Vortex 2X doubler?

[JP100]

Hey guys
has anyone tried/used the vortex 2x doubler that fits onto their binos?
I know it wont be as good as a spotter but as a light weight option for abit more magnification it seems like a good idea.
Any thoughts?
Cheers

 

[mallacootasmoothie]

I have one JP, I have used it on my razor hd 10x42.
As a cheaper lighter option it does what it claims but you loose light transmission and clarity when using it, So it's best used in the middle of the day not dawn or dusk.
I have just bought a spotter so am selling my doubler and am just across the ditch if you are looking to buy one. I'd take $90 +shipping for it.

 

[B_man]

JP I have an opticron 2.5x doubler here in chch. I went through a very similar thought process to you about 8 mouths ago. In the end I had to give it a try. Carrying around an extra 3kgs of spotting gear goes against my weight weenie mentality. Especially when it equates to 25% of my total kit on a 3 day trip.

To be honest Ive yet to make up my mind about it. I took it to Fiordland with me this year and it did enable us to tell a couple of times if a bull was a 10 or a 12 at long distance. You do loose substantial brightness though even with alpha glass. I think it is worthwhile during daylight hours but during the important dusk and dawn I'm not so sure. I made a coupling up for it so that I can use it on my scope too. This is probably the best way Ive found to use it as I have a quality scope to begin with and the combination with the rifle bipod gives it a rock solid viewing platform.

In the end I still may end up buying a compact spotter such as the razor hd 11-33 or opticron mm3.

To wrap up though I would say that it is useful but not 'great'. It is useful for those times that you spot an animal and you need a little more pop to fully make an assessment. As it is so light I can justify carrying it with me on my trips for the few times it is needed. But don't expect miracles.

Bman