Swarovski-12x42 or 12x50’s
Equipment
Seems like quite a few have been switching to the NL 42’s from their 50’s…Seems to be the consensus, at least on CWT! Been watching the classifieds hoping to snag some 50’s!
Neither. Unless you're just looking at/for animals from 3-6 miles 1+ miles from the truck. 8s in the woods/slightly open country or 10s in open country and with a spotter if you're judging. Otherwise, go with 10s hunting and 15s on a tripod if you want something to hunt with and something to do some searching with. I've found sheep at 6 miles with 10x42, although it was Dall on a sunlit hillside in August... still, sitting and resting my elbows on my knees. 12s aren't worth the weight and not powerful enough if you're at/close to the truck.
By the time you can see them that far, the sun/heat screws it up for 12s to be of any benefit and if you're close to the truck, you might as well use 15s. Also, I haven't used 12s (disclaimer), but I imagine they're too big for under 1 mile as animals eat, eat, eat and occasionally move if they're not sitting. If they're within hunting range, you can see them with 8s most likely and definitely with 10s.
Ike sent you a PM. My 12x50’s are listed for $2100 shipped.
Do the math. If you only want them for bright sun, they should be great. But the exit pupil on the 12x50s are Going to do better for low light.
42 divided by 12 = 3.5
50 divided by 12 = 4.17
Had some ELs in 10x32. In the daylight they were head and shoulders better than cheaper binocs. But at dusk, you just can’t defy physics.
Didn’t know they made a 12x42
They do at least in the PURE
https://www.monstermuleys.info/xf/threads/swarovski-nl-pure-12x42-new-in-box.197378/
But I have tried them side by side with ELs and can’t tell enough difference to justify the price.
I would say Ike is spot on. I personally consider 12x kinda the unwanted middle child. trying to be more than it should be a less than it could be.
For freehand/knees/general use I think 10x is the sweet spot for most people. If you are needing more power, won’t mind the weight, and have a tripod then 15x is where it’s at. 12x just doesn’t fit in my playbook.
—Jim
My guide buddy spends 320 days a year in the woods much of that behind his 12x50s and the BTX/95mm in big open country. He loves the 12x50 swaros…their best in his opinion and he has used everything. His success hinges On scouting and seeing everything.
I’ve played with his 12s, amazing but there is a qualifier. They are bigger, heavier, and harder to hand hold. They are a tweener for me. I like 8x and 10x….and 15x on a tripod.
I think many get these because of “ They are the best” forum comments…but they are probably too much glass for the avg guy.
For you guys that are saying 12’s are “bulky/too big/too heavy”, you have not handled 12x42 NL Pures. They are amazing for Western hunting. Light for what they are and an ergonomic dream.
I will add, someone stole mine out of my truck last week, so some low life is gonna find out how great they are…:(
You may have been better off if he had stolen the truck and left the pures on
They would be for a Tripod Mount, not hand carried have 8’s and 10’s already…Just curious!
Might as well get the 15x56 if u are going to use them with tripod
Ike, Ive used the 12x50 swaro on a tripod side by side with my 15x meoptas. ( ive also compared the swaro 15s to these, a dead heat, IMO)
The 12s are notice- ably brighter…and possibly a little bit crisper out on the edges probably due to being brighter……but then you notice the extra power of the 15s.
My buddy has the new Razor 18x and Im itching to compare the two. He says they are much better than his Kaibabs.
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I think you might find either one difficult to use. The 12x magnification would be really hard to hold steady without a support. I have some 10x42 Zeiss and I think that's about the limit for hand held that aren't image stabilized. TMBB
I had 10x42 ELs and picked up the 12x42 NL Pures not expecting much of a difference. Wrong! They are the ultimate. I can see more detail with the than the 65 ATX. They are awesome.
I just spent 10 days on Kodiak with the NLs and the 65 ATX. I am sure they are THE best binocular made. Very impressive. I was able to identify my very specific desert sheep at 2.25 miles with my 12 NL Pures last December. They have a very special place in my heart.
But how do they function at first and last light? The question to me is are the 12x50s noticeably brighter in low light. When you might catch an animal just before he beds or gets to the timber. I just can’t see how a 3.5 mm exit pupil would do well in low light
There is a reason that the norm is 12x50
I'm with Shrewski. I replaced my 10x42 EL's with the 12x42 NL Pure and love them. Used them two weeks straight in British Columbia for sheep and caribou, both with and without a tripod, zero issues. I debated about doing the 10x42 NL Pure, but so glad I went with the 12's . Perfect size and magnification for OUT WEST (not whitetails/treestands). Light and super ergonomic, easy to hold and carry. I do a lot of glassing with 15's on a tripod and I could easily see myself using the 12's only a lot of days. I think the 12's hit the 'sweet spot'.
Any more thoughts on 12 vs 10 on the NL Pures
Any more thoughts on 12 vs 10 on the NL Pures
