Post by: ian_padron on June 28, 2015, 11:17:49 PM
Post by: huntnnw on June 28, 2015, 11:31:50 PM
Post by: Crunchy on June 28, 2015, 11:36:13 PM
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on June 29, 2015, 12:49:41 AM
A few years ago when I was getting some nicer gear set up I went with the spotting scope first. This was a huge mistake. Recently I got a nice pair of Binos and never take my scope out in the woods anymore. The convenience of having the Binos to look through quickly is essential, I use one of the backpack things that keep them always on my chest. I would try to get as nice a pair as you can afford since Binos in my opinion are the most useful tool you will have in the woods for locating game, counting points, and glassing.
I would recommend a good 10 x 42. Vortex makes some of the best affordable glass out there right now. But look through a few then chose what's comfortable and clear for your eyes.
Post by: Bean Counter on June 29, 2015, 02:23:57 AM
Start with a good pair of Binos. Then buy an HD/ED/ULD spotter next year or save up until you can afford it. Skip a season and save the tag, gas, and misc expenses in the cookie jar until you can afford it. I'd rather not hunt or photograph than use less than what I want.
Post by: RadSav on June 29, 2015, 02:54:32 AM
Post by: Bob33 on June 29, 2015, 05:47:56 AM
Post by: grundy53 on June 29, 2015, 09:55:59 AM
Spotting scope is a luxury. Binoculars are a necessity! So get a good pair of binoculars first, dang good pack second and the spotter third.This
Post by: kentrek on June 29, 2015, 10:20:11 AM
Spotting scope is a luxury. Binoculars are a necessity! So get a good pair of binoculars first, dang good pack second and the spotter third.This
:yeah: and go shoot giant regardless if you have the best...never skip a year of hunting to buy a luxury product
Post by: RadSav on June 29, 2015, 10:31:33 AM
Spotting scope is a luxury. Binoculars are a necessity! So get a good pair of binoculars first, dang good pack second and the spotter third.This
:yeah: and go shoot giant regardless if you have the best...never skip a year of hunting to buy a luxury product
Absolutely! My biggest bull, biggest bear and biggest deer were all shot before I even owned a pair of binos. Who knows how many animals I walked past and didn't see :dunno: But, what I lacked in equipment I made up in effort. 30 years later I still haven't exceed the quality of the results. And I have fantastic glass now!
Post by: kentrek on June 29, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
I wouldn't sell those days for the hubble telescope of all binos or spotters
Post by: Firedogg on June 29, 2015, 12:10:57 PM
With the high country hunt you will want 8-10x binos. If you are hunting brushy areas I find lower power ones are easier to pick through the brush with. Different tools for different conditions.
My spotting scope takes up too much room when I am moving around. If I know I will be going to a ridge to sit I will set up with the spotter, but still start out with binos till something catches my interest.
Post by: kentrek on June 29, 2015, 01:00:22 PM
Wow! I didn't know a range finder could "lactate" deer. lol
:chuckle: leupold thought of it all....dang auto text
Post by: Mark251 on June 29, 2015, 03:49:22 PM
Post by: ian_padron on June 29, 2015, 04:24:46 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on June 29, 2015, 05:15:14 PM
Are you going hunting tomorrow? Check Craigslist for deals locally. You have some time to find good deal from now till the fall. I've bought both my optics and camera lenses used, saved 50+%, and they're good enough for my use. YMMV.
Post by: ian_padron on June 29, 2015, 05:18:06 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on June 29, 2015, 06:17:10 PM
Post by: couesbitten on June 29, 2015, 07:49:10 PM
Some of the better ones (I've purchased from both of these).
http://cameralandny.com/ Check their Demos/Samples list
http://www.bearbasin.com/
Also, Elknut1 on this website is a Vortex dealer and has some great prices.
Post by: ian_padron on June 29, 2015, 08:28:14 PM
Post by: follow maggie on July 05, 2015, 07:10:25 PM
Post by: thinkingman on July 06, 2015, 08:35:49 AM
I believe Monarch > Prostaff and if you're patient I don't see why you can't snag some 8x42s for $150-200. I had the old ATBs but IDK all the differences between the new '3, 5, & 7' models. I think you have to step up into the 5 or 7 to get the dielectrically coated internal prisms, but all (including the old Monarchs) should have fully multicoated optics, which are the bare minimum for quality standard for hunting optics. :twocents:The field of view (FOV) is much wider on the 7's.
It make a big difference(to me).
After having 'nocs with a nice, big picturewindow FOV, I can't go backwards.
Post by: bankwalker on July 06, 2015, 10:22:38 AM
So now I'm torn even more
Post by: ctwiggs1 on July 06, 2015, 10:33:21 AM
I'd go without binoculars if I had to. Skipping hunting is missing the point!
That being said, if I were in your shoes I'd buy binos first. I still don't own a spotter but am starting to research them now.
Curtis
Post by: fullpipe77 on July 15, 2015, 10:57:38 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 15, 2015, 11:31:43 PM
Hunting west side washington - mite only use spotter to count the points.