Need help choosing binos or spotting scope?

[Boot]

Hey everyone.

I big thanks in advance for an thoughts you can share on this. I currently have a set of Vortex Viper HD 10x40's that I use as my primary glass. This year I would like to add something with some more power. Primarily used for spotting elk between about 500 and a 1,500 yards. I am considering going with the Viper HD 15x50 Bino's or the Viper 15x45 angled spotting scope.

Anything thoughts on which way to go?

[jackelope]

Hey everyone.

I big thanks in advance for an thoughts you can share on this. I currently have a set of Vortex Viper HD 10x40's that I use as my primary glass. This year I would like to add something with some more power. Primarily used for spotting elk between about 500 and a 1,500 yards. I am considering going with the Viper HD 15x50 Bino's or the Viper 15x45 angled spotting scope.

Anything thoughts on which way to go?

You've got good bino's. If it were me, I'd go with a spotter. I have 10x42 bino's and a spotter. My next optics purchase will be the 15x Viper HD's for sure, but I wouldn't buy those if I didn't already have a spotting scope. The bino's are great for long periods of glassing, but are limited. If you do decide on the 15's, the tripod adapter from Vortex is a must have.

[Boot]

Thanks for the reply. I should mention that I would be planning on a good tripod for either as well.

[PlateauNDN]

It just depend s on the terrain youre hunting. I always wanted a spotter but it turned out to be useless since the terrain I hunt is forested with canyons very close so I sold it and got a pair of binos as those were more practical for. And definitely do your homework on a tripod because weight can be a factor just as durability

[300rum]

I hunt mostly out of state these days, hunting unpressured animals in broken country and I use my spotting scope way more then my binoculars.  I would never leave my spotting scope.  Binoculars after 10X aren't stable enough without a tripod and then the spotting scope is leaps and bounds better on a tripod compared to binoculars.

[pd]

I hunt mostly out of state these days, hunting unpressured animals in broken country and I use my spotting scope way more then my binoculars.  I would never leave my spotting scope.  Binoculars after 10X aren't stable enough without a tripod and then the spotting scope is leaps and bounds better on a tripod compared to binoculars.

Pearls of wisdom here.

[Boot]

Any suggestions on a good light tripod?

[300rum]

The next one I get will probably be this one. http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-OS-Tabletop-Tripod-Detachable/dp/B001LK7Y84/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1431624806&sr=8-12&keywords=vanguard+tripod

I have the same one without the removable window mount.  I like that idea of having the removable window mount and then slapping on the legs when I need them.  I don't like screwing on/off the pan head onto multiple platforms as it is eventually going to strip something out a the wrong time.  The one I have does not extend high enough to sit down and look through the scope (unless you find a rock or log) but I do most of my glassing lying down anyway as it is much more stable.  The tripod is also lightweight which is better for packing but typically bad for stable viewing, it is stable enough.  I try to keep the weight down as much as possible, you are always going to give something up.

I have to replace the old one as I stepped on my last one, right after I killed a big buck taking a nap in his bed.     

[DRobnsn]

I agree, 10x42 bino's then spotter then a more powerful set of bino's.

[shootem]

I agree, 10x42 bino's then spotter then a more powerful set of bino's.

Completely agree

[MtnMuley]

I would fully agree that with what you already have, that the spotter is the way to go.

[Magnum_Willys]

Depends on terrain and physical agility.  A good 12x bino can see out a mile or so no problem unless you need to count point lengths.  A
Spotter can Go out 3-5 miles but are you hunting in terrain that allows spotting and subsequent stalking 3-5 miles?   In steep terrain maybe you only need to see a mile cuz it would be half a day to get 3 miles?

[AZcoueshunter78]

I am on the other side of the fence on the spotter . Coming from az where you spend many many hours behind the glass it has seemed better to have had my 15's on a tripod. Especially when you have the best glass on the market. Save up and get the swarovski 15x56. Way beyond worth getting and they will save you eye fatigue of straining to see thru one eye.

[floatinghat]

The next one I get will probably be this one. http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-OS-Tabletop-Tripod-Detachable/dp/B001LK7Y84/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1431624806&sr=8-12&keywords=vanguard+tripod

I have the same one without the removable window mount.  I like that idea of having the removable window mount and then slapping on the legs when I need them.  I don't like screwing on/off the pan head onto multiple platforms as it is eventually going to strip something out a the wrong time.  The one I have does not extend high enough to sit down and look through the scope (unless you find a rock or log) but I do most of my glassing lying down anyway as it is much more stable.  The tripod is also lightweight which is better for packing but typically bad for stable viewing, it is stable enough.  I try to keep the weight down as much as possible, you are always going to give something up.

I have to replace the old one as I stepped on my last one, right after I killed a big buck taking a nap in his bed.     

Run forest Run,  the window mount is plastic and crap.