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Started By
Message
Looking for recommendations for High power Binoculars…..that don’t require a tripod
Posted on 1/23/26 at 1:59 pm
Posted on 1/23/26 at 1:59 pm
10
Posted on 1/23/26 at 2:08 pm to Rize
I can just shut my eyes and remember 1939 like it was yesterday
I don’t need help for that
I don’t need help for that
This post was edited on 1/23/26 at 2:09 pm
Posted on 1/23/26 at 2:09 pm to Old Sarge
From a ship, Do you need stabilizing?
Posted on 1/23/26 at 2:11 pm to Hermit Crab
I don’t really know, I know my high-powered camera lenses have stabilization and it works, I don’t know about the effectiveness with these long range binoculars
Posted on 1/23/26 at 2:13 pm to Old Sarge
quote:
I don’t really know, I know my high-powered camera lenses have stabilization and it works, I don’t know about the effectiveness with these long range binoculars
What are you trying to do? Most hunting applications10 to 12 should be fine. Other than that I’d probably look into a spotting scope.
Never mind I see what you’re wanting to do.
This post was edited on 1/23/26 at 2:14 pm
Posted on 1/23/26 at 2:16 pm to Rize
Polar bears and whales
And look at stars
Years ago, I was at Yellowstone, many years ago, and with my binoculars, I could see, but not clearly wolves eating an elk with my 10x50 wide-angle Minolta’s
But I wanted to try to go a little better
And there’s always that one guy at star parties without a telescope with a high-powered pair of binoculars and it’s amazing to me what they can see
And look at stars
Years ago, I was at Yellowstone, many years ago, and with my binoculars, I could see, but not clearly wolves eating an elk with my 10x50 wide-angle Minolta’s
But I wanted to try to go a little better
And there’s always that one guy at star parties without a telescope with a high-powered pair of binoculars and it’s amazing to me what they can see
Posted on 1/23/26 at 2:31 pm to Old Sarge
Realistically anything over 10x needs a tripod just for stability.
12x is extremely hard to hold still.
You if you are wanting 15x you will need a stabilizing pair. They obviously jump the price up considerably.
12x is extremely hard to hold still.
You if you are wanting 15x you will need a stabilizing pair. They obviously jump the price up considerably.
Posted on 1/23/26 at 3:13 pm to Old Sarge
You want the stabilizing binos.
Most of the time I hunt with regular 15x and they’re fine. V
Most of the time I hunt with regular 15x and they’re fine. V
Posted on 1/23/26 at 3:18 pm to Old Sarge
Zeiss maybe? Have two pair for deer and elk hunting they’re pretty great.
This post was edited on 1/23/26 at 3:19 pm
Posted on 1/23/26 at 4:24 pm to Old Sarge
Sig has a gyroscope bino. They are insane.
Posted on 1/23/26 at 7:55 pm to Old Sarge
Disclaimer: I don't have personal experience w/ the binocs you mentioned. OTOH, I have a lot of personal experience using 12x binocs. I go on 2-3 prairie dog hunts every year and my main binocs are 12x.I first bought a pair of Vortex Diamondback 7-8 years ago. I next bought a pair of Howa 12x binocs when I caught them on sale. Last year, someone on this board posted about Leupold 12x binoculars on sale. I bought them too. The Leupold's are much better than the Vortex, but they cost twice as much. The Howas are ok, but not as good as the Vortexes. Last spring I caught a pair of Vortex Diamondback factory refurb 15x56 binoculars on sale. The 15's are optically good, but I was disappointed I couldn't stabilize them in the OK wind, despite propping my elbows on the shooting bench. The wind had to be very calm (<10 mph) for me to use the 15s. The 12's stabilize fine, even in the wind. I worry the 15s will be too unstable for you w/o a tripod, especially on a moving ship. Be sure and update on your trip. 
Posted on 1/24/26 at 10:05 am to TigerOnThe Hill
Thanks! That’s the kind of info that’s helpful, maybe the right path is two pairs, 12x for bird/wildlife and 15x for star gazing since it’s usually calm and clear
Posted on 1/24/26 at 10:28 am to Old Sarge
The stabilizing sigs are awesome and will do what you need.
Posted on 1/24/26 at 10:33 am to bbvdd
quote:
12x is extremely hard to hold still.
I have a set of Pentax 12x24 UCF compact binoculars I bought in the early 2000's, razor sharp image and no problem keeping still because they weigh nothing. Wish I'd also gotten the 16x version too.
Posted on 1/24/26 at 11:25 am to Finchboyz
I’m leaning that way after watching this video, the guy does an awesome job explaining how they work and compare
Posted on 1/24/26 at 11:45 am to Finchboyz
SIG Sauer Zulu6 HDX Pro Binocular 16x50mm
This is clearly their best selling one, it is on back order everywhere
This is clearly their best selling one, it is on back order everywhere
Posted on 1/24/26 at 11:45 am to Old Sarge
Swarovski EL 12x50 or SLC 15x56
Posted on 1/24/26 at 12:39 pm to Old Sarge
quote:
SIG Sauer Zulu6 HDX Pro Binocular 16x50mm
I have a pair of black 16x Zulu6 exclusives from Bass Pro - I absolutely love them. It's the one piece of gear that whoever picks them up and turns them on while looking through them says holy shite.
They are slightly less expensive than the HDX, but are only rated to IPX4, whereas the HDX's are IPX7. I compared them side by side with a buddy's, not sure if his were HDX or previous gen but his were made in China, the Bass Pro black ones were from Philippines. If you are going to be getting poured on spring for the HDX's.
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