Opinions-> Swaro 12x NL Pure vs 15x SLC

[El_Bandito_Blanquito]

-Cross Posted since I didn't get any comments in the optics section-

Hey guys, looking for your opinions on a bino splurge I'm about to make on either the 12x NL Pures or the 15x SLC, and I can't make up my dang mind. I'm aware of the FOV differences but I'd like additional options on for and against...

I'm an Idaho hunter who will be pretty much exclusively out west. I will basically always have a tripod with me for my 25-50x spotter. I may bow hunt on occasion, to the extent that that is a factor. I'm not wild about the $700 difference but I feel strongly about having great glass out here and want a pair that I'll be happy with for a long time.

appreciate any thoughts/opinions you guys might have on these binos; thanks!

 

[340Wby-4-everything]

Don't know much about the 12x, but can tell you carrying the 15x slc's is like having a spotting scope around your neck

 

[El_Bandito_Blanquito]

Don't know much about the 12x, but can tell you carrying the 15x slc's is like having a spotting scope around your neck

Is that a good thing if I'll already be carrying a spotter?

 

[Ckleeves]

With 15's you almost have to have a pair of 8's or 10's too. They aren't really "do all" glass. Awesome off a tripod but free handing them at closer ranges is far from ideal.

12's can do it all pretty well. They aren't a cinder block around your neck like 15's and you can free hand them decently. That being said for dedicated tripod glassing I do miss the extra 3x of 15's.

If I was going to have one pair of top tier binos to do everything it would probably be 10x42's with the 12's a close second. I can't imagine 15's being many peoples primary glass unless they do nothing but Coues hunt.

 

[fightthenoise]

15's are amazing but you will have to have something of lesser mag to compliment them. I run 15 SLC's in the pack, 10x Zeiss RF's on the chest. No spotter. There is no scenario where the 15's could be my main/only pair

 

[El_Bandito_Blanquito]

With 15's you almost have to have a pair of 8's or 10's too. They aren't really "do all" glass. Awesome off a tripod but free handing them at closer ranges is far from ideal.

12's can do it all pretty well. They aren't a cinder block around your neck like 15's and you can free hand them decently. That being said for dedicated tripod glassing I do miss the extra 3x of 15's.

If I was going to have one pair of top tier binos to do everything it would probably be 10x42's with the 12's a close second. I can't imagine 15's being many peoples primary glass unless they do nothing but Coues hunt.

That's a great point-I will sometimes have the lady with me so we could run different mag powers but I'd say most of the time I'll be on my own or with kids. It may make the most sense to spend the stupid money on one do-it-all pair because I'm definitely not about having 2 pairs of binos plus a spotter on most hunts.

 

[El_Bandito_Blanquito]

15's are amazing but you will have to have something of lesser mag to compliment them. I run 15 SLC's in the pack, 10x Zeiss RF's on the chest. No spotter. There is no scenario where the 15's could be my main/only pair

That's good to know-that would've been my plan-to just run the 15s and have a tripod. But I'm glad you chimed in, because that may weigh against the decision.

 

[500000KV]

Run 10x42's on your chest and get out spotter tripod once you have a spot to sit and watch for awhile.

 

[sp6x6]

I carried 10x42 els for years,but my front carry rifle in grizz country banged on them.I went to 10x32el,still run that last dozen years.Have 15x vortex for antelope,pack and light tripod,but they are 28oz.the lightest 15x,good glass for the $.

 

[El_Bandito_Blanquito]

Would

I carried 10x42 els for years,but my front carry rifle in grizz country banged on them.I went to 10x32el,still run that last dozen years.Have 15x vortex for antelope,pack and light tripod,but they are 28oz.the lightest 15x,good glass for the $.

would you ever run just 15s?

 

[Ckleeves]

The increased FOV on the NL's would make the 12's pretty tempting for a do all even over 10's. I'm not sure because I haven't had a chance to try the NL's side by side vs the EL. My only concern would be the smaller exit pupil on the 12 NL's vs the 10x42 NL or the 12x50 EL.

 

[El_Bandito_Blanquito]

The increased FOV on the NL's would make the 12's pretty tempting for a do all even over 10's. I'm not sure because I haven't had a chance to try the NL's side by side vs the EL. My only concern would be the smaller exit pupil on the 12 NL's vs the 10x42 NL or the 12x50 EL.

I think that's right; and that seems to be the consensus on the payoff/downside of the NL vs EL debate. And maybe why they are basically still the same price

 

[sp6x6]

Yes wasnt very clear,run 15x vortex when i praire goat hunt,but they 28 oz.The glass is quite good,but all the top tier is 40+ oz and I carry around neck,actually off my pack shoulder straps,they are buckled too QD. I would not neck carry that,plus my rifle is front.

 

[El_Bandito_Blanquito]

Yes wasnt very clear,run 15x vortex when i praire goat hunt,but they 28 oz.The glass is quite good,but all the top tier is 40+ oz and I carry around neck,actually off my pack shoulder straps,they are buckled too QD. I would not neck carry that,plus my rifle is front.

Gotcha; good to know thanks man!