Time to Upgrade Binos

[MoeFaux]

I carry the Vortex Vipers just like yours. I've been happy with them as a good bang-for-bucks purchase.

While in Oregon last year, I looked through my guide's Maven 9x45s and the difference in clarity was immediately noticeable. He did admit they were a bit heavy, but the glass looked like a fantastic upgrade.

 

[fuzzymarindave]

That’s good to know. I’m not surprised the HDX Pro is heavier. They’d entice me more if I was ultralight running and gunning without a tripod, but with as much time as I spend glassing I think I’d rather put the weight into higher quality glass.

Back in the day I was always moving so when I retired a few years ago I went with lightweight Kowa 8x33. They do offer superb vision, steady, view when standing; in a very light package. Fast forward a couple years and I found I’m often with a guide and will have a tripod to rest the binos onto. With my changes, I’ve started using a bigger bino, GPO 10x42 with built in range finder. If I was backpacking the Kowa would likely get the nod.

 

[rootacres]

I was on a similar path to you. Worked my way up from some red fields to viper hds. From the vipers I went Fury’s, which I believe to be basically the same glass but with the rangefinder. Since then I’ve upgraded into Leica and El Range binos. If you can swing it, I would try to snag some used Geovids or El Range. You won’t be disappointed in the glass. Just prepare yourself because once you have alpha glass you won’t be able to go back.

 

[MichiganMan25]

Razor UHD: Legit Alpha Class binocular, easily, no matter what the nay sayers say. Had a pair for a couple years and never wanted for more optical performance. Sold because I suffer from GAD (gear acquisition disorder) and love trying gear.

Razor HD: step up from your vipers, and can be had on Sierra right now for like $650 shipped. Though that step is admittedly very small.

Maven C1: not sure why people are saying they’re a downgrade from the vipers, but having owned a pair for a few years in the past that isn’t the case. They’re a little sharper and clearer than the vipers with superior color fidelity and pop, but have a narrower field of view. Optical performance is closer to that of the Razor HD (but still with better color through the mavens), except for their narrow FOV.

Maven B2: great optics, alpha class, the 9x is the darling of that line. Maven is having a March madness sale right now and you can get the B2’s for $850 in a bundle with a bunch of other goodies. Worth the price of admission. But be warned, they’re large and heavy, and if you’re sensitive to the field flatteners in binos the B2’s get rolling ball bad. They made me sea sick and gave me a headache while panning, which is why I sold mine. But stationary on a tripod they were unreal.

I would recommend you add the Maven B1.2 to your list if you want an 8x bino. Very compact and great FOV, and lots of guys on here love them. If you are interested in a 10x50 again, the Maven B6 is a fantastic optic that is physically the size of 95% of the x42 binos on the market today. The B6 and B1.2 are the Goldilocks options from maven currently, though that deal on the B2 they’re running is awesome, assuming the field flattener doesn’t mess with you.

Can you explain to me what the "field flatteners" are? I've noticed my binos tend to give me a headache/make me dizzy after glassing a little while. Maybe that's what I've got going on? My binos are Athlon Cronus G2s 10x42. I'm considering a new pair before this upcoming season. I'd really like a new pair, that's why I'm going through reading a bunch of old posts lol

 

[satchamo]

Can you explain to me what the "field flatteners" are? I've noticed my binos tend to give me a headache/make me dizzy after glassing a little while. Maybe that's what I've got going on? My binos are Athlon Cronus G2s 10x42. I'm considering a new pair before this upcoming season. I'd really like a new pair, that's why I'm going through reading a bunch of old posts lol

 

[robertmpalmquist]

I went fron10x42 vipers to 10x42 swaro el. The glass isn’t comparable. And my hunting partner has 10x50 razor uhd. I can see clearer earlier and longer than he can. We swap binos and both agree. Both off tripods looking for mule deer. You can find used ones here in the 1400-1600 range. Save up and get them. They’re worth every penny.

 

[millerjosh1008]

I’ve really like my vortex razor hd 10x42’s. Super clear and crisp and work well in low light. I find the 10’s to be good for a one size fits all situation. I’m not sure how much better the UHD is over the HD. A buddy let me try his Zulu 6 on our last hunt and I’m a big fan of the stabilization on those but the glass didn’t seem as good as my razors.

 

[Firehawk]

I assumed that might be the case. Just thought I'd throw them in there and see what people thought.

I don't agree with that at all. I know this is an older post, but to my eyes, the Maven C1 8x42 we have bested the Viper 8x42 I had. The Mavens were sharper and clearer and great to the edge. The only thing that they didn't beat on the Viper was the Field of View. The Maven C1 is a bit narrower compared to the Viper I owned. It was a noticable difference in the FOV. If you are ok with that difference, the optics were superior to the Viper by my eyes and to each who compared them side by side in our group. Some even suggested that the C1 glass was similar to the Razor HD line.

I loved my Maven B2 9x45. The B2 is a big improvement over the C1, but also at more than double the price. My B2 was a terrific tool that I used for 6 years before I sold them. Only reason I sold them is because I got such a killer deal on a used Swarovski EL8.5x42. The EL is better, but they were very similar optically. I got along fine with the "form factor" on the B2, but to some they are too big. The Swaro EL is definitely trimmer and lighter. Optically alot closer than one would think in my opinion.

Anyway, I just wanted to "stick up" for my little Maven C1 bino. It is the bino that my kids use when they come along.

FH

 

[UncleDim]

After some deliberation, I've narrowed down my options to the 8x42 or 10x50 Razor UHDs. My deal with Vortex makes it something I can't pass on as much as I'd like some Swaros. Any firsthand experience with either of these optics or thoughts?

Im 64 now ,i carried 10x Swarovski EL's for the last 12 years , great binoculars. Ive always carried a heavy monopod to use as a shooting stick and as a stabilizer for my binoculars. Last year i sold my EL'S to my nephew, ive permanently switched to 8x42 binoculars. Can easily handhold ,wider FOV, longer eyerelief. I live in New Mexico, so big country. Ive never been a hunter that can sit and glass for any length of time. I would've be surprised if ive ever glassed for more than 30 minutes at a time. As i enter each canyon ill glass maybe 15 minutes then move on. I have always found that that works for me. Im probably 90% success ratio. .Most of my country the animals are pretty scattered, many times when ive moved after glassing, ill jump animals on the same side of the canyon im on. In that case ,you could glass along time to no avail. That said that now if i were to spot anything over 2 or 3 miles away. I cant get there for along time. Im too old to haul an animal that far away anymore. You guys enjoy your youth and make some good memories, main thing ,,,have fun.

 

[Gaspowered]

I vote for Swarovski (new or used) SLC's, EL's or NL's.
In my opinion, their warranty and service is second to none.

Cheers