Post by: ljsommer on February 20, 2019, 12:21:28 PM
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.
Post by: full choke on February 20, 2019, 12:23:38 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on February 20, 2019, 12:31:00 PM
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.
Post by: Jpmiller on February 20, 2019, 12:36:28 PM
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.
Post by: Stein on February 20, 2019, 12:44:19 PM
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.
Post by: X-Force on February 20, 2019, 12:48:28 PM
Post by: ljsommer on February 20, 2019, 12:49:46 PM
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.
Post by: 7mmfan on February 20, 2019, 12:50:10 PM
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.
Post by: 7mmfan on February 20, 2019, 12:56:17 PM
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.
Post by: Stein on February 20, 2019, 01:00:20 PM
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.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on February 20, 2019, 01:07:41 PM
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 8)
Post by: Bill W on February 20, 2019, 01:16:46 PM
Post by: Mtnwalker on February 20, 2019, 01:25:43 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on February 20, 2019, 01:31:49 PM
Okay after that the second most important thing in my mind is good binoculars. Your $1,000 budget will get you some pretty nice glass. I would do 10x42's and go with Vortex or Cabelas euros.
Spotting scopes are nice but farther down the line in my opinion on where money needs to be spent. Items 3-20 on the list can be debated all day long but for me number one is good boots followed by good glass.
Post by: cbond3318 on February 20, 2019, 01:39:44 PM
600$ will get you into good glass with a great warranty, as has been stated.
Post by: Stein on February 20, 2019, 01:45:00 PM
Vortex Talons (or whatever the equivalent now is), second choice would probably be Leuopold
Tripod
Tripod adapter
Alaska Guide Creations bino harness
Lens wipes, pens, rags, or whatever your favorite are
That should be about a $1,000 package.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on February 20, 2019, 01:49:42 PM
That being said, choose the power based on where you’re hunting. Some areas will be fine with 8x42s. Some areas you need something much bigger.
Post by: huntnphool on February 20, 2019, 02:15:07 PM
Post by: ljsommer on February 20, 2019, 02:24:15 PM
I bought some Danner's a while back and they felt great in the store, and up to 5 miles, but past 5 miles they blister my heel without fail if I don't tape up. If I do tape up, they blister anyway at 10 miles. I don't know how to test for that without just buying pairs of boots from a place with an amazing return policy.
Does REI let you test out boots like that?
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on February 20, 2019, 02:34:37 PM
https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/quest-4d-3-gtxr.html#1191=9861
Post by: ljsommer on February 20, 2019, 02:36:24 PM
lj, REI has an excellent return policy. I'm not a fan of that particular store, but, their return policy is over the top. I have a hunting buddy who has bought boots and other items from them and returned them after a full hunting season as he didn't like them :rolleyes:. Back on topic, BOOTS! I have quite an assortment of hunting boots including the top crust Zamberlans. I will tell you that I bought a pair of the Solomon 4D 3 GTX last fall and wore them the entire season (well seasons) in both backcountry hunts in an Idaho wilderness area and for my Washington hunts. They are by far some of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned! And, the price won't knock you down either. Give them a look if you get a minute.
https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/quest-4d-3-gtxr.html#1191=9861
Ahh! That's cool, I have two pairs of Solomon 3d shoes already and I used one of those pairs on my first hunting season. They're very comfortable on long mileage trips! I'll give those a try. Thanks!
Post by: Rainier10 on February 20, 2019, 02:47:28 PM
This has been a GREAT thread with lots of very helpful and specific recommendations, thank you! I'll be checking out my bino options this week. Also Rainier: I am struggling with the boot situation, and I know I need to upgrade, but I have tried on so many super expensive boots and can't seem to find a pair that feel good.I hear ya. It took me a few pair to get to what works for me. I went from Rocky, to Wolverine, to Danner and stopped at Irish Setter elk hunters 200 or 400 insulate. I use foot powder on my feet, then liner socks(thin socks, kind of silky) and then my merino socks over that. Foot powder in the boot and am I am good to go. In september I pack an extra pair of socks with me and swap out at lunch if I am really getting after it.
I bought some Danner's a while back and they felt great in the store, and up to 5 miles, but past 5 miles they blister my heel without fail if I don't tape up. If I do tape up, they blister anyway at 10 miles. I don't know how to test for that without just buying pairs of boots from a place with an amazing return policy.
Does REI let you test out boots like that?
Post by: ljsommer on February 20, 2019, 02:55:09 PM
Post by: SeaRun1 on February 20, 2019, 03:06:42 PM
SR1
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 20, 2019, 03:15:14 PM
I am not saying you don't need new boots. But if you have not tried these things, you might not get any satisfaction from a newer boot.
Post by: jackelope on February 20, 2019, 07:25:48 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on February 20, 2019, 08:45:42 PM
Try the double sock technique before you ditch your old boots. What you are looking for is sometimes referred to as a liner sock. Also consider lacing techniques whereby you tie off the laces lower on the boot, say just above your ankle, with an overhand knot, thereby locking your heel into the heel pocket.
I am not saying you don't need new boots. But if you have not tried these things, you might not get any satisfaction from a newer boot.
Off topic but don't overlook anti-perspirant on your feet if using insulated boots. Sweaty socks get cold.
Post by: dmoua on February 21, 2019, 04:47:15 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 21, 2019, 06:14:20 AM
just a thought that might save you some coin....
I don't do a spotting scope. I have one, but its rarely put to work. When I would use it, I dont want to pack it. Best binos you can get.
Post by: ljsommer on February 21, 2019, 06:29:56 AM
Your Danners might be fine. Do you condition your feet at all with them before heading off into the woods. You cant just throw them on once or twice a year and ground pound.
I have never worn sock liners so I bought some and will give those a try. I do a ton of scouting year round, ("scouting" sometimes just means going into the woods with my dog and a cigar and putting in a bunch of miles) so I think I do an ok job. I also sometimes just throw on my boots and wear them around the house all day as I work outside, etc.
I am going to give these sock liners a try, I am hopeful for those! If those don't work I'll consider a new pair of boots.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 21, 2019, 06:37:46 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 21, 2019, 06:38:40 AM
Post by: hiway_99 on February 21, 2019, 06:40:25 AM
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: konradcountry on March 06, 2019, 07:50:06 AM
I honestly wouldn't spend more than 3 or 4 hundred on binoculars. I don't think the advice about needing to spend a lot on glass applies anymore because of improved manufacturing techniques. I don't think the difference is worth it and then it's a bigger loss if something happens to it.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 06, 2019, 07:56:28 AM
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?Aim higher when talking about binos and boots. When your eyes get tired, you miss stuff and are less apt to use your binos consistently and constantly. When your feet are tired, you won't want to work. Everything else falls into place behind these two items, IMHO.
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.
Post by: bearpaw on March 06, 2019, 08:06:20 AM
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.
Archery hunting is mostly done in a stand, still hunting, calling animals to you, or by stalking in close. On a limited budget good binos will aid you much more than a spotting scope which has it's best use finding or judging animals at long distance. I use my spotting scope a lot, but unless you will be hunting a lot of areas where long distance spotting is necessary a spotter is one of the last things I would worry about for bowhunting.
Post by: h2ofowlr on March 06, 2019, 08:24:54 AM
Post by: ljsommer on March 06, 2019, 08:27:42 AM
I ended up buying a pair of Vortex Razor 10x42's and I am blown away by their clarity. They make my old binos look like I was glassing through a pair of cardboard tubes. I've already been practicing with them on the deer in the forest behind my house.
As for boots, I took the advice in this thread and bought some hiking sock liners and I took them out for a spin in Issaquah. I didn't tape up my heels like I usually have to, and didn't get any blistering at all. That said, I was trudging through a couple feet of snow so I didn't put in anywhere near 10 miles, but I will get out there ASAP to really try it out.
This has definitely been one of the most helpful threads I've participated in, thank you all!
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 06, 2019, 08:37:38 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on March 06, 2019, 08:51:12 AM
Good choice on binocs and glad you can see the difference. I would get a get a chest harness that covers them up as well. I use a S4 lockdown harness but there are many different brands.
The liner's should really help and hiking in the snow was probably a really good test. Don't forget the foot powder. I put that on my feet before the liner socks and then a little into my boots.
Post by: bearpaw on March 06, 2019, 09:08:26 AM
Thank you to everyone for the responses! I spent a good long time looking at and comparing various bino models, from $600 up to $3,000 (even though it was beyond my budget).
I ended up buying a pair of Vortex Razor 10x42's and I am blown away by their clarity. They make my old binos look like I was glassing through a pair of cardboard tubes. I've already been practicing with them on the deer in the forest behind my house.
As for boots, I took the advice in this thread and bought some hiking sock liners and I took them out for a spin in Issaquah. I didn't tape up my heels like I usually have to, and didn't get any blistering at all. That said, I was trudging through a couple feet of snow so I didn't put in anywhere near 10 miles, but I will get out there ASAP to really try it out.
This has definitely been one of the most helpful threads I've participated in, thank you all!
Good luck this coming season, let us know how you do? :tup:
Post by: ljsommer on March 06, 2019, 09:18:31 AM
There's forest in Seattle? Now we know where the deer went to escape
Ah I should update my profile. I moved down to University Place, south of Tacoma. There's a ton of deer down here, and I posted a couple pics of a big old buck in the backyard blacktail buck thread. He's gorgeous, but I haven't found any sheds unfortunately.