Best bino magnification for goats & sheep, spotters to pair with.

[Ztm91]

I just got back from a two week solo backcountry trip and am reconsidering and evaluating my current Binos. I currently have Swaro 8.5x42, I figured these would be a good starting point as the goal was to primarily locate animals vs scrutinize details, but I really struggled to pick apart terrain at distance, especially for goats and sheep. I do wear glasses (contacts in the field) and trying to glass across a basin to other peaks or ridges with snow field, melting snow spots, or rocks really made it a challenge to pick up contrast or movement.

My use case is untraditional for this site. I started getting out west to backcountry fly fish. Then to learn more about backcountry gear & performance I started following a bunch of hunting podcasts. I love the idea of the backcountry pursuit, however harvesting an animal is just not for me personally. So I bought a new camera and 500mm lens and have started going out in search of animals in the backcountry to shoot just with my camera instead of a bow or rifle.

I really appreciate the country pursuing goats and sheep get you into so that will be a primary target for me. Would a higher magnification bino be beneficial in my case, especially with my flawed vision? I do not have a spotter currently but am considering adding a Kowa 554 or 55a at some point as well. I also have been carrying a slik 634 tripod. Thanks in advance!

 

[HingleMcCringleberry]

I would keep your binoculars and add a spotting scope.

 

[StupidLightweight]

For your use, I'd suggest Swaro 15x56s (or their new 14Xs) to locate game and then sneak within camera range. I have a compact Nikon ED50 spotting scope, but anything larger is a pain to backpack with. When stabilized by a tripod, 15s are incredible for picking out game at loooooooooooooong distances.

 

[Ztm91]

Both of those seem to be good viable options. I keep hearing a lot of people talk about the pros of the Sig zulu6 Binos. Any benefit to potentially selling my Swaro Binos and then buying some 12x42 Sig perhaps and a Kowa 554 or 55s to accompany them? I know the quality is not the same, but I’ve also heard some new Sig Binos are coming out soon as well.

 

[StopMakingSense]

Where are you doing this? What kind of sheep? What time of year? Since you’re photographing I’m guessing you aren’t trying to age the sheep either.

The kowa 554 and 55a are two very different scopes due to the eye piece.

 

[chicoredneck]

If photography is your focus. I would seriously look at the Sig Zulu6 binoculars for locating game as the reduced jitters make detail stand out significantly more.

Then, I would get a good spotting scope you can take pictures through and for close in detail looks. Kowa makes fantastic glass. I’m actually selling a 554 on eBay right now that is new/unused. I purchased it, but never used it so am selling. However, for a light weight spotter, they are amazing.

 

[Antares]

Great photo, man!

I spend a lot of time looking for goats. If weight is not an issue, I use 15x SLCs and an 884; if weight is an issue, I use 10x ELs and a 554. If you’ve got money to burn, I’d be looking at the new 14x NLs.

If you mostly glass from a seated position, look at the Slik 632. I like it much better that the 634 I used to have. Simpler and stiffer.

 

[Ztm91]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I actually am glassing seated essentially all the time so I may look into the 632 tripod, it would be nice to save some weight. I got the 634 to also shoot landscape photos and wanted a taller tripod but I don’t think I’ll often carry that lens.

Weight of the optics system is something I would like to consider. 500mm lens, camera and camera gear isn’t very light.

I haven’t got to use Sig Zulu6’s yet in the backcountry unfortunately to try them side by side. I have used them outside of a store and was impressed with them, especially because I had my glasses on and lost no fov or edge to edge clarity.

I’m kind of still leaning towards the zulu6s. Being able to pull them out and quickly scan an area without setting up the tripod while I’m covering ground would be nice. The additional magnification may help me as well since I’m concerned the 8.5x just might not be quite enough for bigger country and my less than stellar eyesight.

Now my next problem is deciding between the Kowa 554 or the new 55s with the wide angle eyepiece…

 

[HingleMcCringleberry]

Now my next problem is deciding between the Kowa 554 or the new 55s with the wide angle eyepiece…

As someone who went from a kowa 664 to 774, get the 55s. The eyepiece is worth it.

 

[Ztm91]

As someone who went from a kowa 664 to 774, get the 55s. The eyepiece is worth it.

Thanks for input! I did see some reviews talk about the improved eye relief and comfortableness of the eye box in the new model so glad to hear the new eye piece may be worth the money.

 

[Moosehunter]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I actually am glassing seated essentially all the time so I may look into the 632 tripod, it would be nice to save some weight. I got the 634 to also shoot landscape photos and wanted a taller tripod but I don’t think I’ll often carry that lens.

Weight of the optics system is something I would like to consider. 500mm lens, camera and camera gear isn’t very light.

I haven’t got to use Sig Zulu6’s yet in the backcountry unfortunately to try them side by side. I have used them outside of a store and was impressed with them, especially because I had my glasses on and lost no fov or edge to edge clarity.

I’m kind of still leaning towards the zulu6s. Being able to pull them out and quickly scan an area without setting up the tripod while I’m covering ground would be nice. The additional magnification may help me as well since I’m concerned the 8.5x just might not be quite enough for bigger country and my less than stellar eyesight.

Now my next problem is deciding between the Kowa 554 or the new 55s with the wide angle eyepiece…

If your doing a small spotter get a 55s
Talking to guys that have used them it sounds far superior to the 554
The 554 is a somewhat uncomfortable viewing experience.
I think that kowa 66s could fit somewhere if trying to get a real close look. Weight is a factor tho so it is all tradeoffs unfortunately.