To image stabilize or not?

TruckMonkey

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 26, 2016
Messages
177
I bought some Sig Zulu6 HD 18x50s and they didn’t power on out of the box. I never got to try a working pair as I returned them and Sig couldn’t get me a pair in time for my hunt this year. The lack of customer service (or ability to get me a pair in 12 days) through one of the online retailers and the fact the power was an issue day one has me questioning this route.

I am tempted to get some Vortex 18x56s and upgrade my tripod. The lifetime warranty and lack of electronics to fail has me leaning this route.

So for those who have done both- to image stabilize or not? If you haven’t done both in the field I am not particularly interested in your opinion… no offense. Just wondering if electronics aren’t worth it and if I’ll want a tripod anyways even with IS binos?
 

LostWapiti

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 9, 2023
Messages
281
Location
NV
I am using the 10x image stabilized binos and have loved them this year but will be leaving them at home for my last hunt. They truly are incredible and I spotted a lot of game this year with them but the small FOV and lack of rangefinder are a big trade off. Once then can give a better FOV to stabilized binos then I will be all in. I carried a second pair of binos all year for putting on a tripod which are the 12x42 NL Pure, which will never be left behind although I can’t handhold them for shit.

If I was you I’d suggest passing on the stabilized binos for now and get quality glass for putting on a tripod. Do you have a good lower power Bino yet? That should be your first priority.
 

hereinaz

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
Dec 21, 2016
Messages
3,244
Location
Arizona
I had the 16x sig, very cool and image stabilized is good for some hunts where you want to scan quick. I sold mine. I hoped they would work, but not for AZ glassing.

Nothing beats the 15x Swaro, but the 18 Vortex UHD are close.
 

Bugger

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 24, 2024
Messages
134
I have the 16’s. I found that IS is amazing, but the reduced FOV and image quality make it a loser at traditional high power bino range. I think they fit better in the role that most people wish their non-stabilized 12’s could do, tearing up mid-range brush and treelines without a tripod.
 

swavescatter

Pain in the butt!
Joined
Apr 3, 2021
Messages
1,226

Stay away from new HDX Pros.
 

LostWapiti

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 9, 2023
Messages
281
Location
NV
I don’t understand why they don’t have an 8x stabilized yet. Would be so good for tearing up areas quick without a tripod. I do love how quickly the stabilized allows me to scan an area. The lack of FOV just kills me on the 10s.
 
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