they were a solid step DOWN in every way except a slight improvement at dawn/dusk.
 
They didn't make the Gen 1 and 2 Zulu6's in 18's, only 10X, 12X, 16X and 20X.

If you call around/wait for sales, you can snag the Gen 2's for $7XX.

I also recommend doing what I did - go buy multiple pairs of both versions, return the ones you don't feel are worth it. My experience was that the QC was all over the place after buying 3 different Pro models. I've settled on the Gen 2 10X and 16X pairs for now.

The reason that nobody has seen what I've seen is that people usually only buy one pair and run them. Ignorance is bliss. But I happened to buy the new Pro 18's and tested them side by side with my Gen 2 16's and noticed they were a solid step DOWN in every way except a slight improvement at dawn/dusk.
Well the 18s are what I have. I'm not ignorant. Im happy with what I got. Maybe some batches/lots have flaws or something. I have some leica 15s and these sig 18s are right there with them in glass quality, yet much cheaper, and the stability feature puts them as my fav by far.
 
Well the 18s are what I have. I'm not ignorant. Im happy with what I got. Maybe some batches/lots have flaws or something. I have some leica 15s and these sig 18s are right there with them in glass quality, yet much cheaper, and the stability feature puts them as my fav by far.
It wasn't intended as a personal insult. I think I have a world record for wasting money on products that I later regretted. Ignorance is a lack of knowledge or information. Period. If anyone claims that they don't lack knowledge or information in any area they are a damn fool.

If you bought some pros and are happy, good for you. If you would like more information, go to a big box store and pick up SEVERAL pairs of Gen 2's and Pros like I did. If you happened to get a top quality unit you may be even happier. You might also find that your specific pair has much worse clarity/resolution than another, at which point you could return your specific pair and keep the better ones.

My overall point is that these Sig binos have wildly inconsistent quality due to (IMO) overly relaxed manufacturing tolerances (cost), and the Pro models are not the step up in performance they are marketed as.
 
It wasn't intended as a personal insult. I think I have a world record for wasting money on products that I later regretted. Ignorance is a lack of knowledge or information. Period. If anyone claims that they don't lack knowledge or information in any area they are a damn fool.

If you bought some pros and are happy, good for you. If you would like more information, go to a big box store and pick up SEVERAL pairs of Gen 2's and Pros like I did. If you happened to get a top quality unit you may be even happier. You might also find that your specific pair has much worse clarity/resolution than another, at which point you could return your specific pair and keep the better ones.

My overall point is that these Sig binos have wildly inconsistent quality due to (IMO) overly relaxed manufacturing tolerances (cost), and the Pro models are not the step up in performance they are marketed as.
I looked through all of them at the store, and there was a step down in quality on some of the other lesser models for sure.....especially in lighting. I mean it was such a difference that I only wanted the hdx pros and would never buy the other models. Maybe they switched up the labels on ya.....lol
 
It wasn't intended as a personal insult. I think I have a world record for wasting money on products that I later regretted. Ignorance is a lack of knowledge or information. Period. If anyone claims that they don't lack knowledge or information in any area they are a damn fool.

If you bought some pros and are happy, good for you. If you would like more information, go to a big box store and pick up SEVERAL pairs of Gen 2's and Pros like I did. If you happened to get a top quality unit you may be even happier. You might also find that your specific pair has much worse clarity/resolution than another, at which point you could return your specific pair and keep the better ones.

My overall point is that these Sig binos have wildly inconsistent quality due to (IMO) overly relaxed manufacturing tolerances (cost), and the Pro models are not the step up in performance they are marketed as.
So many influencers on you tube have done videos on this issue exactly. To your point most of them sway in the direction of your opinion (not so much the hard line stance you have taken). But many of them have stated that for the 10-15% increase (yes I know you will dispute this) the HD's give you in glass clarity the $700 is probably not worth it. My issue I have with all the talk about prices is, prices really aren't the direction the creator of the post was attempting to take this. He simply was talking about the technology within the binos and how great it is. As I stated above the complaining about prices with all these companies is a mute subject. Buy it or not. I think swaros are over hyped, over priced, and most ppl who use them couldn't tell the difference between them and a pair of meoptas. But that's literally the first time I've ever typed that cause I don't care to talk about prices and I don't care what a man does with his money. In this day and age if you fail to do your own research with all that is available to you then that lays on you. Mindful hunter did a hour break down between the HD's and non HD's (he's one of the people online that I think isn't full of shit) and he re iterated that the price increase isn't justified but he would go with the HD's over the non HD's. I am a firm believer that you should only buy what is worth it to you and what you can afford. I think the Non hd's are amazing and actually just got done telling my hunting partner he should go with a pair because the price on them is amazing. But me personally I think the glass is slightly better (I've looked through both, but I'm not glass expert nor do I care to be), I also think the battery system is better, and low light is a big deal for me (I hunt mule deer), so that's enough for me to spend $700 more. But I don't think we should be married to our ideas either or get so worked up about them.
 
So many influencers on you tube have done videos on this issue exactly. To your point most of them sway in the direction of your opinion (not so much the hard line stance you have taken). But many of them have stated that for the 10-15% increase (yes I know you will dispute this) the HD's give you in glass clarity the $700 is probably not worth it. My issue I have with all the talk about prices is, prices really aren't the direction the creator of the post was attempting to take this. He simply was talking about the technology within the binos and how great it is. As I stated above the complaining about prices with all these companies is a mute subject. Buy it or not. I think swaros are over hyped, over priced, and most ppl who use them couldn't tell the difference between them and a pair of meoptas. But that's literally the first time I've ever typed that cause I don't care to talk about prices and I don't care what a man does with his money. In this day and age if you fail to do your own research with all that is available to you then that lays on you. Mindful hunter did a hour break down between the HD's and non HD's (he's one of the people online that I think isn't full of shit) and he re iterated that the price increase isn't justified but he would go with the HD's over the non HD's. I am a firm believer that you should only buy what is worth it to you and what you can afford. I think the Non hd's are amazing and actually just got done telling my hunting partner he should go with a pair because the price on them is amazing. But me personally I think the glass is slightly better (I've looked through both, but I'm not glass expert nor do I care to be), I also think the battery system is better, and low light is a big deal for me (I hunt mule deer), so that's enough for me to spend $700 more. But I don't think we should be married to our ideas either or get so worked up about them.
My issue with the Mindful Hunter guy is the mental gymnastics he goes through to justify slight advantages and imagines different use cases. He claims to be unbiased but as an "influencer" that's BS. If he left a poor review of Sigs, they would never again send him free gear to try, and especially not the pre-release testing that allows Youtubers to have canned reviews ready on launch day. Just because Sig doesn't sponsor him does not mean that he can speak his mind and still expect equal access as all the other mouthpieces.

I don't care much about prices, but I do care about principal. I also recognize that many on this forum are extremely cost conscious and struggle to make ends meet. I made a mistake spending $600 more on demonstrably inferior glass and hope to prevent others from doing that as well.

How many others have posted side-by-side photos of Gen 2's vs Pros like I have? Honest question because I would love to see more examples beyond the 5 pair I purchased. Everyone else just posts subjective opinions that I've seen. Not very helpful IMO.
 
My issue with the Mindful Hunter guy is the mental gymnastics he goes through to justify slight advantages and imagines different use cases. He claims to be unbiased but as an "influencer" that's BS. If he left a poor review of Sigs, they would never again send him free gear to try, and especially not the pre-release testing that allows Youtubers to have canned reviews ready on launch day. Just because Sig doesn't sponsor him does not mean that he can speak his mind and still expect equal access as all the other mouthpieces.

I don't care much about prices, but I do care about principal. I also recognize that many on this forum are extremely cost conscious and struggle to make ends meet. I made a mistake spending $600 more on demonstrably inferior glass and hope to prevent others from doing that as well.

How many others have posted side-by-side photos of Gen 2's vs Pros like I have? Honest question because I would love to see more examples beyond the 5 pair I purchased. Everyone else just posts subjective opinions that I've seen. Not very helpful IMO.
As far as posting I have no clue. But there are many youtube channels that have. I tend to enjoy in depth reviews so I don't mind the mental gymnastics and whether he is tied to the companies I have no clue. But I have seen him post negative reviews to people that I know he is friends with. Again I am stating that the glass quality increase is not dramatic, but to me, and literally every other person I've talked to, youtubers, and reviewers, have all said that there is in fact an increase. You are literally the only one I've heard saying there is none. But that is fine I'm not tied to it, and I have no skin in the game. I've looked through both. For me the low light problems with the 2nd gen is enough of a problem for me to not buy them, even if gen 3 was not released. My most important hours are in low light twice a day. Also I think stating that everyone else's opinions are subjective is a funny statement because literally everyone's opinion is subjective. I would ask you if myself, the poster, and you, all looked through both glass, and only you have a differing opinion, why are you so sure you are right and 2/3 of the group is just completely full of shit? I'm not trying to pick a fight here, but I think you are a little more invested in this than you are realizing. Again I am no glass expert I am just going off of what my eyes see. Ill just leave it here though, and I actually do appreciate your input on the subject, I always appreciate differing opinions, and you are correct Principal is very important.
 
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