gobears870
Lil-Rokslider
I've seen similar discussions/debates in other forums, but I think I have a little different angle to this. I have a decent pair of Leupold BX-2 10x42. They've been great for hunting in timber and some medium range work with elk the past few years. However, I am planning on a mule deer tag next year, and have points built up in other states to start using over the next few years, and am considering stepping up in optics.
I'm leaning towards a good ($800-1000) set of 12x50s that would be a nice improvement from my current setup. The only hesitation I have is I wonder if 12x50s would be too much glass for an all-around, do-all set like the 10x42s. Of course, I could just run my current pair when I'm heading into the timber and swap them out for the 12s when I have some more serious glassing to do. However, just one nicer pair of 10x42s sounds appealing as well.
One caveat to this, before someone asks, is I do not have a spotter nor do I plan to buy one. However, if I get a tag for a place that I'll really need one, I'll probably rent something high end. Buying one is just not worth the cost to me for something I'll use for 7 days every 3-4 years.
I'm leaning towards a good ($800-1000) set of 12x50s that would be a nice improvement from my current setup. The only hesitation I have is I wonder if 12x50s would be too much glass for an all-around, do-all set like the 10x42s. Of course, I could just run my current pair when I'm heading into the timber and swap them out for the 12s when I have some more serious glassing to do. However, just one nicer pair of 10x42s sounds appealing as well.
One caveat to this, before someone asks, is I do not have a spotter nor do I plan to buy one. However, if I get a tag for a place that I'll really need one, I'll probably rent something high end. Buying one is just not worth the cost to me for something I'll use for 7 days every 3-4 years.