I am looking to buy a set of binoculars for mule deer hunting in southern Colorado. I have been using a set of 10x42 nikon monarchs but mostly because that is what I have used to whitetail hunt in Missouri with. I will be using these new binos on a vanguard Alta series tripod. My Budget is tight and I do not want to spend over 400 dollars. The two best options I have found are Vortex diamondback 12x50 (I can get them on ebay for around $200.00). Other option is to buy a set of vortex Vulture HD 15x56 (Usually bought for around $375.00). I have yet to find a set of the 12x50 viper HD in my price range but the moment I do I would Snatch them up. Is there a different bino I should look for? What pair would you buy and why?
VORTEX BINO info needed
- Thread starter TN911
- Start date
JimP
Administrator
What type of area are you going to be hunting? Is is in the high country were you will be glassing a thousand yards or lower in the timber were it will just be across canyons?
I have been using a pair of 10x42 Leopold's for over 20 years an just 2 years ago upgraded to some Sawaro 10x42's and the only time that I wished that I had a higher power was when I was coues deer hunting in southern Arizona. I'd personally just keep using your Nikon's until I could afford a real good pair of binoculars.
I have been using a pair of 10x42 Leopold's for over 20 years an just 2 years ago upgraded to some Sawaro 10x42's and the only time that I wished that I had a higher power was when I was coues deer hunting in southern Arizona. I'd personally just keep using your Nikon's until I could afford a real good pair of binoculars.
I will be glassing anything under 800 yards with my nikons, the areas I will be in should present opportunity to glass up to 2,000 yards. I will basically be replacing my cheap spotting scope with this pair of binoculars on the tripod. I enjoy looking through binos much more than trying to glass out of a monocular. I understand the thoughts of waiting to buy a more expensive pair but to be honest I only hunt out west for 1 trip a year and only get to scout one time during the summer. The $2500 spent on good glass would not be a priority for me in the near future.
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
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I would try to make the most out of that one time a year and have good glass if thats the technique I was using.
I'm dropping the cash on the 15X56 swaros soon. If they help me spot 10% more deer over the rest of my life they will be worth every penny.
Vortex has a great warranty. I have never looked through they 15X56 though.
I'm dropping the cash on the 15X56 swaros soon. If they help me spot 10% more deer over the rest of my life they will be worth every penny.
Vortex has a great warranty. I have never looked through they 15X56 though.
JimP
Administrator
If you don't mind buying a refurbished one and they have what you want in stock check out this site. The Vortex still carry the full factory warranty and they are cheaper than brand new.
http://aaoptics.com/
http://aaoptics.com/
holy crap that website is awesome! Thanks! I think I will be going with the viper hd 12x50
hunter25
Very Active Member
I use vortex viper 15x50 for nearly everything now. When within a couple hundred yards. Love them.
I also use Leupold Mojave 10x42 for closer work
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I also use Leupold Mojave 10x42 for closer work
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hunter25
Very Active Member
Catahoula12
Very Active Member
I’d keep using the Monarchs. I have been using my Nikon Monarch 7s 8x42. They work well for me here in Colorado for deer and elk hunting. I have a Vortex Viper HD 20-60x80. It works very well for spotting deer and elk at very long distances but certainly not for me to tell a 5 point bull from a 6 point bull. Good luck with your glass shopping...
Thank you, i am actually in on an ebay auction right now trying to get a pair. I will find out this afternoon. I have heard alot of good reviews on the vultures too.
Wyoming Hart
Very Active Member
I have the Vortex Diamondback 10X50's. I love them. Have used them for antelope, mule deer, and elk hunting in Wyoming as well as all the time in the woods of Pennsylvania for deer. Great piece of glass for the price.
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Thanks for all the replies, after doing alot of shopping, hearing what everyone here had to say, and talking with vortex optics salesman, i was able to purchase a set of new vulture HDs 15x56 off of ebay for $380.00! Now just have to wait to get them.. lol