• If you are being asked to change your password, and unsure how to do it, follow these instructions. Click here

15 power binoculars

Ray, I have 2 friends with the Vortex 15X. They really like them, but for extended use they both have tripods for them.
 
I actually have my razor's and love them .. But going out west now I'm being told 15power is a must and slc swaros are the standard but **** they run up there
 
15x is not necessary but the Vortex Kaibab and the Minox 15x56 are both awesome and can be found for under $1k. Call Cameralandny and ask if they have any open box units they can sell you.
 
I cant speak for the Vortex as ive never looked thru them. But i own a set of the
Minox in the older 15x58 version. Weve conducted side by side testing of the 15x Leicas, the 15x Swaros, and the Minox on the same day pointed at the same objects from our nc pa camp yard.
If your a nit picker and want to include an overall evaluation of things other than viewing, you might be inclined to spend the extra cash. Otherwise you will be buying the Minox because of the major cost difference.
As for the tripod, for extended glassing sessions (all) binnocs should be tripod mounted.
If you dont agree time yourself holding up your glasses. When your arms drop your no longer hunting.
And, your not hunting as well even before that happens.
Anybody can spot an animal standing in an open area. But seeing an ear or part of a rump requires a different technique.
Frankly, for those who spend hours glassing, there are better options than the good
15x glasses.
 
The Minox my buddy has are kind of weird because in bright daylight we both agree that my Kaibabs are better by quite a bit but when it starts to darken up things change. For some reason his "darker" binos from the day will not seem to not lose hardly any brightness as the sun sets and go neck and neck with the Kaibabs. The Minox may actually be more comfortable to glass with (at least short sessions) and are fantastic glass for the money. His were under $550 from Cameralandny so you should try and get them down to that price again.
 
The Minox my buddy has are kind of weird because in bright daylight we both agree that my Kaibabs are better by quite a bit but when it starts to darken up things change. For some reason his "darker" binos from the day will not seem to not lose hardly any brightness as the sun sets and go neck and neck with the Kaibabs. The Minox may actually be more comfortable to glass with (at least short sessions) and are fantastic glass for the money. His were under $550 from Cameralandny so you should try and get them down to that price again.

Better as for brightness or better for resolution as in seeing small detail better?
In our 3 glass test, all agreed the Leica was brighter than both the others.
But all also agreed the resolution was no better.
 
Better as for brightness or better for resolution as in seeing small detail better?
In our 3 glass test, all agreed the Leica was brighter than both the others.
But all also agreed the resolution was no better.

I think the vortex still has slightly better resolution in all lighting but the brightness in the Minox gets better as it gets darker. It's almost like the lenses have transition lenses that darken up during the day and brighten up as it gets dark. I know it sounds stupid/impossible but it is crazy to watch my Vortex "darken" up to match his Minox as the light fades.
 
If i were starting out to buy a larger set of glasses strictly for tripod glassing, id opt
for 15x. That said there wont be night and day difference between 12x and 15x.
15x is an easy power to use for extended glassing. It is as a rule clearer than higher
powers especially when mirage is higher. Enough power for finding game, but not
always enough to fully identify antler quality. If your going to be carrying a spotting
scope for that purpose, then i see no real need for the 15x. 10 or 12x would do well also especially if the distances arent extremly long.
For about 50 years long range hunters in PA have been using twin spotters in adjustable brackets. Eyepieces are changable to about any power you need. They cant be compared with anything else for the use were talking about here. Unless of
coarse you need to have them hanging from your neck.
 
I have Leica 12x and the Swarovski 15x. If I am going lite I prefer the Leica 12x50 ultravid. Lighter and I can hand hold for longer periods so I don't need t carry a second set for stocking. 15x is a must use with a tripod. All in You can't beat the 15x Swarovski for quality and clarity. Price wise look for a good used set, staring through all day you won't beat the big three, Swarovsk, Leica and Ziess no matter how much you may convince yourself.
 
Warning! This thread is more than 10 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top