adding mid-range 12x to 15x bino: good plan?

[DawnPatrol]

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!

 

[Hoghead]

...

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Hoodie]

If you only wanted to put the funds into one bino, there isn't much a good 10x42 won't cover. Especially paired with a spotter.

That said, I've heard really good things about the Toric. I'm tempted to try the 12.5x50 myself. I used the 12x50 Meostar last year and I've seen several people say the Toric is right there with them. If that's true then they are a steal at $750. The BX-4 seems to be pretty well regarded too.

I believe the Bushnell Forge 15x56 is also in your price range. Used Vortex Kaibab probably would be as well.

 

[coloradocelt]

Love my 15x50 vortex vipers, better sized same as 12x50. Not currently made , but available on used side. Plus vortex VIP warranty is awesome.

 

[Rstien321]

I added a set of 15x binos last year (Leupold BX-5 15x56). They were my go to glass mule deer and antelope hunting in Wyoming. I found a rarely needed a spotter unless I was truly sizing up an animal.

Im debating if I go 8x32 for chest binos vs 10x42 this year with the 15x in the mix.

 

[Buck197]

I saw last night the sig sauer zulu 5, 12x42 are on a blowout price on Midway right now, saw a couple of reviews on here that said it's pretty good glass,, looks like they normally go for around 550 marked down to 255 right now on Midway.