Sig zulu6 12x42 vs zulu6 14x50 hdx pro

[JArcher]

Can confirm that the 2nd gen are the way to go. I purchased both for a side by side comparison. New pros were quite a bit larger and heavier. The glass was better but marginally(didn’t test low light). I kept the 2nd gen’s because they were lighter, better stabilization and $600 cheaper. The new stabilization on the pros wasnt as steady as the scan mode on the 2nd gen. The target mode really sets them apart.

I wanted to dislike them so I could feel better about owning my NL’s. In two weeks I’ll be taking the Zulu’s and NL’s to Maui for a hunt. I have a feeling i will be grabbing the Zulu’s over the NL’s.

Swaro,

If you are listening, we are ready for a set of IS bins.

The kind of review I’m looking for!

 

[armiller1991]

I did get to play around with these two (Non-PRO 12x42s and PRO 14x50s) side by side in my local sportsmans' warehouse.
Obviously hard to compare any optical quality in the store... but I ended up ordering the 14x50s.

It seems to me the stabilization was faster with the Pros. Fastering meaning how quickly it settled when pulling up and after moving. Also, I think you are getting slightly more magnification with no downsides.. the field of view is the same and with the (advertised) better coatings and 50mm objective, I don't think you would be sacrificing any low light performance.

The PROs are heavier and bulkier, but still seemed to fit just barely in my Marsupial Gear No-Mag Enclosed Bino Harness (Size MED, their website says you need LRG). While heavier than the non-pros, they are still very similar weight to many non-IS 12x50s on the market.

Should arrive next week.

 

[Dan_Ross_]

I have been looked at getting the zulu6 but dont know if the pro is worth it. I was looking at either the 12x42hdx or the 14x50 pro. Any opinions, good or bad I would really appreciate it.

I compared the HDX to the Pro’s

Compared the 16x HDX against the 14x Pro model.

Pro smoked the older model, image was bigger, more clear and filled my vision much better. Weight difference isn’t ideal but well worth it to me for the better image quality

 

[drjfey]

DO NOT BUY THE HDX PRO’S.

They are worse in every way. Stick with second gen HDX’s.

Say more please

 

[bbronosky1]

I got the 14x50 Pros in yesterday. They’re incredible. I’m coming from Vortex 12x50s so take this as you will but I would buy the Zulu6s if you’re on the fence. I have never looked through a pair of 2nd gen so I’m not sure how my pros would compare but the IS is worth it. The weight on the Pros is not as bad as people are complaining about but I’m also the type that likes an aluminum riser instead of carbon on my bows because the little extra weight helps hold the bow steady-same goes for binos.

 

[armiller1991]

I got the 14x50 Pros in yesterday. They’re incredible. I’m coming from Vortex 12x50s so take this as you will but I would buy the Zulu6s if you’re on the fence. I have never looked through a pair of 2nd gen so I’m not sure how my pros would compare but the IS is worth it. The weight on the Pros is not as bad as people are complaining about but I’m also the type that likes an aluminum riser instead of carbon on my bows because the little extra weight helps hold the bow steady-same goes for binos.

I second this.
I have a post above, but after playing with the 12x42s and 14x50 in the store, I ordered the pros.

They arrived and I am pretty impressed so far. Havnt taken them hunting or anything but the optics and IS seem great.

Agree on size and weight.. They are obviously much heavier than the 42s but aren't heavier than most 12x50 non-IS from competors.

Coming from Vortex Razor HD 10x42

 

[swavescatter]

Say more please

With the exception of slightly improved light collection at the edge of 2 minutes of first/last light, name a characteristic that you care about with binoculars.

Weight: worse
Cost: worse
Clarity: likely worse (2 out of 3 HDX Pro models were demonstrably worse than 16x42's, one was only BARELY marginally maybe a slight improvement)
Battery requirement: worse
Stabilization: worse
Ergos: worse (subjective)
CA/Edge Clarity: push

I've bought 5 different pairs of the Gen 2 HDX and new Pros. Returned all 3 Pro models. Love my 10's and 16's. Saved over $700 on each one vs. a Pro model.

 

[swavescatter]

To be fair to others, had I only ever bought the Pros I would be ignorantly blissful. Impossible to really differentiate in a store.

However, I had the 16x42's and pre-ordered the 18 Pro's and immediately took them out into the field to glass up elk around a mile out. I couldn't figure out why I could count antler points with my cheap 16's, but not the "improved" 18's. I even posted about this with images here on Rokslide. The 18's were measurably worse in resolution for all the cost/weight penalties. Stabilization sucked too IMO. Then I bought two more pairs of Pro's just to make sure I wasn't crazy since Sig Sauer told me the 18's I bought meet spec, and that I should expect worse resolution with increased objective lens size.

My only advice to people is to buy these at Cabelas or somewhere with a 30 day guarantee. Buy several magnifications and models. Keep the ones you like best. My money is on the Gen 2 HDX's.