Higher power binoculars for west coast glassing - yay/nay?

[brappinburro]

I’ve been looking at maybe getting a pair of 15x or 18x binoculars. I’m undecided if they’re of value in densely treed areas on the coast. I have a pair of Vortex Viper 10x42 in a chest pack so if I were to get anything with more power I would be mounting them to a tripod.
Most of the searching I’ve done has only lead me to threads about 8-12x binoculars. There doesn’t seem to be too many people using higher powers. Seems like the majority jump to a spotter (I’m not really interested in a spotter). I’m new to hunting and only looking to fill my freezer (just deer for now but hopefully elk and moose one day). I’m not looking for the perfect animal. I haven’t played with a spotter or higher powered binoculars but feel like the binoculars would be better to look through.
I could end up spending some time in the interior or further north where things open up a more which I would see a higher power being more useful but am unsure of their use in the denser treed areas. Is glassing as useful in the subalpine/denser woods? Just looking for some insight as I sit here with a broken leg staring out the window. It’s not a small purchase for good quality glass so I want to have a better idea of how useful they’d be. It’s more tempting while I can’t walk and it’s the only way to look into the mountains.
Cheers

[Ron.C]

Your vipers are not tripod compatable? There is usually a threaded cap on the front of the barrel of many binos that threads off allowing a tripod adapter to be connected.

My recommendations are:

1. IMO, don't waste your money on a binocular over 10x. They will be all but useless in hand when not mounted on a (GOOD) tripod. They are useless in heavier timber( I still prefer my old 8x's over my 10x's in the bush). I use my 10x binos in more open country, often on a tripod and can glass for game farther than I can shoot.
2. learn to sit and glass patiently and properly. I know 2 guys that wasted big $$$ on alpha class binos and spotter because they can't sit still long enough to use either. The best glass/guns/gear in the world wont make you a better hunter if you don't know how to use it.
3. If you are new to hunting, don't waste money on a spotter until you get good at glassing with your bino's. With some practice(and patience), you'll start glassing game with your bino's. You may find you don't need a spotter at all.

[358mag]

Your vipers are not tripod comatible? There is usually a threaded cap on the front of the barrel of many binos that threads off allowing a trpiod adapter to be connected.

My recommendations are:

1. IMO, don't waste your money on a binocular over 10x. They will be all but useless in hand when not mounted on a (GOOD) tripod. They are useless in heavier timber( I still prefer my old 8x's over my 10x's in the bush). I use my 10x binos in more open country, often on a tripod and can glass for game farther than I can shoot.
2. learn to sit and glass patiently and properly. I know 2 guys that wasted big $$$ on alpha class binos and spotter because they can't sit still long enough to use either. The best glass/guns/gear in the world wont make you a better hunter if you don't know how to use it.
3. If you are new to hunting, don't waste money on a spotter until you get good at glassing with your bino's. With some practice(and patience), you'll start glassing game with your bino's. You may find you don't need a spotter at all.

^^^^ X's 2 ^^^^^^^ priceless advice there

[RackStar]

I agree,

unless you go mountain hunting it’s not really needed, I use my 10x swaros for everything, spotter lives at home unless goat hunting

[elker]

The wife bought me the Swarovski spotting scope. I have yet to find a situation to use it. I did think of it when hunting, as I left it in my vehicle and I worried someone might broke in the vehicle.

[sako79]

I sold my spotter because I didn't use it for hunting. Using my 10x42 binoculars With the outdoorsman stud and adapter off a tripod is ninety nine percent of my glassing.

Maya advice cake that money you were gonna spend and upgrade your binoculars

[ACE]

Your 10x42's will be fine. Learn to glass.

[scttlp86]

Untill you need to start counting tines or Rings stick with the 10s. Use the cash for gas or new boots etc

[Gateholio]

I'm with Ron C

10x are about as much as I want in a hunting binocular. Vipers have pretty good glass. If you want more magnification then you want a telescope, not higher power binoculars.

[brappinburro]

Seems like a solid consensus - thanks

Your vipers are not tripod compatable? There is usually a threaded cap on the front of the barrel of many binos that threads off allowing a tripod adapter to be connected.

Yeah the Vipers can go on a tripod as well. I meant that I don’t intend to handhold a higher power binocular.

Maya advice cake that money you were gonna spend and upgrade your binoculars

I feel like the Vipers are pretty good. They’re not perfectly clear edge to edge but it doesn’t make sense to get another 10x42