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.