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pahncho2121

Looking to upgrade my optics...

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So I am currently running the Vortex Kiabab 15x56 and although can be slightly uncomfortable, I can glass for long days without a problem. I did notice on a recent hunt that one guy was picking up much more detail with his Swaro SLC 15x56 at greater distances. It might be in our eyes, but I am hoping it is in the equipment. I was looking for thoughts on upgrading on keeping my current binos and adding a spotter for detail at distance or just upgrading to the swaros? I backpack often so weight is a concern. Carrying three sets of optics (counting the pair on my chest) doesn't excite me. I did look through a 65mm STS and was impressed by the clarity. I spoke with the guys at Outdoorsmans about the BTX and they suggested that it made for a great accent piece to the binos but wasn't sufficient as a sole optic for closer distances. Any thoughts on my "dilemma"?

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I bought into the 15x56 hype and while I use them alot I found I could find deer at great distances but couldn't make out detail. I had a Zeiss spotter that I sold to a member here and kicked my arse for getting rid of it. It later came up for sale and I got it back. I use Zeiss 15x56's and while they are comparable to the old SLC's they are not in the same league as the newer models.

 

I carry 3 sets of optics but for years used a good pair of 10x42's and the spotter. If I had it to do all over again I would buy the Swaro HD's and a cheaper spotter just to make out detail on long range animals. My 10x42's get more use than the others combined but I would feel lost without the 15's. If I had to let one set of optics go it would be the spotter.

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I bought into the 15x56 hype and while I use them alot I found I could find deer at great distances but couldn't make out detail. I had a Zeiss spotter that I sold to a member here and kicked my arse for getting rid of it. It later came up for sale and I got it back. I use Zeiss 15x56's and while they are comparable to the old SLC's they are not in the same league as the newer models.

 

I carry 3 sets of optics but for years used a good pair of 10x42's and the spotter. If I had it to do all over again I would buy the Swaro HD's and a cheaper spotter just to make out detail on long range animals. My 10x42's get more use than the others combined but I would feel lost without the 15's. If I had to let one set of optics go it would be the spotter.

I have been leaning that way. I had a Vortex Viper spotter that was not clear at all. I left it behind because I never used it. I just chalked it up to lack of quality and was impressed at the swaro spotter. That said, it was used twice on an eight day backpacking hunt.

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Dont forget optics4rent, site sponsor, still had some swaro sts65 HD spotters for $1600

I just bought his last pair of 15s. Cant wait for them to arrive.

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Dont forget optics4rent, site sponsor, still had some swaro sts65 HD spotters for $1600

I just bought his last pair of 15s. Cant wait for them to arrive.

I bought some 15s from him in 2012 and they were perfect. Bought a spotter from him last year and it was like new in box as well. When I upgraded to 15 HD He didnt have any for sale at the time but I should of waited and saved $150. Todds great to work with and ships right away.

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Buy a pair of swaro 12s and you won't need a chest pair and a pair in the backpack.

If you have the budget I think this setup would be hard to beat.

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It depends on how you hunt. All I carry is 15's. I can find everything I could with 10's and way more. 10's lost their purpose for me, and I dumped them for weight savings.

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In 15x56's of great quality keep the Steiner HX series and the Meopta MeoStar series in mind. Much less than the Swaro and darn close optically

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If you can spring it , and this comes from a guy the uses 15x56 sworos , I would get the 12 el’s and be done . Trust me

I hadn't considered the 12's. I was worried since I have been using my 15's for the past couple years that I might miss the little extra power. To the ones carrying the 12's, are you also carrying a spotter or just the 12's?

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I carry 12x50 ELs. They are the best 10+ power bino I have ever looked through (I hear the 10x50 ELs are great too). You only need a spotter if you want to get a better look at something. I used to carry 15x56s and you wont miss the extra power. I also have a spotter but I only carry it if I am looking far and chest carry my 12s. I did carry 8.5x42 with the 12s in the bag but switched to 8x32s to save weight. If you can do it get the 12s.

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