Best high end binos for elk.

[Lineman167]

I’m looking for suggestions for high end glass that can do it all so I don’t have to carry a spotter. 12x50 el vs 15x56 slc? Or buy once cry once with the new NL Pures. Mostly elk hunt 1-2 times a year and only used cheaper binos in the past. Looking for best of both worlds without having to haul a spotting scope.

 

[Svivian]

I remember when the ELs were the go to buy once cry once binos

 

[Trr15]

12x50s are a great choice and more versatile than the 15x. I have no experience with the NLs, but it’s hard to go wrong with the EL line.

 

[Lineman167]

That’s kind of how I’m leaning. Thanks for the input

 

[Lineman167]

I remember when the ELs were the go to buy once cry once binos

Lol. I’ll cry with the price of any of those

 

[Dirtscoots]

I love my 15s for deer but unless you are trophy hunting or hunting a point specific unit for elk they are kinda overkill for elk I think. With that said I was able to put legal horns on a bull for my wife this year when previous I would have had to get my spotter out before giving her the go ahead and shoot.

 

[Brooks]

I have the 12x50 EL’s and really like them. I hunt and guide for elk and use them a ton, you will need a tripod with them when your going to sit and glass for a few hours. Great binos but at real long yardage ( over about 700 - 800 yards) trying to “really” pick apart a bull you still need a spotter but half the time I leave the spotter home. I’ve never felt I needed any other binos since I bought these 3 years ago. Never have had the 15x56 SCL’s

 

[Lineman167]

Thanks. I really noticed the difference of good binos this past year. I drew a good New Mexico archery tag in the gila. My guide had swaro everything and he was picking up elk that my cheaper vortex binos could. Definitely opened my eyes to how good top of the line glass is. Thanks for your input. I’d say I’ll end up with EL 12x50s. I’ll be using it with a tripod like u mentioned

 

[bpurtz]

For archery I carry 8x binos - if I was archery or rifle hunting a trophy unit, I'd probably carry my 65mm spotter over 15x binos.

 

[Wrench]

I have 15x swaro and sold my 12x leicas. I hunt elk about 45 days a year and would not consider 12x or greater for my only pair. A top quality pair of 8x give more fov, less heat and great low light. 10x get to be harder when breathing hard or the heat moves in. 12x make me sick if they cant be supported....and 15 stay in the pack or rig until its time to see a long ways.

 

[Marble]

I have 15x swaro and sold my 12x leicas. I hunt elk about 45 days a year and would not consider 12x or greater for my only pair. A top quality pair of 8x give more fov, less heat and great low light. 10x get to be harder when breathing hard or the heat moves in. 12x make me sick if they cant be supported....and 15 stay in the pack or rig until its time to see a long ways.

I agree with this except for the 8x binos. I carry 10x42 slcs and really enjoy them. I've tried the 8x and they weren't for me.

As far as 12x plus binos, IMO they need to be supported.

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[Brooks]

I used a pair of 8.5x42 EL for several years and they are good for bow hunting until the elk are 500 yards across a canyon then the 12x50 are gold ! The OP is wanting to get away from having to carry a spotter and binos. A light weight tripod and the 12x50‘s are hard to beat for doing that. I glass a lot of times free hand and when I pick something out I put them on the tripod. once you put any bino on a tripod they become much more effective! You can sit down and glass comfortably for a long time.

 

[Bailer]

I love my 12el’s, but if elk were my biggest priority I’d get 8, 8.5 or 10’s in either el or nl.

 

[Moserkr]

In low light, 10x42 SLC’s can spot elk at a mile or more no problem. Counting points at a mile, even in good light, can be tough, but if its a monster bull you will know it. My buddy sitting next to me using 10x42 NL pures, both of us on tripods, never out glassed me, even with his better natural eye sight. The elk we glassed were 1-1.5 miles away, sometime in smoke haze from fires, from first light to last. Could clearly make out the big 360”+ bull but not within the first/last 30 min of light. Could see elk, not so much antlers.

My issue with 12’s is using them in hand when the tripod is put away. Too easy to shake and good glass amplifies it. My buddy with the 10x pures also carried a 65m ATS spotter which we used to confirm the elk we spotted. As much as carrying a spotter sucks weight wise, they are a priceless tool with a specific purpose. If you dont care about antler size, 8x or 10x will be plenty to find elk at 1-2 miles. But if you care about trophy quality, nothing beats a spotting scope.

 

[vectordawg]

I love my 12el’s, but if elk were my biggest priority I’d get 8, 8.5 or 10’s in either el or nl.

Why would you go down? I'm sincerely curious. I have an inexpensive Leupold 10x42 that I use for treestand whitetail hunting and if I'm lucky one yearly trip for elk. I was thinking about upgrading.

 

[Lineman167]

In low light, 10x42 SLC’s can spot elk at a mile or more no problem. Counting points at a mile, even in good light, can be tough, but if its a monster bull you will know it. My buddy sitting next to me using 10x42 NL pures, both of us on tripods, never out glassed me, even with his better natural eye sight. The elk we glassed were 1-1.5 miles away, sometime in smoke haze from fires, from first light to last. Could clearly make out the big 360”+ bull but not within the first/last 30 min of light. Could see elk, not so much antlers.

My issue with 12’s is using them in hand when the tripod is put away. Too easy to shake and good glass amplifies it. My buddy with the 10x pures also carried a 65m ATS spotter which we used to confirm the elk we spotted. As much as carrying a spotter sucks weight wise, they are a priceless tool with a specific purpose. If you dont care about antler size, 8x or 10x will be plenty to find elk at 1-2 miles. But if you care about trophy quality, nothing beats a spotting scope.

 

[Lineman167]

I’m not opposed to a spotter just can’t afford high end binos and good spotter this season. Probably will get a spotter in the future. Just looking for a best of both worlds for this season

 

[Blandry]

I've got the little 10x swarovski pocket binos and wouldn't trade them for the world. I've had some huge 15x vortex and even some 42's razors and sold them all. My little pocket 10x and a good spotter. If I don't need a spotter I carry the little swaro pockets. The small lack of field has never worried me.. I pretty much know what I'm trying to look at and don't scan a lot with them.

 

[Clrems77]

I’ve dropped my 10’s and went with the EL 12’s and won’t go back. On a tripod they act as a spotter within reason and at closer ranges I just sandwich them between my hat brim and they’re steady enough for a clear picture. If you can sit and use your knees/hat as a base, they are even better.

You spend all the money in the world on Tags, gear, guides etc. If you don’t have good glass and can’t find the animals, all that money goes to waste. It took me a while to save up for my first set of Swaros but they are worth every penny.

Buy once cry once and you won’t regret it!

Not sure where your located but if your anywhere near me your more than welcome to swing by and try mine out.

 

[Blandry]

I've also owned one of these.. selling it was a huge mistake.. you can use it like a spotter and quick checks. It also has a tri mount and top of the line glass.

ZEISS Dialyt | The hunting field spotter for observation over long distance

www.zeiss.com