Leupold switch power binoculars

[Mike]

Anyone have experience with the Leupuld switch power binoculars out in the field? I'm considering the 10/17x version.

[Captqc]

Hey Mike, Rick does! He has the 7-12's and he loves them! I'm sure he will chime in soon. Gary

[Mike]

Thanks Gary.

[Rick in Oregon]

Mike: Like Gary said, I opted for the 7-12X's, and feel the 12-17X model is only good for fully supported viewing, as anything much over 12X is about useless without a rest or tripod. I tried to hand-hold 15X bino's, and it was an exercise in frustration.

I use my 7-12's for both hunting and varmint shooting, and after about 10 pairs of binoculars, I've finally settled on this model as being perfect for what I do. They are more compact than the larger model, lighter, and come with all the same cool additions as the larger one. In the end, knowing what you want yours for, I'd strongly recommend not going with the 12-17X's, as they're really suited to the birdwatchers and guides that both use tripods for long periods of glassing from a fixed position.

For big game hunting, the 7-12X's give a nice FOV on 7X, plenty of detail, and then if something 'interesting' needs a closer look, zoom up to 12X. When bench shooting or walking about shooting rats, I seldom ever zoom to 12X, as even at 500 yards I can easily see a single ground squirrel in the grass or on his mound at 7X with the excellent resolution this glass offers. If you can, check out both in a store prior to purchase, and I think you'll see what I mean.

HTH, Rick

[Mike]

Thanks for the feedback, Rick. The bigger pair is 10-17, but that probably doesn't change much of anything that you said. I have a pair of 10x fixed binoculars now, but need a better pair and the switch powers caught my eye after a friend suggested them. I'm going to check out both versions at a store (assuming BP actually carries them here) before making a final choice. As always, you have been very helpful. Thanks bud!