Which 15x binoculars (2 Viewers)

[bcraig]

I have looked thru Bushnell 10.5x45 binoculars at deer very early in the morning so early in fact that I could not see the deer with my naked eye but when I looked out in the field at bout 600 yards with the binos I could see the body of deer very easily.
But I am interested in higher power binoculars for more larger images and at least a good of detail as the above mentioned binoculars give.
I have been looking at Vortex Viper 15x50 binoculars on the net as well as Minox 13x and Minox L 15x56 .
I am interest in input from those who HAVE ACTUALLY USED THEM concerning the performance of the Higher powered binoculars as compared to the Bushnell 10.5x45 Infinitys.
Also looked at the Vortex Diamondback 12x.
IF I could find a Higher powered Binocular that would be at least as clear and detailed as the Infinity ,and not break the bank($600.00 )or less I would probably buy it for the purposes mentioned above.
I would prefer roofs but a porro would probably be ok as long as it was waterproof and fogproof.
Thanks ,Craig

 

[Intjmastermind]

The Oberwerk Ultra 15x70 is one of the best large bins on the market.

 

[mercedes_sl1970]

Hello Craig

The Oberwork Ultra 15x70 is an excellent binocular. Another, but more expensive, option is a Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX. Both are very good and extremely sharp - the Fujinon has better edge correction, and in the astro world considered one of the best. I've looked through both (and owned the Fujinon) and the views are superb.The downsides are individual focusing eyepieces (not a problem for distant viewing) and the size and weight. You would probably also need a tripod for extended viewing.

With your price range, on the secondhand market:
- if you can find a used Minox BD 15x58 - that would also be an option. They are rather fine to look through, both during the day and night, are much more manageable and are centre focus.
- you could consider a used Canon 15x50 IS - I looked through one during the day and was very impressed - sharp, contrasty, etc, but not light.

Given the size of binocular you are after, I'd also suggest having a look at Cloudynights.com in the Binocular forum. It also contains a substantial number of reviews of binoculars of that size.

Good luck

Andrew

 

[dannat]

Craig I have owned both Obie ultra & fujinon & would not recommend them for you. The 2 I'd go for is the minox 15x (cameralandny had some on demo prices) or brunt on eterna 15x51. I recently compared the brunt on vs pentax 16x60 & the brunt on beat it in most respects. It can be had for about $280US, I got mine second hand which saved a few dollars, I m quite happy with it for the price it is surprisingly easy to handhold & I can follow planes with it, deer should not be a problem.
A spotting scope would get you really close though, I sed a maksutov to view a grizzly while in the US, gave v good high power views at 1 mile, I could see facial features & what the ravens were doing at its feet

 

[bcraig]

15x binos

Craig I have owned both Obie ultra & fujinon & would not recommend them for you. The 2 I'd go for is the minox 15x (cameralandny had some on demo prices) or brunt on eterna 15x51. I recently compared the brunt on vs pentax 16x60 & the brunt on beat it in most respects. It can be had for about $280US, I got mine second hand which saved a few dollars, I m quite happy with it for the price it is surprisingly easy to handhold & I can follow planes with it, deer should not be a problem.
A spotting scope would get you really close though, I sed a maksutov to view a grizzly while in the US, gave v good high power views at 1 mile, I could see facial features & what the ravens were doing at its feet

So I see The Brunton comes in either a 15x51 or a different model with a 63? Objective. And you think these bruntons are the equal to the Minox BL 15x56 or the Vortex Viper 15x 50 ?

 

[willito]

I know you're asking about bins, but even in that case, as already suggested, you should use a tripod to actually get a sharp and stable image at that mag and distance, regardless what maker and model you go for. Consider also the considerable weight you'll have to bear for that. So I wonder if you shouldn't consider to have a spotting scope instead. For the same maker/price level quoted here, you should be able to find a very reasonable 20-25x scope with a Ø65 or so, thus giving you far better results, especially early in the morning.

 

[dannat]

No the brunt's aren't equal to the minoxidil, but there is a big price difference, enough to tip me in favor of the brunton

 

[mercedes_sl1970]

Craig I have owned both Obie ultra & fujinon & would not recommend them for you. The 2 I'd go for is the minox 15x (cameralandny had some on demo prices) or brunt on eterna 15x51. I recently compared the brunt on vs pentax 16x60 & the brunt on beat it in most respects. It can be had for about $280US, I got mine second hand which saved a few dollars, I m quite happy with it for the price it is surprisingly easy to handhold & I can follow planes with it, deer should not be a problem.
A spotting scope would get you really close though, I sed a maksutov to view a grizzly while in the US, gave v good high power views at 1 mile, I could see facial features & what the ravens were doing at its feet

Hi again Craig

I think Daniel is right about the Oberwerk 15x/Fujinon 16x's (waterproof and fogproof). They are big, heavy and certainly require a tripod/monopod for more than a brief look. And also, the IF eyepieces probably make them less suitable than a centre focus.

I do find that I can handhold my Minox 15x58s (although not lightweights) far more easily due to their ergonomics, and the centre focus makes them much more versatile. In fact, I just tested them again during the day at around the distance you mentioned (plus a 10x and 12x). For me, there is a significant difference in image between the 15x and 10x, and noticeable but less so between 10x and 12x. I guess I wonder if you would see much of a difference between your 10.5x's and the 13x Minox. I guess I'd be leaning towards 15x binos.

A spotting scope could be a good alternative, but you would still need a tripod/monopod.

Are there any places where you can try out some binoculars?

Best of luck with your choice.

Andrew

ps you may have seen this thread: Good binocular in 15x60... x70 class

 

[xfrostx]

I own a pair of celestron skymaster 15x70. They are quite cheap around £70 on ebay. For the price the optics quality is excellent and they fell fairly solid in the hands. Well if you got bucks to spend then the best option would be probably slc 15x56 swaro, these can also be found on ebay, used well below the RRP.

 

[bh46118]

How severe is the difference in optical quality between the celestron skymaster 15x70 in comparison to European and Japanese "Big Eyes" type binoculars ? I bought the 20X80 skymaster this summer and have been suprised at how good they are for $95.00 .

Bruce

I own a pair of celestron skymaster 15x70 . They are quite cheap around £70 on ebay. For the price the optics quality is excellent and they fell fairly solid in the hands. Well if you got bucks to spend then the best option would be probably slc 15x56 swaro, these can also be found on ebay, used well below the RRP.

 

[Tero]

Forget the 12x Diamondbacks. The top of the line Vortex is reliable, the rest...

And forget 15x too, it does not get you anything 10.5X does not. Unless you want IS.

 

[BrightIdea]

Forget the 12x Diamondbacks. The top of the line Vortex is reliable, the rest...
.

Yeah??

Vortex Vipers are not their top tier binoc and are, by most accounts, quite good. While I havent tried them, the 6x30 get rave reviews. I had the viper 8x42's and you'd have to nit-pick to find fault.

To the OP:

FWIW I use 12x nikon fieldmasters (less than $100) for scanning 50 - 500 yard fields for larger sized animals (deer etc) during dawn and dusk. I also use them for long views (200ish yards or so) over a local swamp that is frequented by ducks & all types of woodpecker.

The Nikon 12x is pretty adequate for these tasks, and while the image quality is not as good as my better (lower mag) binocs, the extra magnification, when far & dark, seems to be useful.

While on foot (swamping) I usually use a monopod or a handy stick. While glassing fields I am typically sitting and use my knees etc. 12x gets tough after a while, so even a simple pole/mnopod helps a great deal.

 

[Sancho]

And forget 15x too, it does not get you anything 10.5X does not. Unless you want IS.

Agreed. I have a pair of Minox BD 15x58 and Canon IS 15x50. The Minox haven't been out of the cupboard for over a year. And if you want to save a few bob, the Canon IS 12x36 will do pretty much as well as the 15x50 for 95% of situations, for half the price.

 

[ronh]

I am very pleased with my Docter 15x60. I use it mostly for stargazing, and it focuses stars down to excellent points, better than the 16x70 Fujinon that it replaced. In daylight, its minimal CA and bright, clean, contrasty view is impressive. Optically, there is nothing that I can complain of.

Mechanically, on the plus side, it is center focus. On the minus side, the focus knob is rather hard to get at and slow to operate, the lumpy Porro shape does not point as instinctively as a long straight roof model, and it is not strictly waterproof.
Ron

 

[Tero]

BI, it was just an opinion. I am not getting anything like a 15x or 12x anymore. If I need a scope, 20x is the start for me.

 

[RJM]

I'd get a Nikon ED50 fieldscope for your application. Smaller/lighter/better optics and more usefull than any 15x binocular.

 

[etudiant]

I'd get a Nikon ED50 fieldscope for your application. Smaller/lighter/better optics and more usefull than any 15x binocular.

+1!!
Entirely agree, just add a hand grip and you can get excellent views through the default 13-30 zoom lens, without the hassle of a tripod. If essential, add a monopod, but really it is not worth it unless you do sustained observations (seawatch etc).