Need opinions: Binos 10x50 or 12x50 Razor

[trob]

Hey guys, I was hoping to get some opinions. I mainly use my binos for rock chuck hunting. So, small targets at 2-300yds typically and they hang out within rock piles and cracks in the canyon walls (tough to see). I use Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42’s and they have been fantastic. I can’t think of a time when I’ve ever been confused by whether or not it’s a rock chuck or just a rock/bush/whatever, they are bright, plenty powerful, and have great clarity. Every time I let a hunting buddy use my binos it’s the same response “holy crap, I need some of these”.

My wife started joining me a couple years ago and I’m looking for another set of binos, so we can both glass at the same time.

I’m looking at Razor HD’s and I held the 10x42’s, 10x50’s, and 12x50’s today. I like the size and weight of the 10x42’s, but I don’t really want to get the same exact size binos I already have. With that mindset, I’m considering the 50’s, and again, the 12x would be something I don’t already have, but I’m concerned that the 12x will be too powerful and shaky. I already know how the 10x will be, so I’m hoping some of you have experience with 12x’s and can help me decide.
I do most of my glassing while I’m sitting down and resting my elbows on my knees, but I do quick scans while I’m standing about 10% of the time.

What would you go with?

Thanks for any insight that I may be missing

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Have you considered the Meopta Meostar's?

 

[RTH1800]

I would watch EBay and get a used Leica or Swaro.

 

[VP47PPC]

Trob I have been hunt coues deer in S AZ for decades and with that hunt its glassing much like you do. Some scanning while standing but mostly sitting. For years I used Zeiss classic 10X 42's. While sitting I put my glass on a tripod (vanguard has a couple of light around 2 pound tripods that work great) so you get nice steady look. Last season i bought a pair of Meopta 12X50 and was glad I did. A tripod will make any glass work better 10X or 12X and Doug at camera land is great to work with.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Tripod mounting makes EVERY binocular far greater than it is when hand holding

 

[myronman3]

speaking for myself.....i find the higher i go with magnification, the harder it is to focus. so to answer your question, i’d go with the 10x. and a tripod.

btw....i love the picture. i am envious.

 

[aard3]

I'd go for slightly higher magnification.

If you are trying to stay in that price-point, I would seriously take a look at at the meopta meostars.... really awesome binos

 

[Sheldon N]

Tripod for sure. Massive improvement over handheld no matter what you are using. And once you have a tripod, a set of 12's would be a nice addition.

 

[tihz_on]

meopta HD meostars are great binos. I would get those over any vortex bino's.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We just got in a demo 10x42 Meostar today from a recent show, only $799.99 to the first taker. 516-217-1000

 

[trob]

I really appreciate all the replies. Looks like I need to take a look at the meopta meostar HD’s
The reason I’m looking at the razors is because they would come with a significant discount. Under 700 for the 10x42 and under 800 for the others. Price isn’t everything, but it seemed like a nice option. Looks like I’ll be doing some research tonight.

 

[northshorelumber]

If you use a tripod the extra magnification (12X) can be used to its fullest potential and be the way to go.

 

[trob]

Thanks for the reply.
I ended up going with the meostar HD’s that Doug offered above. After considering the options, I would have gone with a 12x and a tripod if I wasn’t already hauling a separate tripod and full size spotter for filming. I think the 10x are more versatile considering how I hunt.