Affordable glass for handheld and tripod use

[freshta]

I'm sure this has been beaten to death in the past probably, but I'm looking for the MRI on what binos are out there today that I can use as both a handheld and tripod spotter. I've been out west several times for archery elk and I've always just used my trusty Alpen 8x42's.. This year I'm heading out for mulies with a rifle and don't want to lug around both my bino's AND a spotter. So I'm looking for something that can handle double duty.

I don't want to spend too much because, being an eastern woodland deer hunter, I will only get the chance to really use them once a year when I make my annual trip out west. I would much rather spend my money on a trip, etc. I'm looking to spend no more than $800-900. I've searched my butt off every classified forum I can find and Ebay for used Swaro, Leica, Zeiss and have found nothing in this price range. I'm tired of looking!!!

Any opinions will be appreciated.

Tony

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Meopta MeoStar

 

[Pronghunter]

Agree. In that price range, Meopta/Zeiss/ can all be found used for less than a grand. It’s not that practical to hand hold 15x’s, but I’ve done it several times and it’s not that shaky for me. MeoStar 15x56 and Zeiss Conquest HD 15x56. There out there. Good luck

 

[freshta]

Thanks for the info Meopta was definitely a brand I've been eyeballing. Is the general consensus a 12 or 15 power for spotting?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

very tough to hand hold 15x, you may be happier with a 12x.

We have 1 left of the MeoStar B1 12x50 Binocular reduced to only $829.99. This is a new unit

 

[Pronghunter]

very tough to hand hold 15x, you may be happier with a 12x.

We have 1 left of the MeoStar B1 12x50 Binocular reduced to only $829.99. This is a new unit

I would take Doug up on that!!

 

[freshta]

Sounds good. Can anyone tell me where to get a tripod adapter for it? Looks like they've been discontinued

 

[idahohikker]

Maven C1 or B series if you feel it's necessary. It's an absolute steal of a buy at approx. $300. I'm very satisfied with mine and agree with all the rave reviews out there.

 

[CApighunter]

A used set of maven B2s should fall in your price range, I grabbed a pair of 9x’s off the classifieds for $750 with an outdoorsmans tripod adaptor.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Sounds good. Can anyone tell me where to get a tripod adapter for it? Looks like they've been discontinued

It accepts a basic tripod adpter which only runs $12.99

 

[homebru.trout]

GPO makes a 12.5 x 50 which I have found to be fantastic. Retail is $1299. Doug ^^ carries them.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

GPO makes a 12.5 x 50 which I have found to be fantastic. Retail is $1299. Doug ^^ carries them.

This is an excellent binocular. Shockingly close to the $2000.00 alphas

 

[homebru.trout]

This is an excellent binocular. Shockingly close to the $2000.00 alphas

Yes! I carried it last year in lieu of a spotter on an archery elk hunt and like it so much I bought the 10 when I got back on an open box deal. Stooooopid close to the SLC for much less.