I run a pair of Vortex Razor HD 10x42. I don't like running 12x or 15x binos off-hand because the added magnification accentuates any movement. Most hunters I know that run 12x or 15x binos do so using a bipod or a tripod.

Trying to see an arrow stuck in a target 100yds away is no easy feat unless you're using a lighted nock but I used my binos at the couple of TAC events I've shot and I had no problem seeing my arrow sticking in the target I just show. If I actually hit the target, that is. Lol!

 

Do you feel like the vortex 10 is better than a cheaper pair of 10x? Obviously they are more expensive and vortex is an awesome company so I’m sure they are made better but if the magnification is 10 then what’s the difference? Just a clearer picture when looking through them? That’s great advice though, I wouldn’t be opposed to run them on a tripod since I’m not out at stalking animals or going to TAC events. Just tryna figure out what will work best before spending that type of money on some binoculars. Been wanting to get some lighted nocks but haven’t pulled the trigger on it haha

 

If just for your target practice, maybe a higher power spotting scope on a tripod would be better than binos.

 

You pay for quality, and yes, it matters. A 12x or 15x bino with cheap quality will not be nearly as good as mid or high end binos at a lower power. I've got a pair of mid range (normally $900+) that I found on sale for $350. 8x42, and I can see my arrows at 60 no problem. I wish the 10x had been on sale, but oh well.

 

Brand aside, better quality glass will always out-perform magnification. Better glass is more clear, no edge distortion, better light transmission (brighter). All of those things are going to make it easier to see/identify the things you're looking for. A pair of binos, with top level glass and a 10x magnification, will always out-perform inferior glass in a 12x or 15x magnification.

As far as the binos I use, the Razor series is one of Vortex's higher end optics so they put some of their best glass (Japanese) in them. They are crystal clear from edge to edge, lightweight, extremely durable and work incredibly well in low light conditions (bright).

I'm not saying you need to run out and buy the binos I use. There are plenty of top quality binos on the market. I would suggest you go out and buy the best quality binos you can afford though, if you choose to go that route. Of all of the things we try to skimp on and cut corners on, your optics should never be one of them.

 

Thanks for your reply, pretty much answered what I have been wondering about the quality and magnification. I’m a huge fan of vortex so maybe I can find a good pair on sale somewhere.

 

Here’s a 14x32 option . . and there is a 18x50 version too. Canon U.S.A., Inc. | 14 x 32 IS . Or these TECHNO-STABI Series：Specifications | Fujifilm [United States]

 

Calling BS on the spotting scope at 100yds. I use 10x50 for targets and hunt with 10x42 and don't have any issues seeing arrows at those distances.

I like Vortex. Just buy the best pair you can afford.

 

I'm with you. I don't even use a spotting scope at a 100yds rifle range.

 

Magnification isn't the problem, glass quality is. 100 yards with 10x mag is the same as the naked eye at 10 yards... I hope you can see your arrow at 10 yards...

But cheap glass is not very clear. Imagine trying to see your arrow at 10 through the bottom of a beer mug. Get high quality glass, it makes everything much easier to see.

 

Haha yeah maybe my cheap 10x binos are why I can’t see my arrows around 60+ yards. I got them thinking maybe I could “test” out what that magnification is like and if I needed more than that

 

Not to pile on but to put things into perspective, hunters and guides use 10x binos to glass vast ranges and to spot big game literally miles away all the time. Yes, once they spot and animal, they will use a higher power spotting scope (if necessary) to see more details of the animal to see if they want to pursue it or not but if they can spot deer, elk, bear, moose... from miles away using 10x binos, clearly magnification isn't your issue. It's the quality of the glass in your binos.

 

Actually, we/they also us spotters to spot animals, not just for verifying.

But like everyone that said good glass trumps magnification, I could not agree more.

Unfortunately, some of this glass is very costly and heavy. I use Swaro ATX spotters with various sizes like 65,85 &115 objectives. That said, I’ve sold off my Swaro SLC 15x as like all the above, they required a tripod to take true advantage. If I am going to use a tripod o might as well use a spotter. But for my chest rig, I still use 8-12x.

I have Swaro 8x, 10x that are the traditional design with smaller ocular lenses. These while clear, do not feel as immersive as the new Swaro NL Pures (over $3k), or the newer gen competitors like Mavin B.2 11x45s with super large objective lenses. The B.2’s while not cheap even with their sell direct model, is 1/3 the cost of the Swaro NL Pures. They are very close in optical quality on the center, but softer around the very edges. Either way, like the NLs they feel more relaxing and immersive; especially if you use glasses.

Just a side note. Good unstable glass, usually doesn’t look much better than stable ok glass when trying to find fine details.

The best way to help you see better with Binos, is to stabilize them. Obviously a tripod is best, then trees limbs or other solid objects, down to how you sit with elbows and even grabbing the brim of your hat. For the bow shooter, the bow is an excellent support, with the top cam between the bino barrels, binos resting on the limbs and bow tight against the body.

Before comply judging the ability of your Binos; make sure they are stable. if they are not, more power in the same quality bracket, probably will not really help

BTW this is I think was about 1,500-yards with an Swaro ATX spotter. The iPhone doesn’t not capture the clarity.k

 

Spotting scope (Vortex Razor) at 20 power magnification, for 100 yard target.

Spotting scope (Vortex Razor) at 60 power magnification, for 100 yard target.

20 power image thru SVBonny $270 spotting scope, target at 100 yards.

 

60 power spotting scope is a luxury for spotting arrows at 100 yards.
So, what do you get for $1200 on the Vortex, vs $280 for the inexpensive scope?

1) color accuracy. Blacks appear darker on the Vortex. Blacks are faded on the $280 scope.
2) texture. You can see the texture or "grain" on the Vortex image. The grain for the woven fibers on the $280 image are muddier.

$280 for the 60X scope is more than good enough for spotting arrows at 100 yards (90 meters).
U will need a tripod.

 

If you plan on shooting 100 yards regularly, I’d recommend looking into a spotting scope. Set up on a tripod, it’s super convenient to lean over and see exactly where your arrow hit.

 

Yup, saves lots and lots of walking.

 

I use the swaro es 10x42 and they work good target shooting to about 60 yards at the most for me. I have the big swaro btx 115 but it is really to big and heavy to carry around at the tac events. It is awesome though!

 

Used 10x50 vortex diamond backs last year and loved the field of view but my ey s aren’t what they were I decided to step up to 12x50 diamond backs and glad I did made a world of difference. Also running a viper spotting scope depending on the country I’m hunting in

 

10x or 12x is max for me, any more magnification and the shake makes things worse than just going with less. also a sharp/contrasty 10x mag image trumps a soft washed out 15x-20x. I use 10x and can make out arrows well enough to see bad, good, probably great shots consistently to 50-60yards but not well enough to score them....also it varies a bit depending on target/vane color as well as what the suns doing. On bright but overcast days I can easily see my orange vanes at 75+ yards on a dark 3d target)

Agree with chadb on the spotting scope on a tripod for long shot practice days, lots of magnification and eliminating shake I find I dont even need a very good quality scope to clearly see my arrows down rage.

FYI if you are looking for a decent set of 10x Binos, Lancaster has 10x42 Krugers on sale for under $100. Got them as a back up and for TAC so me and my wife would have a set but we both like them better than my $350 Nikon Monarchs. Light and small enough to haul around all day but big enough you can grip them for stability.

Kruger Optical Back Country Binoculars (10 x 42)

Kruger engineers all its optics in Oregon for bright and sharp viewing through glass built for the outdoors.Features: Center focus binoculars feature twist-up eye-cups for the best view with or without glasses Sealed and purged for fog proofing so you glass in all weather conditions Armor...

lancasterarchery.com

 

If at 100 yards you can't see where an arrow hit with an 8x pair of binos you may need to get some eye check up work. You may have some astigmatisms that are preventing you. I can (and I have OLD eyes) see where my arrows hit with the naked eye at 50 yards... Very well.

 

A quality pair of 8x will be head and shoulders above cheap 10 or 12x binoculars. Also, looking at something small (like arrows) while holding a pair of higher magnification binos is more challenging than using 8x. I've got a pair of Leupold BX-4's that have been great, they also retail for $500 less than some of the options mentioned above.

 

Strongly advising you NOT to go above 10X in a handheld binocular. 8X would be better. And even then, you’ll likely need to brace the binos by resting them on the top cam of your bow with your bow held in front of you.

 

Had 10x quality glass. Sold those for 8x quality glass. 8x provided much better clarity vs the 10x extra shake in hand. Clear and still trumps closer with shake induced blur.

 

What are you guys doing that 10x is too shaky??

Can’t you use your bow or even the brim of your hat?


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Hat brim trick works well. Even then, 8x are inherently less shaky

 

We’ll they actually shake the same

Btw I have 8x Swaros, 10’s (sold my 12s and 15SLCs) and my 11x Mavin’s are my go to for everything out West that doesn’t dictate a spotter.

I guess my point is we are all kinda different in the way our brains see the images. Once we learn stabilization tricks, so all is equal; what one person likes can actually be much different than the next. For instance some people love Sig ranging Binos; for me it looks like a heavy blue cast that really bothers me. Others are fine with $200 Binos


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The new Swarovski NL 12x42 might be a good option to look into. They're a really bright binocular and you should be able to see your arrows at 100 yards. I can see arrows at 100 with my EL Range 8x42's as well but everyone's eyes are different.

 

I use lighted nocks and they do the trick for me but it's an expensive way to go as they start to dim pretty quick so I'm looking for binos that would allow me to see arrows from 80yds , right now I have " 12x50" and can't see arrows from 40yds.

 

I'd suggest a spotting scope on a tripod if you can't see them with 12x50s

 

12X is considerably harder to hold still in the hand than 10 or 8's for me.