Hi! I need binoculars that can help me discern exactly where my individual arrows & shot groupings land in relation to an 8cm center ring on an 80cm target face from 70 meters away. I shoot field target archery in good daylight. 8x50, 10x50 or go the full monty with a 12x50 or the 12x56 grand daddy? Would a monocular be a better bet?
I think 10x would work but 12x50 or 15x56 will work better. The better the quality the better the results for sure. I like the idea of a 12x50. A compromise between weight and size with usable power that does not need a tripod! Let me know if I can help you select a bino from our shop. Vortex Viper HD 12x50 - Cody Nelson Optics Manager
this is way late, but might be interesting for other people reading this later. For olympic archery at 70m, 8x won't do much for you tbh. The very best option would be a spotting scope on a tripod. As you're viewing a relative close object and not need to scan through whole mountain ridges or anything of that sort, you can buy a fairly cheap spotting scope (100-150$, though not every scope in that category is great. I have a svbony in 80mm, which is brilliant for the money and easily good enought of anything archery) but I would suggest a really good tripod. I would especially recommend one that pivots on a ball, not on two separate axes, MUCH more convenient and easier to adjust. As you can not always use your spotting scope at tournaments, a backup set of binos would be ideal. I like 10x42, 10x50 or maybe even 12x50. If you can get comfortable with the shake, maybe even 15x56s. However, it's usually very hard to make precise calls and you will be left with mainly spotting nocks and fletchings, not the exact entry of the arrow shaft. Where as with a spotting scope, you just lean into it for a few secs and you will know exactly where that arrow entered the target. The magnification helps (I usually run between 25-30x), but combined with the perfectly still image, spotting the precise location of the arrows is very easy. For binos, the higher the magnification, the more money I would spend on the glass. The Diamondback HD in 10x50 and 8x42 is great, but for 12x and 15x, you really see the difference with high quality optics, even in broad daylight. Still, I'd rather have a 150$ spotting scope on a 100$ tripod than a 2,000$ swaro for stricktly spotting arrows in broad daylight and nothing else. That being said, your binos can go with you anywhere and especially for field or 3d archery, a good set of binos is absolutely essential.
Good info! Out of curiosity if you were to choose from the sub 1k price point, would the power of the binocular affect the glass clarity enough to step down to the lower magnification?
Well explained in the aspect of view and magnification. I upgraded my spotting scope this summer for fall hunt in Colorado. I think next year I’m going to upgrade my binoculars. Currently running 12x50 vortex diamondbacks. Am seriously considering razors or bx5s. A video comparing these would be great from gohunt. Or bx4 vs bx5 video comparison. Also, is there going to be a change in the next year or two in the binocular industry as far as an increase in technology or are we headed for a long period of the same; maybe better glass? Really interested in that bx4 vs bx5 comparison. Leupold seems to classify comparison to be the same twilight HD technology for both series. Big difference in money/price. Thanks for the video. Keep em coming! :)
Thanks for watching! Providing good content to help find game drives us for sure. as far as the technology goes I think you are going to continue to see the mid level glass keep pushing on the big 3 but the best glass is expensive for a reason. I don't know of any new technologies that will bridge that gap. Maybe one day?? Of the glass you mentioned I would choose the Razor's over the BX5 because of three reasons. First, I much prefer the eyecups of the Razors. Second, the ergonomics of the Razors fits my hands better. Third, being that the BX5's are a dual-bridge design the bino mount is facing forward which throws the balance point off when on a tripod. Both these pieces of glass are going to out perform the Diamondbacks. With all that being said go compare them and let your eyes tell you what is better!! Don't be afraid to reach out by phone if I can better explain my response. Thanks again for the kind words!! - Cody Nelson
goHUNT thanks Cody! Very much appreciated! What about spotting scopes? I purchased a Leupold gold ring 12-40x60mm. I have heard great things about Leupold spotting scopes. I wasn’t able to compare it to a vortex razor spotting scope but was told that the vortex glass was awesome but the vortex building components around the glass felt cheep and plastic. I also hear that the Leupold GR I purchased is hard to steady? Idk.?.?. Thoughts? Anyways thanks for the information and advise. I truly appreciate your help and advise.
If I can add my two cents in. I have gone the route of jumping classes of binos from the $300 range to $500 range then the $1000 range and finally on to Swaros. Honestly at this point, I feel silly for doing that over the years. I wish I would have just got the $300 class binos and saved up till I could have afforded the Swaros. I waited till my forties and hate that I did that, going years with eye headaches from glassing and do on. Again, it's just my opinion, but I think if you saved about $600 more over the razors, you can get a set of Swaro SLC's. I don't think the extra $1000 is necessary to get the EL's as I've looked through both quite a bit and it's not too big a difference. Anyhow, good hunting to you, I hope your happy with whatever you decide.
Tbowie13 thank you for the advise. I agree whole heartedly. You know, I was just thinking about my overall gear and I’m preparing for 2019 hunting season and have made some great improvements to my collection of hunting gear with minimal effort. Super happy about that. I’m not going to make the jump financially to finish all of my purchases this year BUT I agree that in the end just but the best and reputation matters in the hunting, hiking, and camping world. I’m glad you told me about the Swarovskis because I was remembering my uncle saying he wished he would have bought a pair back in the day. I’m already thinking about when hunting season is over and Black Friday purchasing. :) anyways, saving and purchasing the best is what I should do; I agree and thank you for sharing. Happy hunting and a pleasure. 👍🏻😃
I believe in the 15's for long range glassing. Doesn't mean I get rid of the 10's or I won't eventually get a spotter but I will use 15's 85% or 90% of the time finding game! - Cody Nelson Optics Manager
If backpacking in...spotters are HEAVY I found that out last year. I’m upgrading my 15s for mule deer country and 10s for bowhunting ...Cody your videos are always awesome and helpful man thanks.
Very nice binoculars with the Swarovski being a bit higher quality. However for hunting at all reasonable ranges, a quality 10x42 is far preferable unless you weigh 300 lbs, like this guy. In fact, at 210 lbs., I find an 8x32 hangs around your neck a lot easier and is sufficient for most situations. I used 10x50 Leica's before and I found that they were too big and obtrusive.
I hate small binos. I am always amazed at how good some of them are, but I still hate them. I'm sure there are a lot of people that will find that an 8x32 is their ideal size, but not me. ;) The Vortex "archer's strap" makes it really comfortable to wear even 1,200g binos around your neck. I've had a 10x56 that was 1,300g and you hardly even feel it. With the original straps that come with most binos, I would agree that they are borderline intolerable for all day use.
I’m sticking with my 12x50 Razors. Work great for me on & off the tripod
agree, they don't call it glassing for nothing.
Hi! I need binoculars that can help me discern exactly where my individual arrows & shot groupings land in relation to an 8cm center ring on an 80cm target face from 70 meters away. I shoot field target archery in good daylight.
8x50, 10x50 or go the full monty with a 12x50 or the 12x56 grand daddy?
Would a monocular be a better bet?
I think 10x would work but 12x50 or 15x56 will work better. The better the quality the better the results for sure. I like the idea of a 12x50. A compromise between weight and size with usable power that does not need a tripod! Let me know if I can help you select a bino from our shop. Vortex Viper HD 12x50
- Cody Nelson
Optics Manager
this is way late, but might be interesting for other people reading this later.
For olympic archery at 70m, 8x won't do much for you tbh. The very best option would be a spotting scope on a tripod. As you're viewing a relative close object and not need to scan through whole mountain ridges or anything of that sort, you can buy a fairly cheap spotting scope (100-150$, though not every scope in that category is great. I have a svbony in 80mm, which is brilliant for the money and easily good enought of anything archery) but I would suggest a really good tripod. I would especially recommend one that pivots on a ball, not on two separate axes, MUCH more convenient and easier to adjust.
As you can not always use your spotting scope at tournaments, a backup set of binos would be ideal. I like 10x42, 10x50 or maybe even 12x50. If you can get comfortable with the shake, maybe even 15x56s.
However, it's usually very hard to make precise calls and you will be left with mainly spotting nocks and fletchings, not the exact entry of the arrow shaft.
Where as with a spotting scope, you just lean into it for a few secs and you will know exactly where that arrow entered the target. The magnification helps (I usually run between 25-30x), but combined with the perfectly still image, spotting the precise location of the arrows is very easy.
For binos, the higher the magnification, the more money I would spend on the glass. The Diamondback HD in 10x50 and 8x42 is great, but for 12x and 15x, you really see the difference with high quality optics, even in broad daylight. Still, I'd rather have a 150$ spotting scope on a 100$ tripod than a 2,000$ swaro for stricktly spotting arrows in broad daylight and nothing else.
That being said, your binos can go with you anywhere and especially for field or 3d archery, a good set of binos is absolutely essential.
Good info! Out of curiosity if you were to choose from the sub 1k price point, would the power of the binocular affect the glass clarity enough to step down to the lower magnification?
Great explanation. Thanks
A little late in the convo, but in lieu of a spotter scope, would a 12x be sufficient?
Within or less that 1k meters, not shooting that far yet
So what’s best for Arizona scrub and desert hunting referencing what he just said?
Well explained in the aspect of view and magnification. I upgraded my spotting scope this summer for fall hunt in Colorado. I think next year I’m going to upgrade my binoculars. Currently running 12x50 vortex diamondbacks. Am seriously considering razors or bx5s. A video comparing these would be great from gohunt. Or bx4 vs bx5 video comparison. Also, is there going to be a change in the next year or two in the binocular industry as far as an increase in technology or are we headed for a long period of the same; maybe better glass? Really interested in that bx4 vs bx5 comparison. Leupold seems to classify comparison to be the same twilight HD technology for both series. Big difference in money/price. Thanks for the video. Keep em coming! :)
Thanks for watching! Providing good content to help find game drives us for sure. as far as the technology goes I think you are going to continue to see the mid level glass keep pushing on the big 3 but the best glass is expensive for a reason. I don't know of any new technologies that will bridge that gap. Maybe one day?? Of the glass you mentioned I would choose the Razor's over the BX5 because of three reasons. First, I much prefer the eyecups of the Razors. Second, the ergonomics of the Razors fits my hands better. Third, being that the BX5's are a dual-bridge design the bino mount is facing forward which throws the balance point off when on a tripod. Both these pieces of glass are going to out perform the Diamondbacks. With all that being said go compare them and let your eyes tell you what is better!! Don't be afraid to reach out by phone if I can better explain my response. Thanks again for the kind words!! - Cody Nelson
goHUNT thanks Cody! Very much appreciated! What about spotting scopes? I purchased a Leupold gold ring 12-40x60mm. I have heard great things about Leupold spotting scopes. I wasn’t able to compare it to a vortex razor spotting scope but was told that the vortex glass was awesome but the vortex building components around the glass felt cheep and plastic. I also hear that the Leupold GR I purchased is hard to steady? Idk.?.?. Thoughts? Anyways thanks for the information and advise. I truly appreciate your help and advise.
If I can add my two cents in. I have gone the route of jumping classes of binos from the $300 range to $500 range then the $1000 range and finally on to Swaros. Honestly at this point, I feel silly for doing that over the years. I wish I would have just got the $300 class binos and saved up till I could have afforded the Swaros. I waited till my forties and hate that I did that, going years with eye headaches from glassing and do on. Again, it's just my opinion, but I think if you saved about $600 more over the razors, you can get a set of Swaro SLC's. I don't think the extra $1000 is necessary to get the EL's as I've looked through both quite a bit and it's not too big a difference. Anyhow, good hunting to you, I hope your happy with whatever you decide.
Tbowie13 thank you for the advise. I agree whole heartedly. You know, I was just thinking about my overall gear and I’m preparing for 2019 hunting season and have made some great improvements to my collection of hunting gear with minimal effort. Super happy about that. I’m not going to make the jump financially to finish all of my purchases this year BUT I agree that in the end just but the best and reputation matters in the hunting, hiking, and camping world. I’m glad you told me about the Swarovskis because I was remembering my uncle saying he wished he would have bought a pair back in the day. I’m already thinking about when hunting season is over and Black Friday purchasing. :) anyways, saving and purchasing the best is what I should do; I agree and thank you for sharing. Happy hunting and a pleasure. 👍🏻😃
I rock the 15s!
Great choice!
15x56.. 'go big or go home' 😃
I use 10/42 am debating if I should go to 15/56 or keep my 10s and buy a spotting scope I hunt in Arizona. What is your thoughts?
I believe in the 15's for long range glassing. Doesn't mean I get rid of the 10's or I won't eventually get a spotter but I will use 15's 85% or 90% of the time finding game!
- Cody Nelson
Optics Manager
12x50s & a spotting scope, done
If backpacking in...spotters are HEAVY I found that out last year. I’m upgrading my 15s for mule deer country and 10s for bowhunting ...Cody your videos are always awesome and helpful man thanks.
You think 12s are too much for the chest and you can't hold them steady 😂😂😂😂 hit the gym and clean up your diet my guy
Very nice binoculars with the Swarovski being a bit higher quality. However for hunting at all reasonable ranges, a quality 10x42 is far preferable unless you weigh 300 lbs, like this guy. In fact, at 210 lbs., I find an 8x32 hangs around your neck a lot easier and is sufficient for most situations. I used 10x50 Leica's before and I found that they were too big and obtrusive.
I hate small binos. I am always amazed at how good some of them are, but I still hate them. I'm sure there are a lot of people that will find that an 8x32 is their ideal size, but not me. ;)
The Vortex "archer's strap" makes it really comfortable to wear even 1,200g binos around your neck. I've had a 10x56 that was 1,300g and you hardly even feel it.
With the original straps that come with most binos, I would agree that they are borderline intolerable for all day use.