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

[Redthies]

I have both 10x and 12x Nikons. I use the 12x more these days, but both are good. 15 or 18x would be useless. I feel the same about spotters. I have no need for them.

[Weatherby Fan]

Really depends on the style of hunting your doing, for myself 10x42 binos…..”I don’t leave home without them” ,

it’s the perfect compromise for an all round balance in power/size for hunting, I don’t hunt without my spotting scope, if I’m glassing for extended periods my spotting scope is set up to use, it will do you no good when you spot an animal at distance that needs to be identified if it’s in the truck.

A very experienced Sheep Hunter slapped that into me so many times while Sheep Hunting or Alpine Mule Deer hunting, don’t glass without your spotter set up.

Now on to the 15x binoculars….if you have a chance to use a 15x56 say Swarovski or Zeiss binocular on a tripod you will be amazed at the difference it makes, Barry ( Brew on HBC) has a set of Swarovski 15x56 and he uses them on a tripod and I was lucky enough to get to use them on a Sheep count in Spenses a cpl years back and I was blown away at the field of view, clarity and brilliance never mind the ease to spot an animal…..the downside is the size and weight of course, you have to have a need for them but they are a joy to look through.

[Redthies]

I think the key here is “west coast” hunting. Anywhere on the coast is going to be thick brush, or a logging slash. There are very few situations where you need higher magnification in these areas. On a sheep hunt, sure. If you are often hunting above tree line at the coast, then ok. But if you are blacktail hunting on the islands or west of Hope, you will find very limited opportunities to use a spotter or high power binos. At least that’s my experience.

[Bado20]

Lots of good advice here, In my opinion getting high powered binoculars for coastal hunting would be a waste of money. I have glassed goats multiple kilometers away with 10 power binoculars, patience means a lot more than magnification. Spotters are great for judging animals once located or useful for hunting in areas that have antler restrictions and you want to count tines from a distance. For coastal hunting you will be able to find game as far as you can see with you 10 power binos. The only time I would start thinking about higher power than about 12 would be if you are going on a sheep hunt, and even then I think I would take the large field of view from smaller binos and just packing a spotter for judging and looking way off.

[.330 Dakota]

Go for clarity as your number 1 choice,,,,A 10x high quality optic will see way mor than a low to mid quality 12 power,,ask me how I know LOL
I have $400 Leupolds at 12x, $800 Leupolds at 10x, and $3500 Swaros at 10x,,,the Swaros out perform the others by a long shot,,as in a huge noticable different in what you can see way out there,,,counting points on a deer at 100 yards is a no brainer with the Swaros,,the Leupolds,,,,not a chance

[MichelD]

I've been using 7x35 Bushnell binoculars since the 1970s.

I have looked through my friend's Zeiss 8-power binoculars and yes, they are sharper and crisper, but I wouldn't want to use any binos stronger than that. I've looked through others' 10-power binoclarl sinthe field and they are too wobbly for me.

[Darksith]

If you educate yourself enough, you will learn that there 100% is a time and place for 15x binos. Im not sure the west coast is it though. When you have a huge mountainside to pick apart, looking for a bedded animal hiding behind a bush and you have the patience to really look the 15x idea is a valuable one.

Listen to some of the podcasts by the top desert sheep guides. They are getting paid huge $ just to scout for people, they are experts in glassing and they have honed their craft. So there is a time and a place for the big power glass...alpine, sagebrush, semi open timber...I just don't think the west coast is that place, and I don't think it makes sense for most typical resident hunters in BC.

[Downtown]

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


Myself I have used Day in/out 10X40 Zeiss for most of the past 45+ years of Commercial hunting in the Mountains. We found the 15X60 Power Zeiss Binoculars to be considerable easier on the Eyes during long spotting sessions then any Spotting Scope however they both need a firm Platform like a good Triepot.

Cheers

[Sportster]

Three years ago my brother in-law and I both bought Nikon Laser Force 10X42 binoculars. Probably the best Pease of hunting equipment I've purchased , next to investing in high quality wool hunting clothing. for extended glassing periods, I just balance them on top of my primos shooting stick.These glasses have taken a beating over the years . From being exposed to sever weather ,bouncing around on the quads, you name it they've stood the test of time.Great glass! well worth the investment,imo. I would definitely recommend them.