Help picking Binoculars

[Tiny Tim]

Looking to purchase some new binoculars for western hunting. I believe I have narrowed it down to 8x42, 10x42, or 10x50. Looking at Swarovsky, Leica, and other European glass. Not tied to a particular brand. Looking for something to wear in a chest harness and compliment my 85mm Razor spotter. I'm leaning toward the 10x42 as they are slightly smaller and lighter. I figure they could be used initially at a new spot and as I travel, even using on a tripod with a qd to quickly switch to the spotter. Is there a decided advantage to a larger objective or lower power given my stated usage.

Also in the Swarovsky line, is the upgrade to the NL Pure worth it? Have heard many prefer the SLC over the EL due to "rolling" around the edges when panning?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Rick Richard]

10X42 is probably the most popular size for open terrain such as in western states. I have the upper end Meoptas that I have been using for several years and like them a lot. Anyway, good luck with your choice.

 

[HuntnPack]

I'd recommend Leica Binoculars.
Might even consider they're Geovid Pros.
Really like my Geovid's
The Pros have onboard solver good out to 1000 yds. & If you want you can add AB Elite solver that is good to as far as the pros can range.

 

[Tiny Tim]

I'd recommend Leica Binoculars.
Might even consider they're Geovid Pros.

They have been on my radar.

 

[bassassassin104]

Do you already have a range finder that you like?

 

[Tiny Tim]

10X42 is probably the most popular size for open terrain such as in western states. I have the upper end Meoptas that I have been using for several years and like them a lot. Anyway, good luck with your choice.

Seen alot of great reviews on the meopta Binoculars as well. Oh, the agony of first world decisions. Lol

 

[Tiny Tim]

Do you already have a range finder that you like?

Currently using a Leica 1600

 

[Rockin90]

I have the EL 10x42 and absolutely love them. I have had them for about 15 years. Only reason I am thinking about something else is to combine a rangefinder with binoculars.

 

[L2land]

Buy the best that you can and you won't have regrets. Size and weight being the only benefit of smaller binos for glassing over long distances it comes down to how much you want to carry. The rangefinding binoculars available now are an amazing tool and depending on how you hunt you may not need the monocular RF. Swarovski and Leica are fantastic if you can. There's a lot of other brands that are close for much less. Close.

 

[30378wbymag]

Swaro EL 10x42, I've had mine for over 20 years and they still amaze me!

 

[dfanonymous]

I have the 10x50 razor UHDs. I've heard that they are comparable to the swaro SLC's.

I really like the 50mm's larger FOV, and I can pretty much see at night with them, given some type of ambient light existing. I like it since I usually pack up a bivy camp before first light and make movement, often I catch some early morning activity.

 

[Tiny Tim]

Buy the best that you can and you won't have regrets. Size and weight being the only benefit of smaller binos for glassing over long distances it comes down to how much you want to carry. The rangefinding binoculars available now are an amazing tool and depending on how you hunt you may not need the monocular RF. Swarovski and Leica are fantastic if you can. There's a lot of other brands that are close for much less. Close.

The combo units are definitely tempting but I'm old school and have a hard time overcoming the idea that if it breaks on a hunt, your completely out of commission (2 is one,1 is none mentality), and the idea that something is sacrificed in putting it all under one roof. What do i give up in glass quality compared to equivalent binos without electronics? I try to be open minded, but it's difficult at times and other than on line, I don't have alot of friends with these types of equipment to play with.

 

[adk hunter]

For what you described I can't think of a better use for the 10x32 NL Pures. Smaller than some of those listed, phenomenal glass and field of view!

 

[Allen Kitts]

I have both the Leica and the Swarovski. 10 x 42's are perfect for Western hunting. Either of these manufacturers will not let you down. My suggestion would be to go to your LGS and look through each outside, not in the store. Every bodies eyes are different and you may like one more than the other. I have a paid of older Leica Geovids with the rangefinder n them and I keep going back to them. I also have the Swarovski 10 x 42 EL Rangefinding and I think I still see better through the Leica's so get out and try them before you buy. Good Luck