Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Highmountaindan on May 23, 2016, 10:06:34 PM

Title: Anyone use a zoom doubler on there binos?
Post by: Highmountaindan on May 23, 2016, 10:06:34 PM: I have a pair of Meopta Meostar 12x50mills. I would like to get the Leupold gold ring 12-40x60 spotting scope but wonder if the meopta zoom doubler will do enough. My hunting is cascade alpine hunts. You do get the option to glass and get distances up to 1/2 mile. Anyone use a doubler or have experience with one? If I did get one it would turn my meopta a into a 24X50 spotter, kinda
Title: Re: Anyone use a zoom doubler on there binos?
Post by: Bean Counter on May 23, 2016, 10:10:52 PM: I haven't. Probably better than nothing, but I highly doubt it will take the place of a spotter. You're unlikely to be able to stand glassing with it for more than quick confirming looks at a distance. To me there's no substitute for a tripod mounted spotter with a 60-80mm objective lens. I glass with mine for 8-10 hours on my deer honey ~~hole~~ mountain. :twocents:
Title: Re: Anyone use a zoom doubler on there binos?
Post by: Highmountaindan on May 24, 2016, 08:14:40 AM: The binos with doubler would be on my tripod.
Title: Re: Anyone use a zoom doubler on there binos?
Post by: Bushcraft on May 24, 2016, 09:21:21 AM: I fiddled with one once and found it to be a poor compromise between bino's and a spotter.While intriguing, aside from the weight and pack volume savings you might be dissatisfied with the end result in the field. There's a reason you don't see professional guides or highly successful backcountry hunters rolling with bino's and a doubler. It's always bino's and a spotter that are suitable for the country and animals being pursued.

That said, I see people with high quality "big three" bino's that tote along a bargain basement spotter that might as well be a heavy cardboard tube with stained glass for lenses. Meaning if you start with a high quality pair of bino's and throw a doubler on it, you'll likely get better optical clarity at a fraction of the price and weight of a low grade spotter. So, you might like it...Check out the return policy and try one. :dunno:

Personally, I think the best setup is 10x bino's (or preferably 15x in bigger country) on a tripod, with a big spotter for zooming in on details. Back that spotter up with a PhoneSkope adapter for even more zoom and you'll save yourself a whole lot of walking.

Regards,

Allen
Title: Re: Anyone use a zoom doubler on there binos?
Post by: Bean Counter on May 24, 2016, 11:03:00 AM: Quote from: Bushcraft on May 24, 2016, 09:21:21 AM
I see people with high quality "big three" bino's that tote along a bargain basement spotter that might as well be a heavy cardboard tube with stained glass for lenses.

:chuckle: :tup:
Title: Re: Anyone use a zoom doubler on there binos?
Post by: Highmountaindan on May 24, 2016, 11:50:33 AM: That's how I was feeling as well, each optic is a tool with a specified purpose. I will keep saving for the spotter.