Sig Zulu6 Magnification Opinions

[ELK49]

I am looking to buy some Sig ZULU6 binoculars in the near future, but I keep going back and forth on which magnification to get.

My main use will be September archery elk hunting. I am not worried about accurately scoring bulls at long distance. My biggest need is being able to identify elk (bulls specifically is a bonus) , pick apart meadows, and pinpoint animals from a glassing point.

We typically hunt Colorado, but will likely be in Wyoming next year. My preferred style is to be on a high point at daybreak, glass meadows and openings, locate elk, then move in on them mid-day, that evening, or the next morning. Most of our glassing is inside 2 miles as the crow flies, and often 1 mile or less.

I have been leaning toward the ZULU6 HDX 12x42, but I am wondering if that is enough magnification for this use. I am also considering the 16x, or possibly stepping up to the HDX Pro 14x, but the added weight and size are negatives.

For those who have used these for western elk hunting, would you go 12x42, 16x, or HDX Pro 14x?

 

[gostovp]

For your use case the 10x30’s
Lighter, smaller ( fits better in most bino harnesses), and better field of view. If you are dead set on the 42’s, then get the 12x

 

[ELK49]

For your use case the 10x30’s
Lighter, smaller ( fits better in most bino harnesses), and better field of view. If you are dead set on the 42’s, then get the 12x

Thanks! Do you think the 10x got enough to identify elk at that distance?

 

[browtinebull]

i have the 12x. you would be fine with them from what you described.

 

[gostovp]

You will be able to tell if they are a bull or not at that distance with the 10x or the 12x.

 

[ELK49]

You will be able to tell if they are a bull or not at that distance with the 10x or the 12x.

Great! Thank you for the feedback.

 

[moewells100]

I’d actually steer you towards conventional binoculars. The small field of view of the stabilized Zulus makes picking up animals difficult. I like them for 3D practice however

I have the 16s FWIW.

For elk this Sept I’m bringing conventional 10x42s

 

[Ajsomp]

Thanks! Do you think the 10x got enough to identify elk at that distance?

Yes.

I have the 10x and they fit great one handed. Jay at mindful hunter talked about his experience and uses the 10x for archery.

That being said, really depends on your preferences. I’m struggling to find where they fit in my system. While I do archery hunt, I prefer rifle hunting personally. When I rifle hunt, I’m rocking RF binos on my chest and 15s in my pack. The 10x could be used as a hip belt option, but I haven’t got there yet. They seem great for the truck too.

 

[TLammert]

It really depends on use case. Where I hunt elk hunt is dark timber with broken up meadows. 10-12s are more than sufficient. That being said I have 12x and 16x Zulu 6s. Mostly because those are the ones I found at a good price in the classifieds.

 

[camelcluch]

The 12s are great and about perfect for western hunting. The 16s get a bit big. The non Pro 12 version is a great size and still carries well.
Sitting and glassing I would still put binos on a tripod.

 

[chicoredneck]

I have the 12 and 16x42. I prefer the 12x as the view is a little more relaxed in my samples. The 12s work great on elk, they are big animals. My one recommendation when buying it to try the actual sample your purchasing if you can. I’ve noticed wide sample variation in quality with the Sig Zulu 6 and hen using mine and buddies. Some are great, some are not so great.