Fluteman turned us onto the deal on Cabelas for Vortex binos. It was appreciated but I am not sure it was what I needed. Excellent deal for anyone who jumped on it.
Needs: Binos strictly for long range. Looking for road scouting binoculars. Good low light capabilities. Good magnification. Good clarity.
Price: Under $300
I purchased a 10x50 Vortex Diamondback and they arrived today. Used them for last light road scouting next to my Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42. Better light transmission/low light pick up on the Nikon 8x42s. Difference in magnification was really not noticeable.
Thinking of jumping to 12x50 Vortex Diamondbacks. I fear they will not be bright enough in low light. Did some reading. Seems light transmission can be measured 42/8= 5.25 whereas 50/12= 4.167. How does this compare? I really don't know but in the 10x50 Diamondbacks I ordered, it was a noticeable difference compared to the 8x42.
Thoughts? Opinions? I really don't want to jump to the next level. I "could" I suppose. I simply cannot justify jumping to the next level. $450-650 for binoculars simply to road scout? I just can't justify it. Would the extra magnification of the 12x50 Diamondbacks offset the lesser low light abilities? I can return the 10x50 Diamondbacks and for an extra $10 jump to the 12x50 Diamondbacks.
Needs: Binos strictly for long range. Looking for road scouting binoculars. Good low light capabilities. Good magnification. Good clarity.
Price: Under $300
I purchased a 10x50 Vortex Diamondback and they arrived today. Used them for last light road scouting next to my Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42. Better light transmission/low light pick up on the Nikon 8x42s. Difference in magnification was really not noticeable.
Thinking of jumping to 12x50 Vortex Diamondbacks. I fear they will not be bright enough in low light. Did some reading. Seems light transmission can be measured 42/8= 5.25 whereas 50/12= 4.167. How does this compare? I really don't know but in the 10x50 Diamondbacks I ordered, it was a noticeable difference compared to the 8x42.
Thoughts? Opinions? I really don't want to jump to the next level. I "could" I suppose. I simply cannot justify jumping to the next level. $450-650 for binoculars simply to road scout? I just can't justify it. Would the extra magnification of the 12x50 Diamondbacks offset the lesser low light abilities? I can return the 10x50 Diamondbacks and for an extra $10 jump to the 12x50 Diamondbacks.