Little binocculars

[Bladepeek]

I used to have a huge, old set of East German Zeiss 8x50s that really turned night into day. The optics were the best I ever looked through except for a 10x42 Swarowski. They were just too big to carry and the adjustments had a bit of slop in them, so I sold them. I now have a nice 8.5x45 set of Nikon Monarch X's that are great for stand use, but again, just a little big and heavy for wandering around and more power than I need for bow hunting. My 10x28 Leupolds are nice to carry in the car for casual use when I see something a bit too far out to see well with the naked eye, but absolutely useless at first dawn or in the last 1/2 hour of hunting light.

I've been looking seriously at a Vortex Viper 6x32 that seems like it might be perfect for a bow hunter. Anyone have any experience with the little guys?

[stykbow67]

I don't have the binos but I do have a Vortex Solo monocular and a Vortex spotting scope and they both  have very good optics. I wouldn't hesitate at all to buy a pair of there binos.

Steve

[Pete McMiller]

I've got a pair of Vortex Viper 8x28 that I got for lugging around the mountains during elk season - light weight and good magnification.  The down side is that at the first and last half an hour of the day you can't get much light in.  

If you divide the objective by the magnification the result gives a good idea of the light 'gathering' performance.  For example, my 7x42 Swarovski (great at low light) = 6 while my new 8x28 = 3.5 (good glass but not in low light).  The binos you are looking at, 6x32 = 5.3 which tells me that your low light performance is pretty good.  You can translate this yourself with the binos you already have.  

As far as the Vipers as a bino - I think they are a great glass and compare favorably with my Swarovski.

[thumper-tx]

I have used for many years some Bushnell Custom Compacts. They are 7x26 I believe and are tack sharp. Very popular with birdwatchers who, by the way, are very particular about their glass. They sell for under $300 and are small and light.  I have tried many others but keep going back to these.

[Biathlonman]

The 6.5x vortex are well thought of glass though a.bit.bulky.

[ron w]

I did a compromise.....8x30 Stieners.....not to big, not to small. They gather light well and are clear as a Bell. I'm very pleased with them.

[hawkeye n pa]

I bought a the Cabela's Alaskan Guide compact in the 12x30 and really like them.  Light weight small and sharp and not bulky around the neck.  Also fit in a pocket real easy.

[smokin joe]

I use 6x30 binocs for bow hunting. I find that size to be the perfect compromise of magnification, weight and brightness. With a padded camera-type neck strap they are very comfortable to wear and use all day long.
I think there is a place for small binocs in bow hunting and I recommend the 6x30 size.
The Yosemite model is what I use. Good binocs at a very affordable price.

[tippit]

I keep my small 10X25 Swarovski compacts in my fanny pack all the time.  My 8X32 Swarovski are bigger but great in low light.

[Rudy Cariello]

I have both the Bushnell Custom Compact 7x26 and the Vortex Viper 6x32.

I've used the Custom Compacts since the early 80's.
Sharp and clear, much better than you'd think from a small pair of binos. They are very easy to use and carry. A real plus, cause you always have them with you. You will however, give up the first and last half hour of light as they just don't transmit the light as a larger pair will.

Started using the Vortex Vipers last year and am very impressed with them. Very sharp and clear and great low light binos. They are larger than the Custom Compacts and I use them with a bino harness. The Custom Compacts always ride in a coat pocket when I use them.

I have to say that my old stand-by Custom Compacts don't get used so much now that I have the Vortex. They are bigger, however, the great low light performance gives them the edge in my opinion.

These are the binos I use for Whitetail and turkey hunting. When I hunt out west, I use a pair of 8x30 Swaros or 10x40 Swaros and am very happy with them as well.

Kind of a bino junkie lately and liking it.

[PaPaFrank]

I have the 6x32 Vortex glasses and I don't think you can beat them for what they cost.

[Hoyt]

I have a little pair of 10x25 Zeiss when I use them.

[Lin Rhea]

I have the HD version of the 6X vipers. I love em. Just right for bow hunting as far as I'm concerned. Great in low light too. I also have Nikons and they are good, but I prefer the Vipers.

[nineworlds9]

Find yourself a set of Leupold Yosemites.  Great binocs and not too heavy.

[Gdpolk]

They aren't alpha level glass, but you might also be interested in the 6x or 8x Leupold Yosemite binoculars. Their performance really exceeds their price range and they aren't heavy at all.

I've been looking for some Leupold 7/12 switch power binoculars lately thinking they would make for a nice compromise between size, weight, and power. The 7x32 power should be perfect for bowhunting but then to be able to switch up to 12x on occasions for those things that a little more detail is wanted would be nice.

[Marc B.]

I use the 6x32 Vipers and I think they are the best glass for bowhunting on the market.

[Bjorn]

I have a pair of Leopold Katmai in 6x32 and to me that's the ideal power and size combo for bowhunting. The size of the lens is more important than power for hunting. 5 times power is a good rule, so 6x30, 7x35, 8x40 etc. that's why sizes like 10x25 are too slow to get on target and are just too awkward for hunting. IMO

[TxAg]

Anyone tried the Bushnell Trophy XLT 8x32's?

They can be had for $99 and seem to have good reviews considering the price point. Look small enough to carry in a cargo pocket.

[arrow bender]

6X30.  accectably light, exceptionally bright, priced right.Luepold Yosemite

[Wudstix]

Have to agree with arrow bender.  After my Steiner 6x30's ran away from home I replaced them with a pait of Yosemite.  Also, has 8x42 Nikon Monarchs for scouting and shed hunting.