Whitetail Bino

[Alex Genereux]

I am looking for some opinions on a new set of whitetail binos. I am hunting ag land/crp in Minnesota most areas are 1/2 x 1/2 mile quarters some are as big as a mile with trees and crp some farm land. I am looking at the vortex viper 10x42 or the Zulu 12 image stabilizing bino but open to others. Glass quality doesn’t have to be top quality as I am basically glassing edges of woods and crp but I am no glassing for long periods of time.

 

[nm.otter]

Don't rule out a decent pair of 8x, especially if you're planning on hand holding. They'll perform better in low light (for a given objective size and family) than a 10x, and pair perfectly with a tripod-mounted pair of 15/18x when/if you find the need to reach further.

 

[rookieforever33]

Ive got 10x42, 8x42, and 6x24s. Definitely prefer the 8s for a use much like yours. If the 6s had bigger objectives they would probably be my choice.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

As a long standing supporting vendor here it's always our pleasure to assist the members here. Please feel free to give us a call, 516-217-1000, so we can assist you personally with different available options and special opportunities .

 

[Huntingfarandwide]

I can recommend Leupolds 10x42 BX4.. I just got them on sale.

and believe it I have two pairs of Pentax 10x42 DCFs. One pair is at least 15 years old and I keep them in my work truck. The others are about 8 years old. Both still have zero problems with them and are used regularly.

 

[180ls1]

I am basically glassing edges of woods and crp but I am no glassing for long periods of time.

You'll be hard pressed to beat the stabilized ones for this use case. I'd lean towards the 16x since they have the same FOV as the 12x.

 

[hereinaz]

I like 8x for this purpose. Image stabilization is cool. Lots of good use cases. But in low light it’s better with good 8x/10x glass and field of view.

 

[KenLee]

Don't rule out a decent pair of 8x, especially if you're planning on hand holding. They'll perform better in low light (for a given objective size and family) than a 10x, and pair perfectly with a tripod-mounted pair of 15/18x when/if you find the need to reach further.

I love my 8x42 NL Pures for low light whitetail hunting. If you can shoot an hour after sunset, definitely pay up for great glass. If only til sunset or 30 minutes after, weigh your budget depending on how often you'll hunt. I wish I'd moved up to great glass much earlier, instead of 3 yrs ago.

 

[Moccasin]

If you don’t need a LRF built in, the Leica 7x42 UVHD+ are an older top shelf model with great optics and a huge FOV. Very compact for a x42. I’ve seen them go for 1/2 price in the classifieds here.

At a lower price point, there are some Kowa 6.5s on the classifieds currently. No affiliation.