20 Best Scope For Low Light (2023 Updated)

The first thing I noticed when I took the binos out of the box was how light they were. At 29 ounces they weigh only 4. 7 ounces more than my Vortex Razor HD 8×42 binos. The image quality is excellent and even at close range objects apprear as three dimensional and the edge to edge sharpness is excellent as well.

What one gets with a cheap pair of binos is lesser glass optics without much in the way of coatings and potentially a less durable build. But at 10% of the price of a Swarovski I can live with that. If you put Swarvoski on the barrel I doubt many people could notice a difference in image quality.

As my eyes age I need more magnification to see details clearly and so have 10×25 and 10×43 binos and my 8×40 are seldom used. I can see these 12×50 binos from Vortex becoming my favorites for birding walks.

When doing wildlife photography I will continue to use the Swarovski 10×25 which are very compact and will fit with their case inside a water bottle pocket on the outside of the backpack. But for general bino use these Vortex 12×50 will be the ones I grab.

I sought counsel from seasoned hunters and marksmen, as I am a novice when it comes to “glass”. the term often used from folks who know about scopes and binoculars. I am so glad I did! A list of 4 outstanding “entry level” binocular companies was made.

I say “entry level” because my previous pair of binoculars, bought 16 years ago, was a $50 pair of Tasco’s. I thought they were good, but I didn’t seek more info then and this was just before the internet so I went to a big box store and bought a pair.

NOW I have these Vortex Diamondback HD 10×50!! Right out of the box here is what I noticed and like! 1. I can instantly see clearly through them. No moving them around to get rid of that black areas I saw through my Tascos.

2. Love the one-piece eye glass protectors. easier to keep track of then the individual cups the Tasco’s had 3. Love the built-on large glass protectors. Again, I won’t forget to put these back on or loose them in my truck.

4. The pouch they come with is incredibly comfortable! 5. The rubberized feel is great to handle. very secure. I seriously had no idea binoculars could be so comfortable, focused and easy to use until I bought these.

Yes, to me, $250 bucks is a large sum of money but I already love them enough to say the money spent was WELL WORTH IT! I expect to use these till the end of my career. and then some. Thank you Vortex for making a quality product and Academy Sports for quick secure shipping!.

I am an avid birder and have been using an amazing pair of Nikon Venturer LX 8X42 binoculars for the past 16 years and wanted a good pair of 10X42s (I have the Zeiss Terra ED 10X32, which I do not like at all).

I was willing to spend about $1000 so my decision came down to either the Nikon Monarch HG or the Vortex Razor HD. I could not see a huge difference when I compared the two in a store so I decided on the latter in the 10X50 format to get a brighter image.

Right out of the box, the diopter had to be adjusted completely to one side to get even bilateral focus (see photo). I wear glasses when I use binoculars so I have never had to manipulate diopter adjustment and this was clearly a factory defect.

What I have heard about Vortex is that many of their products come out of their overseas factory with flaws and defects and the best course of action is to take advantage of their amazing warrantee (the main reason I chose them over Nikon) and send them to the corporate headquarters in the US where they will adjust everything to design specifications.

However, while I continued to test them out in the field, I noticed that the rubber armor coating on the left barrel was not flush and the Vortex emblem looked like it was about to fall off. Overall, I was not happy with the performance of the binoculars as there were many occasions when I felt that I couldn’t get the focus just right and I returned them to B&H for a refund (no problems there).

While preparing to ship them back, I noticed that there was dust on some of the internal elements. Three significant factory defects is unacceptable for binoculars in this price range. In my same order for these binoculars, I bought a pair of Vortex 8X42 Crossfire HD for a ridiculously low price just have in the trunk of my car when I don’t have my Nikons.

I will be writing a very positive review for them but I just wanted to mention here that there is NOTHING wrong with my Crossfire HDs and I am very happy with them so I can attest that Vortex is capable of producing good products at a low price (maybe just not great products at a high price).

I purchased this pair of Vortex Razor HD 8X42 binoculars to serve as a back-up/secondary pair for birding as I’d just had to send my Zeiss Conquest HD 10X42 binoculars in for a focus wheel issue for the second time in less than a year.

I’d read some excellent reviews of Vortex products in general, and their unlimited lifetime warranty was a big plus. I started wearing glasses while birding a few years ago, and eye relief has become a very important factor to me in choosing binoculars.

After trying several models owned by friends, I knew that I needed a minimum of 17. 0 mm of eye relief to maintain a full field of view with my rather thick glasses. That ruled out the Razor UHD models, which have 16.

7 mm of eye relief. (The 8X42 Razor HD has 17. 5 mm of eye relief. ) Shortly after receiving my new Razor HD, Zeiss actually gave me a brand-new 10X42 Conquest, as the focus wheel issue was covered by warranty.

I took both the Razor and the Conquest out birding last weekend, and I was surprised to find myself drawn more to the Razor, despite the lower magnification (as I’ve used 10X binoculars for birding for thirty years now).

The focus mechanism is very smooth and the image is bright, clear, and sharp. Obviously, the field of view for the 8X Razor is considerably larger than that of the 10X Conquest. Optically I can’t see a difference between the two binoculars, so I feel I’ll choose one over the other based on the type of birding I’ll be doing.

For example, a morning of long-distance searching through shorebirds on the Texas coast might be better suited for the Conquest, while a hike in the woods might bring me to go with the Razor. I feel like it’s a win-win situation for me now.

I’ve owned three Meade LX200’s over the years… decided to give Celestron a try. Let’s make this really simple… the CPC Deluxe 1100 HD is better than the Meade LX 200 in every way possible… every aspect of the system has been thought out in detail and built to provide the best possible experience.

Scope alignment is simple and the goto is spot on every time. The scope is a bit heavy but is ergonomically constructed so as to make it easy to move around and set up. Compared to the LX200 this scope is quiet as a mouse.

The optics are excellent and everything they are advertised to be. Best visual observing I’ve ever experienced. I can’t say enough good things about this telescope. If you want a top of the line system that will surpass every expectation you have, this is that system Five thumbs up!.

I was expecting a lot from this telescope, and it was even better than I had hoped. The tube is a work of art, and the tripod and mount are beasts. It’s about as large and heavy as I’d want. Glad I chose the 9.

25 over the 11 inch. All the planets look great and are easy. The larger nebulas are very clear and M3 cluster shows a sprinkling of stars throughout and has a three dimensional quality. I have another GoTo scope I use and really like but the accuracy of this model in finding objects is nearly perfect.

Really happy with this baby.

It took me months before I found this model with Orion, lady took my call was very helpful placing my order. Five stars. The unit arrive via UPS and the outside box was damaged, even boots foot prints “on the box side” !! They walk on or kick the box My complain I have is that instructions are very basic or generally and lacks substance.

I guess celestron thing that if you purchase this model , you knows everything. WRONG!! It will be helpful if celestron have tuition on the telescope. For the nextstar handheld software, is a lot of work , when you have a Mac model.

Also I don’t understand the sending a car power cable instead of ac/dc or both. It will save time , because not every place have it , if you want the original model. Since I got is been cloudy , hopefully will be able to try it tomorrow with blue moon.

last but not less important , collimation!! I hope is ok after how it arrived but just the idea of doing this calibration terrify me. Let see what happen!!.

I got this telescope as a graduation gift, and I have to say that I probably don’t have intention to upgrade this optical tube anytime soon, it provides unbelievably high quality, sharp and beautiful views of everything from planets to even many deep sky objects.

The equatorial mount provided is excellent to teach beginners and I personally enjoy telling people how the whole thing works at observatory events at my college. The optics is by far the best thing I have seen in terms of starter equatorial mount telescopes, there is a mix between high quality optics, large light gathering capabilities, and a pretty solid focuser.

Collimation is straight-forward and easy, especially with the included collimation cap (it’s an excellent piece for smaller reflectors like this). Everything that I have seen thus far with this optical tube have been of incredible quality, no reflections to be found, and beautiful transmission.

It even makes for a nice beginner astrophotography telescope, since it can find focus with a dedicated astronomy camera. The eyepieces included are excellent. Lastly, the finder scope is really accurate and collects just enough light to make finding my desired object a cakewalk.

The Mount is a stable, solid beginner’s mount that gets the job done for long-term astronomical viewing, and simple-somewhat complex planetary shots/lunar shots (especially with the optional single axis drive, which is top-notch for hands-free long term astronomical viewing).

The lock knobs hold the RA and Dec for solid tracking. However, during the summer, I’ve noticed that the mount’s worm gear tends to get a little sticky/gets stuck from time-to-time, which has been problematic during some of my observation nights.

It seems to only happen on warm, humid nights. Also, the RA and Dec setting circles are a pain to work with and I would not recommend using them too often. Overall, it’s a solid starter mount with its quirks.

Though I since upgraded the mount of my current setup, I could still find myself going back and using this little included mount for a light-weight alternative every now and again. Overall, you can’t go wrong with a beginner scope like this, and while it does take more work than a standard refractor telescope, this scope will provide some of the best views you’ll see from any beginner telescope.

The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ is the quintessential intermediate beginner’s telescope. Its capabilities have grown on me as I’ve been digging deeper into the bountiful field of astronomy; I started out simply viewing the Moon and the five bright planets with this telescope (which provided crystal clear and razor sharp views of those objects) but now as I delve into more difficult finds such as galaxies, nebulae, and other DSOs, the telescope is still perfectly adequate.

I still have yet to max out the potential of its wonderful optics. The mount is steady and well-weighted, and the two included eyepieces deliver crisp views, although I’ve since upgraded to a few Meade Super Plossl which take the observing experience through this telescope to a whole new level.

I highly recommend this setup to any beginner looking to advance their astronomical skills. Well done, Orion!.

I felt like a little kid in the candy factory when I got this telescope bundle. Yes, I did have pieces needed to be replaced but wow, it got changed out fast. Only took 1 week for shipment. Being a 5″.

1 I can see Jupiter and the 4 moons and the clouds going around the planet. I can see Saturn and the 2 rings deviders (2x barlow, 6mm eye piece) I can see the Andromeda Galaxy (best seen at 25mm eye piece) very ugly I though would be like the pictures you see.

In reality galaxies are not. They are like God dropped some pencil lead after sharping his pencils and then rubbed it in the night sky 🙂 but those are only parts of what I have seen so far and with the books and guids and map that you get in this kit, you’ll have a very excited time looking for anything and everything that you can.

Being a small aperture you can see lots with this telescope. Hope that you enejoy it as much as I have so far. The employees at Orion are very knowledgeable on all the products they sale. Yes, took me around 3 months to figuer out what I wanted and they have helped me out every step of the way.

Thanks Orion telescope guys/gals. You’re the best. Clear skies to you all. *note* pictures and video is from my camera on my phone. 😉 not a professional camera at all. 13mp is all.

I use this product to see who might be on my property at night. Works great and i have had these for about a year now. I just wish there was a mount to attach it to my military helmet. If anybody has any idea please post it.

OK, I’m very picky about optics. Been a large format photographer for about 3 decade, worked with MF, use densitometers and resolution targets – you get the idea, a persnickety and annoying sod. Also somewhat sensitive to optical properties.

Selecting a spotting scope obviously depends upon the ultimate use of the scope – a skywatcher would probably have a different set of criteria from a birdwatcher who might have a different set of criteria from a hunter or hiker planning on wandering into the wild.

That large front objective would make this more suited to the person who needs to deal with low light and needs some serious light gathering ability. An 88mm objective is large enough to be a serious contender in low light situations and I would imagine that would be the kind of person this was intended for – skywatchers who want to fly with a telscope and can’t/won’t carry overlarge Dobsonians etc.

, astrophotographers, birders and hunters who like to work the dawn and twilight hours etc. You would be very hard pressed to find a better performing optic. I’ve looked through my share of ‘bad’ and ‘middling’ glass and can usually recognize them.

The view through these is outstanding, easily among the best I’ve looked through (and I’ve used a variety of camera lenses ranging from ancient rectilinears to Protars and Dagors to apochromatic designs and plasmats, I’ve looked through Zeiss, Leica, Sony, Schneider, Rodenstock, Fujinon etc.

glass). That humungous fluorite crystal coupled with superb design, good quality control and excellent coatings has achieved two very important things – increased transmission and reduced aberrations.

The result is a superby crisp image in the eyepiece. I was able to easily resolve Jupiter and the Galilean moons even at low magnifications. That actually is a task that can be sometimes achieved in some good quality binoculars but one of the moons was just tangential to the giant sphere of Jupiter.

Still separately resolved. More importantly, everything appeared like marbles rather than flat discs. And all this was achieved with all the light pollution spilling from a moon a few degrees away. Saturn resolved into an equally clear disc sorrounded by the ring.

Terrestrial viewing is equally crisp and clear and that quality extends across the whole field. I can see why Kowa stuff is so beloved by birders. To my eye, the cast is ever so slightly warm. The ergonomics is excellent.

The magnesium alloy body keeps the weight reasonable for such a large scope – I have flown with it, it is quite handily transportable, compared to SCT type of telescopes. If you buy the case, it is very intelligently designed (even if it does not give you that sense immediately – the subtle intelligence is realized with use) and makes carrying this very easy.

The sealed and purged body keep everything fogproof and moistureproof. The twin focus knobs are genius and have the right amount of resistance. Fall under the hand perfectly – rough focus wheel to quickly get in the ballpark and fine focus wheel to get the image to snap into focus.

An integrated lens hood/sunshade that slides out when needed. An excellent tripod mount that keeps everything very well balanced (yeah, put it on a tripod unless you are trying to look like those 80s action stars like Rambo or Schwarznegger).

A knob to let you rotate the eyepiece into the most convenient position – particularly handy when you have poeple of different heights taking turns to look through the scope. More importantly, the whole Kowa system is very intelligently designed to work quickly and easily.

Superb eyepieces (also sealed and purged) matched to the objective, an extender (which presumably functions like a traditional Barlow on a telescope), camera, cellphone and digiscoping accessories. And nothing feels like an afterthought with some over-elaborate method of attachment.

Everything snaps and locks into place – it takes just a few minutes (seconds!) to get things swapped and set up. This has clearly been thought through carefully. This technology has reached a stage where it provides superb results.

It is also a technology that feels very compatible to the human body (unlike electronic stuff that feels just a bit alien and more importantly and perhaps by design, is still in the throes of constant obsolescence).

So, this scope is going to feel like home for years, probably decades. And that somewhat inexplicable part is important. I mean, a 3 1/2 terrestrially bound telescope is not going to give you the same sort of picture that something like The Hubble or James Webb can.

And you can easily open your iPad and see those pictures. But to be out on a crisp night and look through a tube holding a few bits of glass and seeing something that far off is a strange wordless experience.

A strange cocktail of achievement and awe and that strange sense of loneliness in looking at distant worlds across the yawning gulfs of space that lie between us.

I upgraded from the Viper Vortex 65mm 15-45X to this combo. I’ve been able to test a few times in the field now, at long distance and in low light. The image is more clear to the edges, with wider field of view, at higher magnification, with more light, so it’s the best of all worlds.

The scope isn’t significantly heavier due to use of lighter metals. It’s a little larger but not bad. I was worried I’d have buyer’s remorse paying so much more but really enjoying it so far. I particularly like the focusing mechanism with the fast and fine focus knobs.

The only thing I might change is adding some more friction/resistance to the fine focus knob so it holds a little better. I also wish this came with a lifetime guarantee like the viper vortex line. I bought the extra neoprene sleeve to try and protect against drops.

This is a good quality binoculars build with a modern design with over all excellent package. I did try in person multiple binoculars with in the price range 200-300 before tax and this was the best overall binoculars.

Other brands were not able to stack up when it comes to construction and optical quality for this price. Optically in between the 3 models in the series this was the best. The color was true to life, contrast was excellent and it had chromatic abberation.

The 10×42 was good but it looked a bit dark when side by side with 8×42 and the 10×50 showed some chromatic abberation. One thing regarding buying a binoculars are like shoes unless you try them on you don’t know how it will fit.

So don’t take my word for it and go to the store and try them on one by one. If they don’t fit or you get black shadows they will not work for you.

I bought it for a trip for wildlife viewing. Online reviews were all very good. The image quality is quite poor in my opinion. There is only minimal peripheral distortion but there is way too much chromatic aberration.

I had my Nikon M7 Monarch 8×42 at the same time and after viewing through the Vortex a couple of times and the Nikon right after, I put them down for good. The focus wheel is also somewhat coarse and difficult to adjust with one finger precisely (again I’m spoilt by the super smooth Nikons).

Yes, it is a relatively cheap bino for what it offers, I got it over the Diamondback version as that had so so reviews, but for me, I need crisp images without the distracting color fringing. Would be spending more and get a Nikon M5 instead.

I have already returned the Vortex thanks to an excellent return policy by B&H.

I bought the Crossfire HD 8X42 binoculars about a week ago and I’m pretty impressed overall. For one thing they compare pretty well optically in clarity and depth of field with my Cabela’s Intensity 8X42 binocs, which themselves are a very good buy for the money.

One con of the Crossfire is that the eyecup adjustment doesn’t stay in place very well, especially when using the eyepiece dustcaps. The pupil distance also doesn’t adjust quite narrow enough for my eyes but with the right eyecup adjustment it’s still comfortable.

The exit pupil is nothing short of massive which gives the impression it will allow lots of light through and take advantage of your dilated pupils when you’re in low light. The eyecup adjustment range is outstanding and allows just the right eye relief no matter what glasses you wear or if you don’t wear eyeglasses.

The lens covers are durable and very effective for keeping the lenses clean when you’re not looking through them. The shoulder strap is outstanding and makes the optics feel lighter than they actually are, especially when hiking off trail when it’s rough.

I’ve not tried the shoulder harness included with the carry case because it makes it very difficult to change or share binoculars. The carry case is outstanding however and gives lots of peace of mind when not using them.

I would say you could do a lot worse for the money with these binoculars, especially if you are on a budget like me. The warranty is also outstanding. I will not hesitate to take them hunting or birding, two very optic intensive hobbies.

ive had these binos for 3 years now, they’re fantastic. I’ve used them on a moose hunt in Maine, scouting for bears in the catskill mountains, and for targeting waterfowl hunting locations. they preform excellent in low light, are near indestructible, and not overall too heavy to have on your chest either.

they’re a great budget performance optics option if you ask me, and id recommended them to anyone.

Highly recommended. Extremely clear glass. Very durable. Easily manipulated. There is a one eye focus that locks in then just use the top dial to focus in at different ranges. Friend dropped off the side of a Mountain in Wyoming, watched them tumble end over end for what felt like an eternity, friend went down and found them.

Only damage was scratches on the housing and one of the eye pieces doesn’t screw in and out as easily as it used to. Still fully functional, used them for 3 more days before we headed home. My only con would be the weight.

With the harness it’s not too bad but with just the neck sling it can feel like a lot wagging around. Overall I’m a huge Vortex guy. I highly recommend all of their products. I have 4 scopes, a rangefinder, and these binos.

no failures to report yet.

I was looking for a compact set of binos to replace my old cheap tascos that I keep in my hunting sling pack. I caught these vanquish on sale and gave them a shot. They are much clearer than my old pair and most likely as good as you can get in this price range.

Even though they’re about twice the size and wt of the pair they are replacing. They will fit in a cargo pocket of BDU style pants but barely. Even with the larger size they aren’t too cumbersome to carry on long hikes in with my climbing stand or a full day of sit and stalk hunting.

I paid $80 on sale and feel like they were a great value for the money.

In my opinion, for $30 more I would suggest the Nikon pro staff 10×25 waterproof. The Vortex’s (in my opinion) have terrible eyecups and the focus knob is randomly tight around the center. The Nikon’s eyecups are way bigger and fit the eye better for adults.

Their focus wheel is really smooth too. To my eye the Nikon’s optical performance is way better. Very sharp and natural looking.

As a keen birder and wildlife spotter, I’ve found these binoculars to be a useful relatively lightweight addition to my watching kit. They feel well made and the rubbery grip is good so not unduly concerned about them slipping from my hands during use.

The rubbery coating will also protect them from normal usage bumps too – that’s never a bad thing. Apparently they’re waterproof and anti-fog – neither of which I’ve tested (voluntarily or otherwise!) but being from a brand like Nikon I suspect they would be more than adequate in testing conditions given the solid build quality.

Adjustments are easy too which is a bonus and – most importantly – the quality of the image you can see through them is very good indeed. Plenty of clarity when watching my feathered friends although the longer focal length means you need a steady hand (or something to rest on).

If I were to be a bit critical I would single out the lens covers which are individual and prone to come away too easily – a bit of a design mistake in my opinion although they do have ‘clips’ to allow them to be attached to the strap – albeit loosely.

The linked cover for the eyepieces can be fixed to the carrying strap so no excuses for losing that one. The carrying case can be mounted on to your belt for ease too. I like them. They do what I need them to do quite nicely in a compact neat package.

#thumbsup.

Extremely bright, clear, and sharp optics for this price point. the eye relief is very good on the 8×32 sets (2) we purchased. The binoculars are easy to use and fairly light weight. the strap is wide and seems well made.

The carry case is soft and cushioned with a belt loop. The one complaint I have with these is the lens caps. They do fall off easily like many say here. Nikon should upgrade the caps to stay attached while viewing.

I was also impressed with the speed in which they were delivered right before Christmas.

These were bought for birding. I have invested in very good binoculars over 30 years of birding. The last pair where ZEISS glasses over $500. I bought these no cons on a bit of a whim to have an extra pair and I cannot tell the difference between these two pairs.

Possibly a slightly narrower vision but honestly they’re lighter and easier to focus. This is a very good buy and who cares about the binocular bag or strap.

I have used and had all different makes and models of binoculars during my 41 year career in State Natural Resource Law Enforcement. Still have an old pair of Leitz 10 x40 I have had since the 70’s. I also own a pair of Viper 10 X 42, they are clear and very good but they have one flaw which makes the Nikon Monarch 7 10 X 42 a better value at the same price.

The Nikon Monarch 7 10 X 42 does have a wide field of view but what I like about them is the depth of field. This being an area that is in focus on an object in depth from the front to the back. One can tell by turning the focus wheel while viewing a focused subject, bird or object until the object is out of focus.

Most binoculars have a short depth of field but the Nikon Monarch 7 10 X 42 does not which makes for a pleasant viewing experience and for one not constantly trying to get a sharp focus and turning the focus wheel at what your looking at.

This is especially true while watching a bird that is moving about.

I chose these because I thought they were great when I borrowed them from a colleague. I think she must have had the 7’s as I remember the image being brighter and clearer than what these are but overall the image is good, especially for the price if you get them on sale.

I use these in the field for doing bird and other environmental work. They are good for narrower set eyes like I have (but fit regular and wide too). As others have mentioned, the eyepiece lens covers are too big.

They don’t stay on which is annoying and will no doubt cause debris to scratch the lenses. Overall though I would choose these again over others.

Needed an EDC binocular, but did not want to break the bank. As EDC goes, an excellent choice. Field of view is excellent, picture is bright, ergonomy is ok, but could be better. Focus adjustment wheel is stif, and in general it’s not that easy to focus quickly (compared with more expensive glass).

This gives the feeling that sharpness is not cutting age (disclaimer: my full size binos are of premium kind, many times more expensive than these). But (!), I am extremely happy with my choice, picture is very good, they are excellent for packing light.

My backyard cheapo binos got fogged and I saw the sale with Leupold McKenzie 10×42 available for a sharp price. I jumped on it. I couldn’t be happier as these are beautifully clear with the coated optics.

To my surprise there was directions for the diopter adjustment. In the past I developed my own procedure but the Leupold one is great to have. The main thing they state is to focus on something about 100yd distant for the procedure.

Good to know. Also, the 10x was an upgrade and certainly hand-holdable while sitting down. The included and integrated objective lens covers work fine along w/the eyepieces’ cover attached to the strap.

The ability to focus to 10′ also welcome and an upgrade over my previous pair. The one thing I wish for would be a greater range of focusing at far distances: it seems if I focus on something 1/4 mile away, the image of a cruise altitude airliner is also relatively sharp but is 6-8 miles away; the tiniest focusing adjustment is needed but difficult to move the dial such a small amount to get tack sharp.

Water, plants, ducks, planes, people and faces look so much crisper. Just absolute pleasure to view through these binoculars. I used to own a monocular made in 80s and it had a fat pink line around images and i never knew why and thought something was wrong.

These leupold mckenzies the image pops because it adds crisp outline with pink or purple hue that is increadibly thin but I love it as the Image becomes spectacular as if you are using a polarized lens.

Hand holding these also adds to experience as you have no problems stabalizing the image. Looking at the grass while standing is a trip too. Lineyard has a comfortable neck mesh. My brain also calms down and thoughts stop attacking me.

Thank you Leupold for making these binoculars.

I purchased another name brand spotter and just wasn’t satisfied with the clarity at higher powers. Checked out the Diamondback HD 20-60×85 at a store. Salesman and I took it outside to check it out.

The eyepiece and eye relief were definitely better than the brand I had purchased the week before. Clarity of view at all power settings was a lot better with the Vortex. Surprisingly good for a spotter in its price range.

I took the other brand I had purchased the week prior and bought the Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60×85 angled. Love it. I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed!.

I’ve owned Leupold products for decades. I honestly saved up the money to go and buy some Swaro binoculars because that’s all I hear about here in the west, where we actually have to look long distances.

I do have a Swaro spotting scope that I prefer over the Leupold Spotting scope but that’s a story for a different day. I went in to buy the Swaro binoculars and I took my old Leupold BX-2’s to compare.

I honestly couldn’t tell find any differences in the Swaro glass to the BX-2’s, which don’t even hold a candle to these BX-4’s! Long story short, I didn’t buy the Swaro binoculars and instead got these new BX-4’s with the HD glass and wow! I spend most of my time glassing and spotting mule deer above timberline and so I will glass miles in the distance.

These are awesome and crystal clear. I can count points on a mule deer buck with these and don’t even need my spotting scope on every buck anymore. Low light is where they really shine, which is the key to hunting life.

Get these, save yourself some money and enjoy hunting again.

With a western hunt on the horizon I wanted a 10x binocular. Leupold makes great scopes and has excellent customer service, so I chose the mid-priced 10×42 Bx-4. Reasonably light and handy. Good optics for the money.

Crisp, bright image with some chromatic aberration around edge of field. Overall don’t equal my compact 8x Swarovskis but half the price. Not a fan of the accessories. The lens caps come off too easily.

Case is cheaply made. Probably should have waited to compare these with Bx-5 or comparable Vortex binos before buying but decent glass.