Binocular Recommendation First Elk Hunt

[Briansturgeon]

I will be going on my first elk hunt in Craig, Colorado this year during 3rd rifle. Looking for a pair of binoculars that will get the job done and not break the bank. They will most likely see little use after this hunt unless I make return trips but that would not be on an annual basis. Appreciate any information/recommendations. Thank you.

 

[DangerRanger]

Gotta know how big the bank is if we can’t break it

 

[TreeStandAthlete]

What's your budget in USD? Break the bank means different things to different people.

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[Briansturgeon]

Good point. That is a useless statement without a number. Also I guess using break the bank is kind of dumb anyway as I can afford to spend a decent amount but really don't want to spend more than necessary because I'm not sure they will be used much outside of this hunt and maybe a few future hunts out west.

I'd like to probably stay under a couple hundred bucks if possibleas I will be buying a lot of other things for this trip as well.

Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[TreeStandAthlete]

For $300 or so the Maven C1's are nice. They treated me well the last couple years and if you upgrade later are good loaners to have laying around. If those are too spendy for you I'd personally just get the most expensive pair of Vortex binos you can stomach and embrace the joy of being able to treat them like the garbage they are (they aren't actually garbage, they get the job done just not something I'd want to glass from 8hrs+ a day) knowing their warranty will take care of you/them.

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[Newtosavage]

For $300 or so the Maven C1's are nice. They treated me well the last couple years and if you upgrade later are good loaners to have laying around. If those are too spendy for you I'd personally just get the most expensive pair of Vortex binos you can stomach and embrace the joy of being able to treat them like the garbage they are (they aren't actually garbage, they get the job done just not something I'd want to glass from 8hrs+ a day) knowing their warranty will take care of you/them.

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excellent advice above

 

[Wapiti1]

Pentax 10X42 S-Series. Kowa 10X42 SV. Sightron SIII 10X32. Sightron SII 10X42. Or the ones suggested above.
Any of these will work fine and won't give you a headache.

Jeremy

 

[Briansturgeon]

Thanks. That is what I needed. Definitely don't want a headache.

 

[eric1115]

Consider renting. You could probably rent a pair of Swaro or Zeiss or Razor UHD and a tripod for a week for what you're looking to spend. If you truly don't anticipate using them after this hunt, that's what I would do.

 

[Briansturgeon]

Any recommendations on companies to rent from? Something that I will also consider. Thanks.

 

[Marbles]

Never used them, but the owner was on the Hunt Backcountry podcast and it sounded like a good place.

Binoculars – Rent Outdoor Gear

rentoutdoorgear.com

 

[Shea]

I felt the same way about buying binos. Saying to myself I need something decent for this hunt but probably won’t use them much after. Funny thing is now I use them all the time. My wife and kid love to use them too. Birds, ballgames, the zoo you name it. Should have bought decent glass years ago. I went with used Leica 8x42 black leather for around a grand. No more eye strain. Just a pleasure to use. Rent or buy get something nice. Good luck!

 

[Blue72]

I just bought a pair of Maven C1 in 12x42 format

I have to say I’m very impressed for the money

I like the Nikon monarch 7’s too, they have a loyal following

but I like the maven C1 better and that’s coming from a Nikon fanboy

 

[Briansturgeon]

I know it's probably more about personal preference but I've read alot on 8x42 vs 10x42 and I've seen others mentioned as well. I've seen both mentioned here. Is there a general consensus or rule of thumb for when to go with one over the other? Is it possible to only go with a decent set of binoculars and not need a spotting scope?

 

[eric1115]

Any recommendations on companies to rent from? Something that I will also consider. Thanks.

I've never rented, but the rentoutdoorgear.com guys seem like good folk.

 

[Cannonball]

lots of good buys here in the classifieds as well

 

[Blue72]

I know it's probably more about personal preference but I've read alot on 8x42 vs 10x42 and I've seen others mentioned as well. I've seen both mentioned here. Is there a general consensus or rule of thumb for when to go with one over the other? Is it possible to only go with a decent set of binoculars and not need a spotting scope?

you go for 8’s if you prefer a wider field of view and/or a more stable platform when handholding

10x is considered a great all around binocular. But they do shake more

I pretty much eliminated a spotting scope and many others have too in favor for a mounted binocular, but that’s a seperate discussion that always turns into a debate on this forum

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Athlon Cronus 8.5x42 Binocular

• E2ES System- Edge 2 Edge Sharpness system: E2ES System is a field flattening system that produces sharper, clearer images all the way from one lens edge to the other
• ED Glass- High definition glass: ED glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes
• ESP Dielectric Coating- Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
• Lightweight Magnesium Chassis: Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%
• XPL Coating- Xtra Protective Layer coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
• Phase Corrected prisms: Phase corrected prisms produce images that have better contrast, a higher resolution and better color reproduction
• BaK4 prisms: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.
• Advanced FMC: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
• Locking Diopter: Locking Diopter keeps the diopter adjustment knob from accidentally moving from the optimal setting
• Long Eye Relief: Long eye relief can be particularly important for eyeglass wearers because longer eye relief allows them to still see the entire field of view.
• Close Focus: Close focus is important for those who are nature observers and especially important if you are going to watch butterflies or insects
• Twist Up Eyecups: Twist up eyecups with intermediate stops allow you to set the eyecups to the ideal eye relief for you eyes
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protects the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater
• Argon Purged: Argon purging gives you better waterproofing and thermal stability

 

[Briansturgeon]

I will look through the classifieds as well and hopefully have my 10 posts soon. Thanks everyone

 

[RussDXT]

The biggest advancement I have had for Colorado hunting is a tripod. I see 10fold more game. I’d rather run $200 binos on a $500 tripod than the other way around.