Newbie: How important are spotting scopes?

[ljsommer]

I have a pair of cheapo binos (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003B9ZFO8/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and no spotting scope. Tax return time is here and I am trying to decide what to do. People talk about spotting scopes like they're 100% mandatory, but is that truly the case?
I am archery hunting in 2019 exclusively, but 2020 will be back to rifle and in some territory where I can actually see more than 10 feet. Would my money be better spent on a really fantastic pair of binos, or a midrange spotting scope? Willing to spend up to/around $1k.

Looking for real-world advice here.

[full choke]

Binoculars. 100%

[7mmfan]

If I was buying one or the other, it would be a pair of 12x Binos all the way.

I currently use 10x and I love them, but hunting big open country, the 12's are a better option. You really should have something to glass off of, either a tripod, or I use my shooting stick most of the time.

[Jpmiller]

I think twelves are too much for me I've always been happy with my 10x. I definitely need a tripod for 12s, I'm pretty close to useless without them. I carried a mid level spotter on ALOT of trips and it never ever came out of the bag. I left it at home this year and there wasn't a time I wished I had it including a trip to some open country in Wyoming.

That said I'm not a big antlers guy, I see a legal animal I go after it so if you're looking to be picky about trophy class animals I'd consider a spotter.

[Stein]

8 or 10 binos are all you need.  Scopes are great when you are looking at antlers or are particular about scores, size or in an area with real strict antler regulations.

If all you are concerned with is finding animals and determining is that a buck or doe or bull or cow, binos are all you need.

[X-Force]

Binos and a tripod.

[ljsommer]

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it! Based on the binos I linked, are those garbage enough that you'd consider upgrading, and if so, what should I be looking at?
On a scale of 1-10, if garbage binos are a 1 and the best of the best is a 10, I usually like to aim for a 6-8 in terms of quality when it comes to my gear.

[7mmfan]

I've always hunted with 10x's, and my hunting partner has always hunted with 8x's. After a couple seasons in Idaho, we've both decided that 10's are good, 12's would be great.

This for glassing at long ranges off support though. If you're glassing stuff inside a couple hundred yards, or in timber, or freehand, then 12's may be to much.

[7mmfan]

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it! Based on the binos I linked, are those garbage enough that you'd consider upgrading, and if so, what should I be looking at?
On a scale of 1-10, if garbage binos are a 1 and the best of the best is a 10, I usually like to aim for a 6-8 in terms of quality when it comes to my gear.

I have no feedback on those binos. My guess is would fall in the 2-3 range on a 1-10 scale. Binos that fit the quality/price range you're looking at might include:

1. Vortex Viper HD
2. Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD
3. Various Nikon Monarch models
4. Cabelas Euro HD

Those all will fall in the 500-800 range, and can often find them for sale used on here for a better price.

I use the Leupold BX-4's, and I'm pleased as punch with them.

[Stein]

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it! Based on the binos I linked, are those garbage enough that you'd consider upgrading, and if so, what should I be looking at?
On a scale of 1-10, if garbage binos are a 1 and the best of the best is a 10, I usually like to aim for a 6-8 in terms of quality when it comes to my gear.

I don't have a ton of experience, but Vortex would be in that range.  In addition to cost/quality, I wouldn't buy any that didn't have a solid lifetime warranty that they deliver on.  There are just too many good companies now to chose one that doesn't offer that.  Binos have the tendency to get bounced around, dropped, scratched and can take some abuse.

I think my pair of Talons would rank in the 6 range?, but they just juggled their product line.  Start looking at Vulture line and go up until you can't afford them.  My guess is you could get a 6/10 bino in the $400 range +- if you say a 10/10 is $2,000 swaro.

[WapitiTalk1]

A spotter is not needed until you need it  .  If I were to look at buying a new pair of binos, and, a new spotter for the type of hunting I normally do (I like lightweight, even somewhat compact optics)... I'd buy again exactly what I currently have (grin). 

You mentioned perhaps 1K for a spotter?  Not really necessary to spend that much, and, you can have em both for around that price point. 

Take a look at the Zeiss Terra ED 10X32 Binos and the Vortex Razor HD 11X33X50 spotter.  If you shop around, you can get "them both" for just a bit over 1K.  Of course you'll need to get a lightweight tripod for the spotter and a good bino harness but those aren't too awful expensive.     

Man, we love helping people shop and spend their hard earned money 

[Bill W]

You will use bino's way more than a spotting scope.  I'd get a good set of bino's first.

[Mtnwalker]

This is a pretty common question on here, guys in your similar price range/position. If you're looking to spend up to a grand I would absolutely get yourself a pair of Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42's on sale for around 800. I believe they're the best glass out there for under a grand. Then I would try to get setup with a decent tripod like a Slik or Sirui with a bino adapter before you do your Idaho trip next year. Then use that trip to determine if you want to spend the money on a spotter but you'll use binos on a tripod 10 times more. 

[Rainier10]

Number one most important thing in my mind to spend money on is good boots.  Not just good boots but good boots that fit you.  Different brands fit different people differently.

Okay after that the second most important thing in my mind is good binoculars.  Your $1,000 budget will get you some pretty nice glass.  I would do 10x42's and go with Vortex or Cabelas euros.

Spotting scopes are nice but farther down the line in my opinion on where money needs to be spent.  Items 3-20 on the list can be debated all day long but for me number one is good boots followed by good glass.

[cbond3318]

10x42 Vortex on a tripod. I have used 12x’s and those are great but I own the 10x42 Talons and haven’t been slapped with a reason to change. I used to lug my spotter around everywhere. Finally put my Binos on a tripod and will never pack that thing again.

600$ will get you into good glass with a great warranty, as has been stated.

[Stein]

For $1,000, I would buy:

Vortex Talons (or whatever the equivalent now is), second choice would probably be Leuopold
Tripod
Tripod adapter
Alaska Guide Creations bino harness
Lens wipes, pens, rags, or whatever your favorite are

That should be about a $1,000 package.

[ctwiggs1]

Binos will always take precedence.

That being said, choose the power based on where you’re hunting. Some areas will be fine with 8x42s.  Some areas you need something much bigger. 

[huntnphool]

 Quality binos first!

[ljsommer]

This has been a GREAT thread with lots of very helpful and specific recommendations, thank you! I'll be checking out my bino options this week. Also Rainier: I am struggling with the boot situation, and I know I need to upgrade, but I have tried on so many super expensive boots and can't seem to find a pair that feel good.
I bought some Danner's a while back and they felt great in the store, and up to 5 miles, but past 5 miles they blister my heel without fail if I don't tape up. If I do tape up, they blister anyway at 10 miles. I don't know how to test for that without just buying pairs of boots from a place with an amazing return policy.
Does REI let you test out boots like that?

[WapitiTalk1]

lj, REI has an excellent return policy.  I'm not a fan of that particular store, but, their return policy is over the top.  I have a hunting buddy who has bought boots and other items from them and returned them after a full hunting season as he didn't like them  .  Back on topic, BOOTS!  I have quite an assortment of hunting boots including the top crust Zamberlans.  I will tell you that I bought a pair of the Solomon 4D 3 GTX last fall and wore them the entire season (well seasons) in both backcountry hunts in an Idaho wilderness area and for my Washington hunts.  They are by far some of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned!  They are to date, still waterproof after some pretty good creek dousing in ID and a bit of wet weather hunting in WA.   And, the price won't knock you down either.  Give them a look if you get a minute. 

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/quest-4d-3-gtxr.html#1191=9861

[ljsommer]

lj, REI has an excellent return policy.  I'm not a fan of that particular store, but, their return policy is over the top.  I have a hunting buddy who has bought boots and other items from them and returned them after a full hunting season as he didn't like them  .  Back on topic, BOOTS!  I have quite an assortment of hunting boots including the top crust Zamberlans.  I will tell you that I bought a pair of the Solomon 4D 3 GTX last fall and wore them the entire season (well seasons) in both backcountry hunts in an Idaho wilderness area and for my Washington hunts.  They are by far some of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned!  And, the price won't knock you down either.  Give them a look if you get a minute. 

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/quest-4d-3-gtxr.html#1191=9861

Ahh! That's cool, I have two pairs of Solomon 3d shoes already and I used one of those pairs on my first hunting season. They're very comfortable on long mileage trips! I'll give those a try. Thanks!

[Rainier10]

This has been a GREAT thread with lots of very helpful and specific recommendations, thank you! I'll be checking out my bino options this week. Also Rainier: I am struggling with the boot situation, and I know I need to upgrade, but I have tried on so many super expensive boots and can't seem to find a pair that feel good.
I bought some Danner's a while back and they felt great in the store, and up to 5 miles, but past 5 miles they blister my heel without fail if I don't tape up. If I do tape up, they blister anyway at 10 miles. I don't know how to test for that without just buying pairs of boots from a place with an amazing return policy.
Does REI let you test out boots like that?

I hear ya.  It took me a few pair to get to what works for me.  I went from Rocky, to Wolverine, to Danner and stopped at Irish Setter elk hunters 200 or 400 insulate.  I use foot powder on my feet, then liner socks(thin socks, kind of silky) and then my merino socks over that.  Foot powder in the boot and am I am good to go.  In september I pack an extra pair of socks with me and swap out at lunch if I am really getting after it.

[ljsommer]

Anyone have specific recommendations (including model) on tripods? I am actually really willing to spend here because I've had a few tripods over the years for camera work and the weight can be REALLY obnoxious over time. Balancing weight and stability is a tough thing.

[SeaRun1]

SLIK makes some nice and light tripods.

SR1

[Fl0und3rz]

Try the double sock technique before you ditch your old boots.  What you are looking for is sometimes referred to as a liner sock. Also consider lacing techniques whereby you tie off the laces lower on the boot, say just above your ankle, with an overhand knot, thereby locking your heel into the heel pocket. 

I am not saying you don't need new boots.  But if you have not tried these things, you might not get any satisfaction from a newer boot.

[jackelope]

I’d go with binoculars over a spotting scope any day. 10x42’s. If you’re looking for bang for the buck binoculars I’d look really hard at the Maven C1’s. Don’t think you can go wrong for the $$. Really great reviews online. I have a pair of them and am totally happy.

[Magnum_Willys]

Try the double sock technique before you ditch your old boots.  What you are looking for is sometimes referred to as a liner sock. Also consider lacing techniques whereby you tie off the laces lower on the boot, say just above your ankle, with an overhand knot, thereby locking your heel into the heel pocket. 

I am not saying you don't need new boots.  But if you have not tried these things, you might not get any satisfaction from a newer boot.

Off topic but don't overlook anti-perspirant on your feet if using insulated boots.  Sweaty socks get cold. 

[dmoua]

Find a Vortex dealer and you can purchase a Vortex Razor HD 10x50 or 10x42 under $1000. Or look on eBay. Both are better options than the Razor HD spotting scope 11-33x50.

[boneaddict]

Your Danners might be fine. Do you condition your feet at all with them before heading off into the woods.   You cant just throw them on once or twice a year and ground pound.
just a thought that might save you some coin....

I don't do a spotting scope.   I have one, but its rarely put to work.  When I would use it, I dont want to pack it.   Best binos you can get.

[ljsommer]

Your Danners might be fine. Do you condition your feet at all with them before heading off into the woods.   You cant just throw them on once or twice a year and ground pound.

I have never worn sock liners so I bought some and will give those a try. I do a ton of scouting year round, ("scouting" sometimes just means going into the woods with my dog and a cigar and putting in a bunch of miles) so I think I do an ok job. I also sometimes just throw on my boots and wear them around the house all day as I work outside, etc.

I am going to give these sock liners a try, I am hopeful for those! If those don't work I'll consider a new pair of boots.

[Fl0und3rz]

Liner socks are one of those rare things in life that are so simple, yet so nonobvious, that it is like a gift you'll want to share.

[boneaddict]

sounds like a plan

[hiway_99]

I have a set of vortex viper 10x binos I would sell you for $350.  Then use the rest of your budget on good boots.  I personally use crispi gtx hunter boots.  And would recommend them.  Every persons feet are different though and may take some time trying different ones out.  Only good thing about top tier boots and glass is the resell factor is high if you dont like them.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[konradcountry]

Spotting scopes are nice for the shooting range. They are also nice to have in the vehicle when in Eastern Washington. I wouldn't pack one around though.

I honestly wouldn't spend more than 3 or 4 hundred on binoculars. I don't think the advice about needing to spend a lot on glass applies anymore because of improved manufacturing techniques. I don't think the difference is worth it and then it's a bigger loss if something happens to it.

[pianoman9701]

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it! Based on the binos I linked, are those garbage enough that you'd consider upgrading, and if so, what should I be looking at?
On a scale of 1-10, if garbage binos are a 1 and the best of the best is a 10, I usually like to aim for a 6-8 in terms of quality when it comes to my gear.

Aim higher when talking about binos and boots. When your eyes get tired, you miss stuff and are less apt to use your binos consistently and constantly. When your feet are tired, you won't want to work. Everything else falls into place behind these two items, IMHO.

[bearpaw]

I have a pair of cheapo binos (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003B9ZFO8/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and no spotting scope. Tax return time is here and I am trying to decide what to do. People talk about spotting scopes like they're 100% mandatory, but is that truly the case?
I am archery hunting in 2019 exclusively, but 2020 will be back to rifle and in some territory where I can actually see more than 10 feet. Would my money be better spent on a really fantastic pair of binos, or a midrange spotting scope? Willing to spend up to/around $1k.

Looking for real-world advice here.

Archery hunting is mostly done in a stand, still hunting, calling animals to you, or by stalking in close. On a limited budget good binos will aid you much more than a spotting scope which has it's best use finding or judging animals at long distance. I use my spotting scope a lot, but unless you will be hunting a lot of areas where long distance spotting is necessary a spotter is one of the last things I would worry about for bowhunting.

[h2ofowlr]

As mentioned, get a good pair of binos.  I see lots of guys with Swarovski binos.  Never used a spotter while archery hunting.  I have used a spotter for scouting though.

[ljsommer]

Thank you to everyone for the responses! I spent a good long time looking at and comparing various bino models, from $600 up to $3,000 (even though it was beyond my budget).
I ended up buying a pair of Vortex Razor 10x42's and I am blown away by their clarity. They make my old binos look like I was glassing through a pair of cardboard tubes. I've already been practicing with them on the deer in the forest behind my house.

As for boots, I took the advice in this thread and bought some hiking sock liners and I took them out for a spin in Issaquah. I didn't tape up my heels like I usually have to, and didn't get any blistering at all. That said, I was trudging through a couple feet of snow so I didn't put in anywhere near 10 miles, but I will get out there ASAP to really try it out.

This has definitely been one of the most helpful threads I've participated in, thank you all!

[Skyvalhunter]

There's forest in Seattle? Now we know where the deer went to escape

[Rainier10]

He relocated a little further south and has some urban deer, I won't disclose the location unless he wants to.

Good choice on binocs and glad you can see the difference.  I would get a get a chest harness that covers them up as well.  I use a S4 lockdown harness but there are many different brands.

The liner's should really help and hiking in the snow was probably a really good test.  Don't forget the foot powder.  I put that on my feet before the liner socks and then a little into my boots.

[bearpaw]

Thank you to everyone for the responses! I spent a good long time looking at and comparing various bino models, from $600 up to $3,000 (even though it was beyond my budget).
I ended up buying a pair of Vortex Razor 10x42's and I am blown away by their clarity. They make my old binos look like I was glassing through a pair of cardboard tubes. I've already been practicing with them on the deer in the forest behind my house.

As for boots, I took the advice in this thread and bought some hiking sock liners and I took them out for a spin in Issaquah. I didn't tape up my heels like I usually have to, and didn't get any blistering at all. That said, I was trudging through a couple feet of snow so I didn't put in anywhere near 10 miles, but I will get out there ASAP to really try it out.

This has definitely been one of the most helpful threads I've participated in, thank you all!

Good luck this coming season, let us know how you do? 

[ljsommer]

There's forest in Seattle? Now we know where the deer went to escape

Ah I should update my profile. I moved down to University Place, south of Tacoma. There's a ton of deer down here, and I posted a couple pics of a big old buck in the backyard blacktail buck thread. He's gorgeous, but I haven't found any sheds unfortunately.