Upgrade to NL 14x52 OR 65mm ATX?

[shooter22]

Alright I know this has been discussed quite a bit, but I can’t seem to make up my mind. I’ve got some extra cash laying around and I’m either going to upgrade my binos or dive into the spotter world.

Currently I run a pair of 10x42 Sig KILO6k and they’ve been great, especially since I use to do a lot more long range shooting. Now I find myself grabbing my bow way more and ranging with those in bow distance has been unsuccessful for me.

That being said, I’ve got my eye on the 14x52 NL Pure as I’m a firm believer in buy once cry once and the clarity is insane. But the other part of me says to keep the Sigs and get the 65mm ATX. And I know the 14x might be over kill in some regions, but they are super attractive to me as a guy that spends a lot of time behind a microscope and just loves to pick stuff apart…

So let’s hear the pros and cons of each. My main use will be archery muleys in Colorado and all surrounding states. I’m also going to be going on my first sheep hunt either in Alberta this year or Montana next year. All my hunts are back pack style and I’ve already upgraded my pack, tripod, boots, and sleep gear.

I’m also considering the 12x42 NL Pures.

I know the spotter will be better for aging sheep but I’m banking on spending lots of time behind the binos (as I have a ton in the past) and that someone I go with has a spotter.

Appreciate any and all input ahead of time fellas!

 

[Carrot Farmer]

Preordered ST Balance spotter last week, for April delivery, at NW Hunt Expo!!! Can’t wait


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Steve O]

12x42 NL Pures are incredibly versatile. Then sell the Sigs and work on the spotter.

 

[shooter22]

12x42 NL Pures are incredibly versatile. Then sell the Sigs and work on the spotter.

So you’d vote the 12x42 over 14x52?

 

[bakyrd831]

I would also get the 12s

 

[Steve O]

So you’d vote the 12x42 over 14x52?

Yes. I have both. 12s can still be an all around user; I replaced my 10 ELs with them and have never had a regret. 14s are too much to use all on their own from my initial 10 days of Coues deer hunting in AZ a couple months ago. Best for tripod and pack with a lower power for the stalk.

 

[Mtys999]

Yes. I have both. 12s can still be an all around user; I replaced my 10 ELs with them and have never had a regret. 14s are too much to use all on their own from my initial 10 days of Coues deer hunting in AZ a couple months ago. Best for tripod and pack with a lower power for the stalk.

I’m considering some NLs myself. What power 8/10/12 would you recommend if I glass 60% handheld and 40% off the tripod? I’ve heard great things about the 12s but I’m concerned they’ll be too shaky in the hand. Although it sounds like the forehead rest might help mitigate.

 

[Steve O]

I’m considering some NLs myself. What power 8/10/12 would you recommend if I glass 60% handheld and 40% off the tripod? I’ve heard great things about the 12s but I’m concerned they’ll be too shaky in the hand. Although it sounds like the forehead rest might help mitigate.

I have no problem using the 12 NLs as all arounders. Now that I have the 14s I am toying with dropping back down to the 10s or even giving the 8s a try just because I never had any below 10s save compacts for strictly Midwest whitetail.

Really depends on the terrain you hunt most often. Bigger country would push me the higher power but I’m getting to be a geezer and like a little more power.

 

[shooter22]

I just picked up my 12s and wow they are incredible. Never seen such a clear piece of glass. Excited to try them out at a PRS match next week and hopefully this summer for scouting trips!

 

[Mtys999]

I just picked up my 12s and wow they are incredible. Never seen such a clear piece of glass. Excited to try them out at a PRS match next week and hopefully this summer for scouting trips!

Were you set on the 12s or also considering the 10s? I’m trying to decide between the two. What store did you end up buying from?

 

[shooter22]

Were you set on the 12s or also considering the 10s? I’m trying to decide between the two. What store did you end up buying from?

I was pretty set on the 12s. I've had 10x for ever and really just wanted someone with a bit more power, but the NLs are great. Very happy to continue testing them out!

 

[mighteywhitehunter]

I have the NL 10xs, 14xs, and the STX.... In my opinion the best optic for you depends on your hunting style. I use my 10s and 14s a lot locally because where I hunt in SoCal I just need to determine if a deer is a shooter or not.
If you are hunting in areas where you are constantly having to judge deer then I would use 10s or 12s and a spotter.
One thing I would say is look harder at a straight spotter, in my opinion It is significantly faster to get on target and judge a deer with a straight spotter than it is with an angled. When you are glassing with binos, you just slide em off and slide on the spotter, minimal adjustment needed.