Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?

[ORBowHunter]

This year is the first time that I'll be archery hunting for mulies, over on the east side (of Oregon). Right now I'm saving up for some new binoculars, possibly some Vortex's, as they are more in my price range.  The spot and stalk, (heck, even just spotting) part of Hunting is new to me.  In the past i rifle hunted with some guys, who were mostly road hunters.  The question I have is:

Will a good pair of binoculars be good enough, or good for looking for long periods of time for mule deer from a good vantage point?  Or do your eyes get too tired and you get dizzy, or headaches?  Is a spotting scope a lot better than binoculars?  I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford, or want to afford buying one of each.  If people really think a spotting scope is the only way to go, then maybe I'll hold on to my cheapo-almost-decent bino's i have now and just spend the money on a scope. 

Thanks for any advice!
--ORBowHunter

[lilredhead]

Good bino's. You'll spend way more time behind those than a spotting scope. I find that I leave my spotting scope behind because I never want to pack it. IMO

[400out]

in open country a spotter is worth it's weight in gold! Do you want to walk a mile across a canyon to find out it's not the one you want! I don't! I use mine a ton, but I also have good binos anound my next to scan areas first 

[JLS]

I'd go with good binos, worth their weight in gold.  A good spotter can come later.

You gotta find 'em before you can field judge 'em:twocents:

[coachcw]

If your gonna sit and spot big country for hours Id recomend a spotter . Nikons are light weight and won't break the bank. If your gonna be hunting timber type country then a good par of binos . I wouldnt skimp on the binos , get some with good warranty and glass that can take a beating (bino buddys are a must ).

[alwinearcher]

If I could only have 1 optic it would be a pair of 15X binos
I do like also having a spotting scope but you can find a LOT of critters through a pair of 15X's

[75johndeere]

Save for nice binos then look for a used spotting scope I picked up a used Leupold 30x spotter before last season and loved having it yes most of the time is spent behind the binos but when you think there might be something behind that tree or in that shadow a spotter is the only way to tell. Pm me I picked up a razor HD at the show this year so I would be willing to trade or sell the old Leupold 30x spotter the glass is in perfect condition and its the old school straight light weight model

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[Ridgerunner]

Buy a really good pair on binos, you wont regret it, then look at finding a decent spotter used, good way to save some cash.

[Swatson]

I too would invest in a good pair of binos first.  If you're interested I'm willing to let you borrow my Leupold Spotter as I won't be needing it until mid October.

[Bean Counter]

I think it depends on whether you have or will find a good hunting partner that you can trust. If you will be hunting alone, then +1 for the binos. Id say a pair of 15x56s then a range finder for close up. if you can take turns stalking with a partner then a spotting scope is worth the extra weight.

Whatever you do, dont buy cheap. Sell off an excess gun if you have to but take it from me that life is too short for cheap optics.

[Bean Counter]

Also, you mentioned Vortex. If youre considering the 15x56 Kaibabs and find some side by side reviews compared to the Swaros please feel free to post them up  as Im curious.

[alwinearcher]

Also, you mentioned Vortex. If youre considering the 15x56 Kaibabs and find some side by side reviews compared to the Swaros please feel free to post them up  as Im curious.

I spent some time behind a pair of 15X56 Kaibabs when I was hunting in AZ in Jan and I was VERY impressed by them!

[bearpaw]

I use my 15x56 swaros a lot for long distance glassing. I also like my leopold variable power spotter.

I used to have one of the 80mm swaro spotters, it was awesome, but I got tired of packing it and just use my leopold gold ring spotter now. Don't waste your money on a cheap spotter, Nikon is the bare minimum in my opinion.

[Tbar]

The 15x56 Swarovski seems to me a great compromise they just get a little heavy after hiking.  That's the only reason they aren't my daily driver so to  speak.

[sirmissalot]

You need both in my opinion. If I had to have just one or the other in my pack for a day it would be bino's, an obvious answer to me. I'm not sure how anyone can be an effective hunter without at least a good pair of binos. At least half the animals I have killed the last 5 years or so wouldn't have died without good glass. I have caught a lot of flack when some of my hunting buddies or guys at the 3d range see a pair of leicas around my neck, but those that have been fortunate enough to own great quality glass knows you can never go back once you've owned a pair.

[Bean Counter]

. At least half the animals I have killed the last 5 years or so wouldn't have died without good glass

Proper scouting is a part of this equation. If I know Im going to a good area I pretty much just have my morning hike. Yes its tough climbing up that ridiculously tall mountain but when I can see every thing from up there its just a matter if being patient and hiking back down to kill me an animal once he beds down. Not exactly what I consider hiking around all day with heavy glass around my neck. Im giving away too many of my secrets on this one.

[chukar hunter]

One more vote for the binos here.  Don't leave home without them!

I recommend the Nikon Monarch 10 x 56 for Open Country Archery Mulies.  Waterproof and fogproof.  They weigh more than the 8x, but worth it.  These have a good exit pupil(divide the second number by the first)  The larger the number, the better low light operation.  I've never used a spotter, but feel I'd get impatient having to set up a tripod and then the scope.  More mobile with the binos.   

[jjhunter]

If you can only buy on at this time, buy a good pair of 10x42 or 10x50 binoculars.   This is your MOST critical piece of gear.   You can make do without the others, but not without a great pair of glasses for "around the neck."

I started with a pair of Swaro 10x50 SLCs and an STS 65 spotter.   Moved to a pair of 10x42 Els, a pair of tripod mounted 15x56 SLCs, and an STS 80 HD.  I am currently using a Zeiss RF 10x45 for "around the neck", a Swarovision 12x50 (tripod mounted) and my STS 80 HD.   I pack all three, all the time.   I believe that my current combination is the best that money can buy at the moment.   

A good pair of tripod mounted 15s or the new 12x50 Swarovsion really increase your ability to spot game when mated with a high-quality tripod and head!

[TeacherMan]

Depends on the country, if you can only get one start with good binos. I like my 10x42 Leupolds. In timber country you will never need more than that. If you get out into the sage flats or open plains or wheat a nice spotting scope is great. Cheap spotting scopes are horrible! The cheapest one I would use is the Leupold Kenai. Its still almost $800  All the cheaper ones I've used have just been a pain.

[predatorpro]

i like to use binos way easier to carry and if you can spot horns on a buck at 1200 yards with binos its a good chance its probly legal and worth making the hike to find out...spotting scopes are only nice if you have already spotted a deer with your binos and want to get a closer look....just my 

[ORBowHunter]

Thanks, that's pretty helpful.  My budget is probably around $1000-$1200 at the most.  I just can't justify the expense of $2500 binos.   I'm in very good shape, so climbing up those steep ridges is not anything that bothers me or would hold me back.  I"m planning on making 2-3 scouting trips this summer over to the Eagle caps, so will hopefully be dialed in on something before my first trip.  Thanks for the advice fellas, can't wait to post some pics this fall of how the binos' did!   

[ORBowHunter]

Proper scouting is a part of this equation. If I know Im going to a good area I pretty much just have my morning hike. Yes its tough climbing up that ridiculously tall mountain but when I can see every thing from up there its just a matter if being patient and hiking back down to kill me an animal once he beds down. Not exactly what I consider hiking around all day with heavy glass around my neck. Im giving away too many of my secrets on this one.
[/quote]

   I live for big ridiculously tall mountains!  I'm pretty nimble and in good shape. So which mountain exactly are you referring to?      

Thanks for the advice.

[SemperFidelis97]

I use both for the open county we hunt I can fit my 60mm Leupold Gold Ring in my backpack with the tripod, and I have a pair of Zen Ray ED2s I keep around my neck.  In my opinion if you are going to be scanning a large area for long periods of time from one vantage point than you need a spotter.  Often times I am looking over a mile, or more of area so I will scan with my binos, and really pick apart stuff with my spotter.  The extra magnification can be huge when looking into some thick sage from a long ways out if may mean picking out an antler that you never knew was there with your binos.

[Pathfinder101]

My Zen Ray Binos were reasonably priced and I am thrilled with them.  About $400 for the 8X43s.  That leaves about $600 in your budget to go on Ebay and find a good, used Leupold Golden Ring Spotting scope (that's what I did, and that's how much I paid for it). 

[halflife65]

Go with good binos first.  You will ALWAYS on every hunt use them.  A spotter is pretty necessary but is secondary to the binos.

Always buy the very best you can afford.  You can avoid the dizziness and headache with quality glass, as well.

Pathfinder's advice is pretty good.  Those Leupold's are pretty good scopes.

[ORBowHunter]

Thanks for the advice.  Sounds like maybe I should also find a hunting partner, who has a spotter as well, that could solve half my problems!   

Worst case scenario I think, is that I'll just wait until next season, and save up for a good spotter to add to the equipment list.  Looks like this year I'll be going for bino's.

Thanks for all the input everyone, it's much appreciated.

--Devon

Go with good binos first.  You will ALWAYS on every hunt use them.  A spotter is pretty necessary but is secondary to the binos.

Always buy the very best you can afford.  You can avoid the dizziness and headache with quality glass, as well.

Pathfinder's advice is pretty good.  Those Leupold's are pretty good scopes.

[huntnphool]

Swaro EL's with a tripod mount are the ticket. You can look through them all day long without eye fatigue. 

I pack both bono and spotter though, like others have mentioned once you spot with binos it's nice to dial it up before making a unnecessary hike.

[MtnMuley]

One piece I never leave the rig without:  10x42 EL's.  During most general seasons, I frame and mass hunt, and these alone work fine for that.

[huntnphool]

One piece I never leave the rig without:  10x42 EL's.

+1

[Craig]

Good set of binos for sure. A spotting scope will save you a lot of time and hiking by being able to tell from far away if the animal is worth going after.