Vortex befuzzelment I need some wisdom

[RazorSharp]

So I have decided to get some new Binoculars and I have decided on the Vortex brand I just cant seem to pick, So I'm looking for some help from you guys and gals who already have a pair.

I currently use Cabelas guide series 12x50 glass which are great during the day but at dawn and dusk arent so good.

I hunt Texas, Colorado. and New Mexico when I can get a tag.

I was looking at the Vortex Diamond Back, and Vulture, maybe there is a better choice not sure I need higher power because of my eyes and antler restrictions (so I can tell if they are legal Deer)

First does anyone own the vulture, are the big and bulky?
I went to Cabelas to get my hands on a pair but they didn't have any so Im asking for a little insight.

Feel free to suggest a better choice just remember I'm on a budget here so don't go crazy I would like the best glass possible for 2 or 300 hundred smackers.

Thanks in advance for you wisdom.

[TXAUfinder]

I have the Diamondbacks and love them!

[tmurray]

If I was you I would PM Arrowsmith on here and tell him what you are willing to spend then let him tell you which one's you're getting.

[Target-panic]

If I was you I would PM Arrowsmith on here and tell him what you are willing to spend then let him tell you which one's you're getting.

X2, I have the Viper HD 10x42, I like them allot.

[HandiKap Bowhunter]

If you can drop a little more you wont be disapointed at all in the Viper HDs. 10x42 will be my next pair.

[Codie]

I have the Diamondback 10x42 and love them -

[lbbf]

I have the viper hd's 10X50 and love them. They do a great job of gathering the light in the evenings. More than your current budget but may be worth saving up for.

[Brett A]

I have the diamondbacks 10 x 50. I have been very pleased with them.

[Ironman]

Well, how much magnification do you need?

Basically, the the larger the difference between the magnification (the first number) and the objective (the second number), the better light gathering you are going to have.

A pair of 10x50's will gather more light than a pair of 10x42's. Conversely, a pair of 8x42's will gather more light than a pair of 10x50's. Not a lot, but more.

I personally like 8x42's simply because they have plenty of magnification, gather awesome light, are less bulky and if I am in open country and need more magnification, I go to a spotting scope.

[aggie2000tx]

I have the Diamondback 8.5x50 and love them. Get with Arrowsmith on here he is a dealer and his prices will not be beat

[RazorSharp]

Well, how much magnification do you need.

I have never used anything but 10's or 12's so Im really not sure

[RazorSharp]

Arrowsmith

I have the Diamondback 8.5x50 and love them. Get with Arrowsmith on here he is a dealer and his prices will not be beat

I have a quote from him already and will email shortly for suggestions

[Ironman]

I have never used anything but 10's or 12's so Im really not sure

Well, if most of your hunting is in the timber, or not so open country while rifle hunting, then a smaller magnification may do you very well. In the timber, I will choose 8x all day. If you need to determine trophy status of and animal before you shoot, or put on a 1 1/2 mile stalk over to the next mountain, then a spotting scope is the way to go.

Now, Aggie2000 mentioned 8.5x50's. These would be awesome light gathering binos, and had I known of these before my 8x42 purchase, I would definitely have gone with the 8.5x50's as long as the bulk wasn't a lot different.

[Arrowsmith]

So I have decided to get some new Binoculars and I have decided on the Vortex brand I just cant seem to pick, So I'm looking for some help from you guys and gals who already have a pair.

I currently use Cabelas guide series 12x50 glass which are great during the day but at dawn and dusk arent so good.

I hunt Texas, Colorado. and New Mexico when I can get a tag.

I was looking at the Vortex Diamond Back, and Vulture, maybe there is a better choice not sure I need higher power because of my eyes and antler restrictions (so I can tell if they are legal Deer)

First does anyone own the vulture, are the big and bulky?
I went to Cabelas to get my hands on a pair but they didn't have any so Im asking for a little insight.

Feel free to suggest a better choice just remember I'm on a budget here so don't go crazy I would like the best glass possible for 2 or 300 hundred smackers.

Thanks in advance for you wisdom.

The Vulture HD's have the high density optic glass. The Vultures will be the best at light gathering because of the 56mm front objective lens. The 8x will be better than the 10x. To figure light gathering divide the front objective size by the magnification power. The higher the number the more light gathering capability. For example:
56÷10=5.6
56÷8=7
42÷10=4.2
50÷8.5=5.88
Of course there are other factors which include optic glass quality and lens coatings.

The downside of the Vultures is that they are big. Big front objective (56mm)=big binos. They are 6.6"x5.8" and weigh 39.2ozs. Compare to the Dback 10x42 at 5.9x5.6 and weigh 24.4ozs. Although my price will be the best price you will find you still will be paying more than $350.00 for the Vulture HD.

A great alternative would be the Dback 8.5x50. They are very good in low light, easy to hold steady (less perceived movement) and well within your budget.

There are a lot of trade offs with binos. Higher power = more magnification but less light gathering and more difficult to hold steady. Lower power=less magnification but better light gathering and easier to hold steady.

Give me a shout. I will fix you up and save you $$$.

[RazorSharp]

Vortex Glass

Well, if most of your hunting is in the timber, or not so open country while rifle hunting, then a smaller magnification may do you very well. In the timber, I will choose 8x all day. If you need to determine trophy status of and animal before you shoot, or put on a 1 1/2 mile stalk over to the next mountain, then a spotting scope is the way to go.

Now, Aggie2000 mentioned 8.5x50's. These would be awesome light gathering binos, and had I known of these before my 8x42 purchase, I would definitely have gone with the 8.5x50's as long as the bulk wasn't a lot different.

Most of my hunting is on north Texas public land and it is a mix of timber and open area out 1/2 a mile or so.