DawnPatrol
WKR
Looking for input/advice on my situation.
I've had the same pair of 10x42 Eagle Optics Ranger Platinums for probably 20 years. I hunt deer/elk/bear (and do a lot of birdwatching) mostly in western OR and the Cascades. A lot of pretty close work, often in timber, rarely glassing more than a few hundred yards. I've always loved these binos (I know they are mid-tier, at best). I also have a cheap 20-60X spotter, if I need higher magnification, but its not something to sit behind all day.
Last few years, I'm starting to hunt more open country. Also, I hooked my 10X42s to a tripod and WHOLLY COW what a game changer. In one respect, a huge improvement. But it also showed me the quite limited edge-to-edge clarity of my current binos. Left me wanting more.
This year and next, I should draw good bear, elk, and mule deer tags in eastern OR, and I'm considering buying a mid-range 12X to 15X bino for glassing from a tripod.
Are these higher-power, mid-tier bios going to be a significant upgrade from my current set-up when it comes to glassing all day in open country? Or should I just save up for the day (maybe 6-8 years from now) that I can hand down my Eagle Optics to my son and justify alpha or near-alpha glass in 10X42? I don't care about counting inches of antler (not disparaging anyone who does), I just care about not missing animals.
Here's what I'm considering in the $500-900 range (what am I missing?):
Tract Toric 12.5x50
Athlon Cronus UHD 15X56
Stiener HX 15x56
Vortex Vipers
Luepold BX4 12X50
Thanks in advance!
I've had the same pair of 10x42 Eagle Optics Ranger Platinums for probably 20 years. I hunt deer/elk/bear (and do a lot of birdwatching) mostly in western OR and the Cascades. A lot of pretty close work, often in timber, rarely glassing more than a few hundred yards. I've always loved these binos (I know they are mid-tier, at best). I also have a cheap 20-60X spotter, if I need higher magnification, but its not something to sit behind all day.
Last few years, I'm starting to hunt more open country. Also, I hooked my 10X42s to a tripod and WHOLLY COW what a game changer. In one respect, a huge improvement. But it also showed me the quite limited edge-to-edge clarity of my current binos. Left me wanting more.
This year and next, I should draw good bear, elk, and mule deer tags in eastern OR, and I'm considering buying a mid-range 12X to 15X bino for glassing from a tripod.
Are these higher-power, mid-tier bios going to be a significant upgrade from my current set-up when it comes to glassing all day in open country? Or should I just save up for the day (maybe 6-8 years from now) that I can hand down my Eagle Optics to my son and justify alpha or near-alpha glass in 10X42? I don't care about counting inches of antler (not disparaging anyone who does), I just care about not missing animals.
Here's what I'm considering in the $500-900 range (what am I missing?):
Tract Toric 12.5x50
Athlon Cronus UHD 15X56
Stiener HX 15x56
Vortex Vipers
Luepold BX4 12X50
Thanks in advance!