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Binos or Spotting Scope
Okay I have small lightweight binoculars Minolta 7x22 . Would you purchase a bigger pair of binoculars meaning higher power and bigger objective lens with tripod if so what make and model ?
Or would you purchase a spotting scope which would be great for the range also . What make and model ?
P.S. I'm not wealthy !
Thanks !
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Spend your money on quality bins first.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TARCHER
Spend your money on quality bins first.
X2 on that I went with a double on my 10 x50 swaro. before getting a spotter
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
I find I use my 15x56 bins on a tripod 99% of the time. My spotter is only used once I spot something that needs a closer look. You will find more game with bins on a tripod.
i carry 10x42 swaros around my neck
15x56 swaros for the tripod
15-56 zeiss spotter
i do a quick scan with my tens then if nothing stands out I cover every square inch with the 15 power and once something is spotted out comes the spotter
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
A pair of 8x42 or 10x42 vortex would probably be a good place to start. One of their mid range models
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
8x42 around my bino harness 20-60x80 spotter in the bag
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Binos first then spotter. Spotter only if you plan on using it. You cAn easily get by with just binos for a lot of hunts around bc
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Binos first then spotter used the spotter this year when i could not identify a spike bull moose with my binocs.Setup the spotter and confirmed it was a bull had i not had the spotter Bull would have walked.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Brew
I find I use my 15x56 bins on a tripod 99% of the time. My spotter is only used once I spot something that needs a closer look. You will find more game with bins on a tripod.
i carry 10x42 swaros around my neck
15x56 swaros for the tripod
15-56 zeiss spotter
i do a quick scan with my tens then if nothing stands out I cover every square inch with the 15 power and once something is spotted out comes the spotter
You carry all 3 on you in the field? Those 15x56 alone must weigh as much as the spotter!
And x2 .... definitely go for good binoculars first. And honestly, I wouldnt waste my time waiting for a used pair
Of premium ones to pop up. Every time they do people want damn near what they cost new.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Good binos with a tripod is a deadly combo
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Arctic Lake
Okay I have small lightweight binoculars Minolta 7x22 . Would you purchase a bigger pair of binoculars meaning higher power and bigger objective lens with tripod if so what make and model ?
Or would you purchase a spotting scope which would be great for the range also . What make and model ?
P.S. I'm not wealthy !
Thanks !
Arctic Lake
If your completely happy with your 7x22 Minolta binos for the hunting you do, then yes buy a spotting scope .........
I'm going to suggest your falling short with your current binoculars, this is what I would do, buy a decent set of 8x42 or 10x42 Binoculars that will last you a lifetime, buy once cry once, the thing is now a days there are extremely good binoculars that are not that expensive, optics have come a long ways, go to Cabelas and look through lots of 8 and 10 power binoculars and see which ones appeal to your eye and pocket book.
then down the road buy a decent spotting scope and you will have things covered.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Make sure your binos can be attached to a tripod. Even 8x in a tripod is awesome. 10xon a tripod are a game changer, especially for those huge clear cuts. I prefer 8 though for Timber.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
twoSevenO
You carry all 3 on you in the field? Those 15x56 alone must weigh as much as the spotter!
And x2 .... definitely go for good binoculars first. And honestly, I wouldnt waste my time waiting for a used pair
Of premium ones to pop up. Every time they do people want damn near what they cost new.
I got to have a look through Brew's 15X binoculars at one of the Spences Bridge Sheep Counts and wow is all I can say, amazing glass.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Thanks to all of you that replied to my questions. You make good points regarding the binos . I presently do not hunt for sheep or goats so I guess I really don't need a spotter. I don't handload but find it frustrating when at the range sighting in to find out where my bullets are hitting without high power magnification thus the idea of a spotting scope .
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Good binoculars are where it’s at if you can only afford one or the other, IMHO.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Over the years tried a lot of stuff now ;) 8x32 swaro. for walking . 15x56 swaro. for atv and yup swaro angled spotting scope as dealing with a old broken neck .
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Arctic Lake
Thanks to all of you that replied to my questions. You make good points regarding the binos . I presently do not hunt for sheep or goats so I guess I really don't need a spotter. I don't handload but find it frustrating when at the range sighting in to find out where my bullets are hitting without high power magnification thus the idea of a spotting scope .
Arctic Lake
I don't have the best quality spotting scope but one thing I did for it is made one of those phone scope adapters. Used a hole saw on an old cell phone case where the camera lens is, then glued on a piece of pvc that fit the eye piece of the spotting scope. Now I can see 7mm holes on paper at 500 yards like its right in front of you, and more than one person can look at them same time. I imagine you could do the same with a good pair of binos and it would increase you zoom capabilities at the range
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
scttlp86
I don't have the best quality spotting scope but one thing I did for it is made one of those phone scope adapters. Used a hole saw on an old cell phone case where the camera lens is, then glued on a piece of pvc that fit the eye piece of the spotting scope. Now I can see 7mm holes on paper at 500 yards like its right in front of you, and more than one person can look at them same time. I imagine you could do the same with a good pair of binos and it would increase you zoom capabilities at the range
Genius! That saves alot of money
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
UM me thinking just threw out a nikkor lens I could have used it as adaptor on my camera body digital zoom ….maybe
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
If more hunters had spotting scopes for counting tines , there would be less 'catch and release' of illegal kills.
and for range use, a $150 20-60x Simmons or equivalent will show up the holes though the pic may not be perfect.
The need for High end optics is overrated for 95+% of usage. Use what you have until they prove out needs
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jordan f.
Good binos with a tripod is a deadly combo
I'll put a big ole LIKE on this post and second what Jordan said
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Arctic Lake
Thanks to all of you that replied to my questions. You make good points regarding the binos . I presently do not hunt for sheep or goats so I guess I really don't need a spotter. I don't handload but find it frustrating when at the range sighting in to find out where my bullets are hitting without high power magnification thus the idea of a spotting scope .
Arctic Lake
I use a cheap Tasco spotter for the range. Works great to see where you are at 200 yrds and I think I spent < $200.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
From the replies I received to this thread it seemed that a good pair of binoculars should be purchased first then a spotter .
Well I have an update. Thanks to Weatherby Fan I purchased a great pair of Meopta Meopro 8x42 HD binos from him . WOW ! They are great ! Everything looks so much better through these than the 7x22 Minoltas . Yes the Meoptas are heavier and larger but what a difference . Now hope to get a chance to see some deer through them before the season ends !
Thanks again Fellas !
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Be sure to get a bino harness as well as a tripod
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
boxhitch
If more hunters had spotting scopes for counting tines , there would be less 'catch and release' of illegal kills.
and for range use, a $150 20-60x Simmons or equivalent will show up the holes though the pic may not be perfect.
The need for High end optics is overrated for 95+% of usage. Use what you have until they prove out needs
BS .... most illegal kills are probably people bumping deer and shooting before they even have a chance to count tines. Not glassing them with binos and not being able to see properly.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
twoSevenO
You carry all 3 on you in the field? Those 15x56 alone must weigh as much as the spotter!
And x2 .... definitely go for good binoculars first. And honestly, I wouldnt waste my time waiting for a used pair
Of premium ones to pop up. Every time they do people want damn near what they cost new.
Plenty of quality used optics for a good price available if a guy looks around..
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
10x40 are by far the best to have.
I bought a pair of Leica on eBay. Fraction of new cost and I love them!!
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
leftfield
Be sure to get a bino harness as well as a tripod
Looking into a tripod adapter that is quick detach also tripod .I see a tripod adapter from Outdoorsmen in the USA gets good reviews. Have not looked into a bino harness yet. Any recommendations would be appreciated !
Thanks
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
There are many harnesses to chose from and I couldn’t recommend one over the other but I would be looking for one the keeps your bino’s clean and dry when your out in the elements
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HighCountryBC
Plenty of quality used optics for a good price available if a guy looks around..
Define good price?
$1500 for used swaro SLC is really not a good price. But that's what people seem to want for them around here.
I'm aware of how to look around. I have $1600 binos I bought as an open box item on Ebay for $900.
Show me all this Alpha glass for a good price you have found
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Swaro, Leica and Zeiss pop up all the time on bird watching forums and other hunting sites. There's more than HBC out there kid. Hunting partner and I both picked up top of the line spotters in mint condition for half of what they are new.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
twoSevenO
Define good price?
$1500 for used swaro SLC is really not a good price. But that's what people seem to want for them around here.
I'm aware of how to look around. I have $1600 binos I bought as an open box item on Ebay for $900.
Show me all this Alpha glass for a good price you have found
270 there’s the odd deal floating around but it’s not like a daily occurrence of course not, but if your patient and diligent you can find a good deal now and again, I picked up a mint set of 10x42 Leica Trinovids for $600 from a guy in Nanaimo, my son uses them.
I bought my Leica APO 25-50x65 angled spotting with the eyepiece on EBay.ca for 2120.00 cdn
yeh you have to be patient for sure !
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Going to bring this thread up again . Okay so you fellas that do backpack hunting do you carry binoculars and a spotting scope ? If so is your spotting scope one of those that is compact ? If not how much does your full size or compact spotting scope weigh ? What is better angled eye piece or straight ?
Thanks
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Binos for sure, 10x42 or 8's... Depending on how far your line of sight generally is.
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HankBC
Binos for sure, 10x42 or 8's... Depending on how far your line of sight generally is.
Have the 8x42's
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Arctic Lake
Going to bring this thread up again . Okay so you fellas that do backpack hunting do you carry binoculars and a spotting scope ? If so is your spotting scope one of those that is compact ? If not how much does your full size or compact spotting scope weigh ? What is better angled eye piece or straight ?
Thanks
Arctic Lake
Just bringing this up again . I have 8x42 Meopta binos now and they are great ! But now asking about a spotting scope it will be used for the range, birding, and hunting .
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
So do most of you fellas use compact spotting scopes to do range work and also hunting ?
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Fellas I would appreciate more feed back
Thanks
Arctic Lake
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Re: Binos or Spotting Scope
Buy 15-45x65 type spotting scope, it’s compact enough to back pack and use at the range, it’s a good compromise for size weight and power,
the small ones 11-33x50 are ok at the range but lack power in the field.
Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65 is an affordable option if you don’t want to go with Zeiss Leica Swarovski