First Binoculars, Vortex or Leupold

T

tomapleleafss

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
59   0   0
Location
Southeast SK
Hey everyone, just looking at buying my first pair of binos. I am mainly going to use them for hunting, some out of the truck and some sitting and scanning. I had almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Diamondbacks but then I came across some Leupolds on sale. Diamondbacks (8X42) are $340 and Leupold BX2 Acaida (10X42) are $280 (regular $400). Is there much of a difference between the two to warrant buying the Diamondback's? $400 is the max for the budget. Any feedback is always appreciated.
 
I'd say go Leupold. They are cheaper, and should be at least as good, glass-wise.

Warranty for both will be top notch, so thats a moot point.

One other thing to consider is the amount of magnification - 8x should give you a better field of view (although not always) but 10x is more mag, although you might find the 10x are hard to hold steady in comparison.

I recently bought some cheaper Leupold Binos (Yosemite BX1) for $99 at wholesale sports because they were on sale for a really good price (down from $180 I think it was?) and I really like them.
 
I use the BX-2 Cascades in a 10x42. I'm happy with them, and would reccomend them to anyone looking for an entry level bino. I'm not sure how they compare to the Acadias.
 
Haven't tried any Leopold binos but I'm currently using 10x42 diamondbacks, 12x50 diamondbacks and 8x32 fusion 1 mile arcs. They are all pretty awesome.
 
I have the Vortex 12x50 diamondback and they work great. that extra magnification of 8 or 10 really makes the difference.
With a good harness they ride nicely.

Vortex warranty is top class. send it in, and they return it repaired or a new one. no hassles, no arguing. No BS.

I cant speak the leupold warranty, but they definitely make good glass too. go to a store, try a bunch of models in the brands you like and then decide based on the specific model you like best.
comfort, feel in the hand, position and function of focus all play into it.
 
Thanks for the info. I really would like to get to a store and try some out but I live in the sticks and the nearest place is almost 2 hours away. I have heard great things about Vortex as well. I did a quick Googlefu of the Leupolds and found great reviews of them as well. Lots of 4.5 - 5 out of 5 customer feedback.
 
My mother has a set of 8x40 Mojaves which are exceedingly nice given their low price point. I believe the Acadias are, I believe, a bit higher model than the Mojaves. Sadly both are discontinued now but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the Acadias for an entry-level binocular.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom