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This is one of those threads where I’m sorta of thinking out loud, and asking strangers to listen. Pardon me for the indecision’s was that follow.
I bought 12x56 Maven B4 binos. Got them today.
I’ve always carried Nikon 8x42’s in the past...everywhere.
Intended use: Glassing desert conditions yearly for coues and mulies.
I wonder if I should have gotten 10x42’s, though, and saved some on the weight and size.
I don’t have spaces like in AZ to try them out on actual game, mind you.
I’m going to have my Maven spotter too, mind you.
Price difference is not an issue. I’m just curious if I’d be better off to get 10x42’s and save some weight and be more compact.
Maybe I’m just going to buy 10x42’s too. Sigh...
Maven makes an 11x45, and I wonder if that would be a fine middle ground, or would you pay $50 more to just get the extra glass of the 12x56.
Ugh.
Thanks for listening.
This is just one man's opinion, but I feel like a 12x56 bino and a spotter is a lot of optics to be carting around if you're backpacking or hiking any distance. If you're just glassing from at/near the truck, it's not a big concern.
You also may have a tough time freehanding the 12x56 and therefore want them on a tripod. It's not a huge deal to switch back and forth between spotter and binos on the tripod if you have QR plates, but still a bit of a hassle.
I personally like to freehand 10x42s along with spotter/tripod combo when something needs further investigation. But you might find that the 12x56s give you everything you need in one package and you don't always need the spotter.
Thanks, Tyler
I'm thinking that could be the case; I don't need the spotter so much with the 12x56. I've been doing good finding coues with my 8x42 cheap Nikon set off tripod already, but can't tell past 400yds if it's a buck I really wanna go for.
Binos would be on tripod for over %90 of the glassing.
I’d second what Tyler said
Panther. Carry what you want when you are young. As the years catch up with you only carry what you need. You are making this harder than it needs to be.
I think ideal situation would be small pair of 8x42 on your neck for the stalk and moving in. 15x56 on a tripod for the initial glassing session to locate the buck.
If you cant see past 400 yards good enough to tell what you're looking at you're missing a lot.
My 8x42's won't allow me to tell if a buck is 80" or 100" from downrange. Between 400-500 yards I can't tell what tine length is and if he has eye guards, etc.
I'm thinking and that's making things too hard, for sure. Ha!
Thanks for the opinions, fellas.
I'd run the 12x56 on a tripod and leave the spotter in the truck. Just my opinion.
I like 10x32, smaller, lighter but good magnification. Have used them, Swarovski EL for 15 or so years. Last pair of binocs I’ll ever buy. You may prefer something else.
I just ordered the Maven 11x45's with the same "middle ground" thinking. I was able to compare the 10x42's and 11x45's side by side. Both were very nice. I liked the little bit of extra power with the 11x45's which will be nice if using a tripod but I was still able to hold them steady enough to use them free hand as well. I did really like the size of the 10x42's but I didn't feel the 11's were too big either.
I feel like the 10x42 is the gold standard as far as all around use. UNLESS a person does 95% of their hunting inside of timber. So, for one, I would make sure I have a good pair of 10x42's.
Use that pair of 10x42's for a year, and if you find they are insufficient for what you need as far as downrange ability, decide what you'd like to add according to the needs you felt unfulfilled. Also keep in mind that that same pair of 10x42's will get you more "visual info" so to speak when used from a tripod.
If I was in your shoes I would liquidate my optics, unless I can't get a good price for something, start with a quality pair of 10x42's, add a tripod for long glassing sessions, and go from there.
Again, just one guy's opinion.
I run 12x50 binos all the time. I can hand hold them but they are also really great off a tripod.
If I’m deer hunting or sheep or something I’ll carry a spotter for close up looks. But for elk I just carry the binos.
I’m gonna exchange the 12x56 for the 11x45, and see how things go from there.
Thanks for all the advice, gentlemen!
I carried the 12x50's for years. With a small spotter that sometimes went and sometimes didn't. I went to 15x56's now and I will never not & will never "carry" a spotter again. They're big yes but they're badass! I might have a spotter at the truck or on my mule possibly but I won't carry it far because i can see most anything I need to with the bino's. I personally have no problem glassing with them without a tripod.
Always check prices at camera land of new york,they usually beat anyone I can find on binos and cameras
10x42 el. Be done with it.
I've been at it with Coues for a rather long time and my recommendations are a 15x56 with a 2x doubler and tripod for locating distant deer and a good 10x42 for closer viewing and during the stalk.
I use 10x32 exclusively for all my hunting, and I hunt thick woods to mountains. OP, of the choices you asked about, I’d get 10x42.
I’m with AZ-Rich. My 15’s with tripod in the backpack and 10x42 on my chest. Sure, it’s a bit of weight, but when it comes to Coues, big glass is almost a must. My spotter stays in the truck, sometimes it doesn’t even leave my house. Lol
Leica 10x42... The last set you will buy...