Binoculars w/ stand, spotting scope or both?

What glass do you use elk hunting with rifle?

  • Binoculars w/ stand

    Votes: 20 55.6%
  • Spotting scope w/ stand

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • Both

    Votes: 15 41.7%

  • Total voters
    36
Joined
Mar 6, 2022
Messages
82
Ok guys y’all helped me huge with the rifle buying experience. So far I have a 300 win mag rifle, stone glacier 3300 evo pack with krux evo frame, evo series lid (external pocket), and rain bag. I also have a whole bunch of first lite gear from underwear, base layers, and outerwear (hoodie, jacket, vest, pants, gaiters). My next question is sleeping bag if y’all find the time. I will be hunting 3rd rifle season. But what brings me to this thread is WHAT DO YALL RUN FOR GLASS!? I truly cannot decide and as for weight I don’t know if I’d want to carry both but than again a pair on my chest and a spot scope in swing out bag may not be the worse idea. Just trying to decide what’s best for all you killers. I don’t even run Binos deer hunting but I have a pair of Nikons not sure the model or zoom. I’d love to hear whoever wants to talk. You guys are bad ass and thanks in advance!
 

nobody

WKR
Joined
Sep 15, 2020
Messages
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You can hunt ALOT of years and be very successful without a spotting scope. If I was you, I'd save up my pennies and buy the most expensive glass you can stomach to buy and a good solid tripod. Put those binos on a tripod and SLOW DOWN. You'll be surprised how far you can see and make out antlers on game. I would go a good solid 10 or 12 power pair, so they'll double as chest binos and be great on a tripod still.
 

arock

Lil-Rokslider
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Sep 10, 2020
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Best binos you can afford on a tripod. I use Leica Ultravid HD+ 10x42. They are amazing. You can find some deals on second hand European glass.

If you have an enormous budget you can add a spotter but not necessary.
 
Joined
Aug 20, 2019
Messages
1,127
everybody will give you a different answer and if you use the search function in the top right corner you will find a ton of similar threads going over this exact topic. Personally, my spotting scope stays in the truck 95% of the time but some guys never leave the trailhead without their spotter. @nobody makes a great point, my priority would be a solid set of binoculars before I considered a spotting scope.
 

bsnedeker

WKR
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Zero need for a spotter for elk hunting unless you are going for a trophy. You sound like a first-timer so I'm assuming you'll be happy with any elk. You can see elk from a LONG way away with some bino's.
 
OP
bigbuckkilla
Joined
Mar 6, 2022
Messages
82
yeah I’m not too sure about spotting scopes. But I’ve never been real great at using binoculars. That said I’ve never used them on a tripod and a lot of the hunting diy videos I watch they are doing that. I wonder if you can get a tripod that could mount binos and possible double as a shooting stand 🤔
 

bsnedeker

WKR
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yeah I’m not too sure about spotting scopes. But I’ve never been real great at using binoculars. That said I’ve never used them on a tripod and a lot of the hunting diy videos I watch they are doing that. I wonder if you can get a tripod that could mount binos and possible double as a shooting stand 🤔
Easily. They make Arca plates you can slap on a rifle to lock it in, or you can get a V-rest that locks into your tripod.
 
OP
bigbuckkilla
Joined
Mar 6, 2022
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I’m kind of leaning on the vortexs diamondback Hd 12x50. I am going to definitely look into that then! Less things to carry with more functions is my goal.
 

nobody

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I’m kind of leaning on the vortexs diamondback Hd 12x50. I am going to definitely look into that then! Less things to carry with more functions is my goal.
The Diamondbacks aren't bad binos, but if you're ONLY going to be using your binos from a tripod for long range glassing, I would step up to the next tier of glass. Jump up to a Vortex Viper or Maven C.3 and you'll be WAY better setup for the long term.
 

Seamaster

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 11, 2020
Messages
131
I never carry a spotter while elk hunting, but I do hike around with one while pre-season scouting. I might carry one if I was hunting a unit that had antler point restrictions.

I also don't carry a tripod around much, but they are useful for long distance glassing. Many elk hunters do not venture far from the truck so carrying a spotter is no problem for them. Most days I put a lot of hard miles on my boots, and use my binoculars a great deal.
 

bsnedeker

WKR
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I’m kind of leaning on the vortexs diamondback Hd 12x50. I am going to definitely look into that then! Less things to carry with more functions is my goal.
I would steer away from the diamondbacks personally....I've tried them side-by-side with my Maven C3's and the diamondbacks were almost unusable in comparison...to me anyway. I'd save up a couple hundred extra and get something a bit higher end than that. You don't need Swaros, but I wouldn't go super cheap either.

Edit: Here is a link to a review I did on the Maven's where I compared them to my buddy's Diamondbacks: https://www.rokslide.com/forums/thr...ew-optics-rookie-edition.172327/#post-1711381
 

TN VOL

FNG
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May 4, 2019
Messages
55
Get a very good set of binos before thinking about a spotter. Many places elk hunting you wouldn’t gain any advantage with a spotter but it depends on where you hunt. Look at Mavens or Zeiss Conquest. That’s the lowest level entry glass I would recommend.
As far as the sleeping bag goes, can’t beat Western Mountaineering. I use the Kodiak and love it. Antelope is another great choice.
 
OP
bigbuckkilla
Joined
Mar 6, 2022
Messages
82
Get a very good set of binos before thinking about a spotter. Many places elk hunting you wouldn’t gain any advantage with a spotter but it depends on where you hunt. Look at Mavens or Zeiss Conquest. That’s the lowest level entry glass I would recommend.
As far as the sleeping bag goes, can’t beat Western Mountaineering. I use the Kodiak and love it. Antelope is another great choice.
Those are some nice looking bags. I was told to get a negative rating sleeping bag for third rifle season in mountains. Would Kodak be warm
Enough you think? I’ll be in a tent.
 

TN VOL

FNG
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May 4, 2019
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Yes, I’ve used it in CO and WY for elk. Western Mountaineering temperature ratings are comfort ratings while most companies advertise there bags by survival ratings.
 
Joined
Apr 13, 2019
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See if you can try somebodies 12x binos before your buy them, I tried 12x50's and 10x42 diamond backs side by side, the 12x50's were great, until I used them free hand for awhile, personally I ended up getting a headache from them unless they were super stable. You can probably order a couple pairs amazon prime and return the ones you don't like. A tripod and some kind of adapter are extremely beneficial. Find an adapter that disconnects from the bino's as simply as possible. I ended up with 10x42 diamond backs, no complaints, but they are what they are.
 
Joined
Nov 20, 2021
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I've had 12x50 Vipers for about 5 years, do a good job for me. A hunting buddy got a pair of 12x50 Diamondbacks last year. Compared them side by side and the Vipers are significantly better. Chromatic aberration was noticeable with the Diamondbacks, and resolution wasn't in the same league either. BUT Diamondbacks are good for what they are at the price. Also have a pair of 10x42 Vipers. I have large hands and the 12x50's fit a lot better than the 10x42's in my hands. 12x50's weigh 4oz more, so no significant difference to me from carrying them on alternate days in the field last elk season. Viper 12x50's are my choice. I don't have a stand, but they would be my choice on a stand or in my hand.
 

SoDakGuy

Lil-Rokslider
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Mar 15, 2016
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I personally only run binos, just purchased my first good glass and love the difference it makes. 12x50 razor hd's after having diamondbacks the past 7 years. Used to carry vortex Backcountry tripod with adaptor for the binos but I personally just found myself not using it so I never take it anymore.
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Messages
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I use both. But I didn’t always do that. These days I am A: More selective about the size of bulls I want to kill. And B: I hunt more open country where a spotting scope can actually be used.


At your stage of the game you have no need for a spotter. I’m sure you’ll be happy with any bull and a good set of binoculars is all you need to locate that. Don’t cut corners on binos! You can use them for deer back home too. Binoculars are your bread and butter. They are NOT an expense… they’re an investment.

Using a rest such as a tripod is night and day from not using one. But no matter what type of equipment you are considering think multi use! My gun rest, which you best have, is a tripod. I use the same one for my spotting scope. I use it for my binos too. I’d never carry a tripod for my spotter and something else to shoot from and that tripod better be bino compatible too.

I also use trekking poles. On those I have Quick Sticks. If I’m in a hurry, as in BUSTED, I can put my poles together for a gun rest. We killed two bulls off those poles last year. They serve me well for a bino rest too.

Buy the best binos you can afford and a gun rest you can sit them on and go hunt elk. If you find yourself in an area that you’re going to stick with and see the need for a spotter then add one to your arsenal. A good one. Lots of guys aren’t sure if they need one so they look for a mid grade one. Then it sits in camp all week.
 

Jimss

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I hunt relatveily open country for elk. A spotter saves me gobs of time both spotting elk from long range as well as field judging bulls. I never leave the truck without a spotter! My spotter saves me miles upon miles of hiking! I often find myself first glassing large areas with binos. If I don't spot elk I'll run my spotter over the same area looking at every detail for elk.....possibly an ear, antler, leg, rump patch. It always amazes me how many elk and other game I spot with spotter that I miss with binos.
 
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