Best value for 12x binocular

Servehim · Aug 12, 2024

Reaching out to the MM faithful. My brother is a penny pincher ....he wants to upgrade his binoculars this year. He wants a 12x50 ish bino that not going to break the bank . He found Vortex stuff but I've encouraged him to not buy their lower grade glass. Asked him to explore Mavon as I've heard they are a good bang for the buck. Want to take care of my big brother, any wisdom from those smarter than I am on good binoculars would be greatly appreciated.

gr8fuldoug · Aug 13, 2024

Take a look at the Kowa SV50-12 12x50mm Binoculars which we have on sale for only $199.99 and it's an excellent binocular

elkhunterUT · Aug 13, 2024

Buy once, cry once - get the Swarovski 12x42 NL Pures

gundog2 · Aug 13, 2024

I bought the Vortex HD 12x50 (about $800) a few years ago. The stupid rubber cushions on the eye cups kept getting messed up until I finally got angry and tore the dang things off. The glass itself was okay, but extremely unsatisfied with the design of the Fisher Price eye cups. What a waste of glass. Now I want Swarovski. Wish I would have done it right the first time.

WHT_MTNMAN · Aug 13, 2024

If he is going to be using them quite a bit I recommend biting the bullet and buying something nice. If he has one or two hunts that he wants them for I would tell him to rent the best out there. A few places out there that do that.
You can rent them for a fraction of the cost and get to use the best.

RRCowboyStar · Aug 13, 2024

I would check out Meopta, but look for some used Swaro EL's.

Slick8 · Aug 13, 2024

I would highly recommend the Meopta myself if that's not too much self promotion.

For Sale - Meopta Meostar 15x56 | Classified Ads

Excellent pair of Meopta Meostar 15x56B1.1 HD binos. They come in the original box with accessories and a tripod stud. A few light marks on the shell. These are highly regarded by many as providing near Swarovski SLC level. $1100 TYD.

www.monstermuleys.info

lundellhunting7 · Aug 13, 2024

I would say Sig ZULU6 if your not going with swaros

Servehim · Aug 13, 2024

Thanks guys , valued info right there. Appreciate it.

yotebuster17 · Aug 13, 2024

Some great deals on swaro 12x42’s out there right now. I can promise you, due to resale value, the cost of ownership on a pair will be less then any other option you listed. Get some vortex or mavens for $1500 or so and they’ll be worth $800 in a few months. Buy some NL’s for $3k and they’ll be worth $2800 in a decade.

maddog58 · Aug 14, 2024

I bought a pair of Leupold Santium 15x56 a few years back. I don’t even use them because I can see better with my Swarovski 10x42 EL even though they have less magnification. Take it for what it’s worth, but I won’t buy lesser glass again

Willametteriveroutlaw · Aug 14, 2024

There are some really good deals on 12x50 ELs out there, I would go that direction..

Servehim · Aug 14, 2024

Again Thanks MM family.. we appreciate you.

Wiszard · Aug 15, 2024

gundog2 said:
I bought the Vortex HD 12x50 (about $800) a few years ago. The stupid rubber cushions on the eye cups kept getting messed up until I finally got angry and tore the dang things off. The glass itself was okay, but extremely unsatisfied with the design of the Fisher Price eye cups. What a waste of glass. Now I want Swarovski. Wish I would have done it right the first time.

My eyecups started to detach as well. I sent them back and they fixed them no questions asked. Until I could send them in to get fixed, I held them together with electrical taped.

Servehim · Aug 15, 2024

gr8fuldoug said:
Take a look at the Kowa SV50-12 12x50mm Binoculars which we have on sale for only $199.99 and it's an excellent binocular

He bought the Kowa , thanks....appreciate the help.

stinky · Aug 22, 2024

You crack me up....you say Penny-Pincher and then say that he is considering Vortex.

When I saw that I thought of Tasco, Barska, Bushnell.

Servehim · Aug 22, 2024

He received the Kowa set, they cost $200 and he got a great bang for his buck . Definitely next level UP from those you noted Sticky. Thanks gr8fulfrog , appreciate the help.