Help me choose a tactical binocular with reticle

Hello;

I'm looking to buy a 10x Tactical - Military model binocular that provides very good optics with the added benefit of range finding capability in a reasonably compact package.

I've narrowed the field to 3 entries. They are all reputable binocular manufacturers. The problem is, that local sporting goods or gun stores do not carry tactical binoculars, so I have no chance to examine them in person. So I'm relying on the reviews by people like yourselves to make my purchase decision.

Let's start with the largest of the 3, with the Vortex Viper HD R/T {R/T Ranging Reticle}
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-hd-rt-10x50-tactical-binocular

Every gun board has Vortex followers. And for good reason. However wonderful the optics, these are the largest and the most expensive. Caution is warranted as spending that much more $$ may not bring really tangible benefits.


Steiner T1042r
http://www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/tactical/t42r-tactical-10x42-r

Make no mistake. this is Not your usual porro prism individual focus entry from the Steiner 10x military binocular line. It is a newer roof prism. Pluses would be German optical glass, maybe not Schott Glaswerke, but quality nonetheless. Better price than Vortex. No reviews I can find.


Leupold BX-2 Tactical 10x42mm
https://www.leupold.com/tactical/binoculars/bx-2-tactical-binoculars/bx-2-tactical-10x42mm/

This is the least expensive of the group. Possibly because this set of glasses is part of Leupold’s “Green Ring” lineup, meaning they are manufactured overseas to Leupold’s design and specifications. Where overseas? Japan, China?? There are good Japanese optics grinders, and mediocre Chinese, but I can not find who/where.

The Leupold advertising claims an advantage of the binocular reticle is its ability to rotate to line up with any item you want to measure. Binoculars must be adjusted to the width of each person’s eyes and a fixed reticle won’t ever be truly vertical (or horizontal). With the Leupold Tactical-Military binoculars, you can square up the reticle to match the angle of any item you’re measuring.

So, given this information, what do you people think?

Thanks for your interest and comments!

OH DARN! I shouldn't have mentioned what I wanted the optic for . . that pushed the thread off on an unnecessary tangent!

OK, I'm going to get a 10x Tactical - Military model binocular. I edited my OP and now let's forget my WHY. seesh!!
Please focus on the GLASS and/or reticle you like.

(1) Vortex Viper HD R/T
(2) Steiner T1042r
(3) Leupold BX-2 Tactical 10x42mm
(4) Other I haven't seen, but you have.

Thanks!

taliv said:

How could you possibly compare them without a context of what you plan to do with it?

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Without even demanding to know the use of the binoculars, they can reasonably be compared on the power, assembly, lens clarity, focusing, and for these .mil-tactical; on the reticle including the reticle stadia.

Manny said:

I know you asked about binoculars but I've been looking at the Zeiss monocular rangefinder, 8x power with Zeiss optics and a great range finder. My intended use is much as you described and the unit is getting very good reviews. About $700 at a number of different venders.

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Thank you for trying to help Manny.
Not interested in a monocular or a laser, but thanks nonetheless.

Cabelas had an "after hours party" last nite, and a lot of Cabelas associates were on the floor, so I could really take my time comparing Vortex vs. Leupold. Steiner was not represented. Although the binos were w/o reticle, I was just looking at the glass. For myself and the g/f, the Vortex beat the Leupold in clarity. So I'm dropping the Leupold from the list. Didn't really like their reticle that much anyway.

Now I have to decide Steiner and save some coin, or eat peanut butter sammiches more often, and buy the Vortex!