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.