Binos or Spotter First

[Jimbob]

I will be moving out west in the future (BC) and plan on hunting everything (Sheep, goats, moose, elk, deer, maybe even grizzly). Right now I have cheap Nikon Monarchs 8x42 binos.

Should I use these binos and invest in a spotter then continue to save and upgrade my binos a few years down the road. This gives me a good spotter and crappy binos for the first few years of hunting. Or do I upgrade my binos and go without a spotter for the first few years until I save up again. I am sure I will be using binos more often than spotter so I can see how higher quality would be beneficial.

I am not really sure how I could sheep hunt without a spotter so I am kinda leaning towards a spotter first.

Also I want to cry once and buy some decent glass instead of just buying lower end stuff. So that means I might have to go without for a year or two as I save instead of just buying what I can afford right now.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[mherne]

Following!

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[HOT ROD]

I would up grade binos first. U will get more use out of them. Mount a good set of binos on a tripod. U might be surprised.

 

[bates]

Binos..... Hot Rod nailed it

 

[kpk]

Exactly what Hot Rod said.

 

[mherne]

I will be moving out west in the future (BC) and plan on hunting everything (Sheep, goats, moose, elk, deer, maybe even grizzly). Right now I have cheap Nikon Monarchs 8x42 binos.

Should I use these binos and invest in a spotter then continue to save and upgrade my binos a few years down the road. This gives me a good spotter and crappy binos for the first few years of hunting. Or do I upgrade my binos and go without a spotter for the first few years until I save up again. I am sure I will be using binos more often than spotter so I can see how higher quality would be beneficial.

I am not really sure how I could sheep hunt without a spotter so I am kinda leaning towards a spotter first.

Also I want to cry once and buy some decent glass instead of just buying lower end stuff. So that means I might have to go without for a year or two as I save instead of just buying what I can afford right now.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

What is your price range when you say lower end stuff? I just purchased a pair of $500 some dollar vortex viper hds 10x42 for the same reason as you. Wanted decent glass for all around western hunting. Unless I start making more money or win the lottery I'm afraid that's about the max I could spend on glass for now so I'm hoping they will be good to me until I have decided I really need something better.

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[durangobrad]

With my 8x42s mounted on a tripod or trekking pole I can spot animals farther away than I am willing to hike (I cant tell if they are shooters/mature) but I can tell they are there. I think you can get away without a spotter for a while.

 

[Steve O]

Definitely binoculars. Unless you are assessing trophy quality you will used the binos 1000:1.

 

[brettpsu]

Binos for sure.

 

[beachbunny]

yup. binos first, my swaros see a lot of use plus I have a doubler for them,so I can go from 10 to 20X.they The doubler is effective but does give it up in the gloaming!

 

[Jimbob]

Thanks guys. Yes I will be buying a good tripod right away (it will double for wife's photography as well so win win ) to use with binos. I guess my biggest fear is hunting sheep in the mountains and not being able to judge if they are legal until I get quite close. A spotter can save a bunch of leg work if I am not stalking every ram I see to get inside bino distance.

However there seems to be a pretty strong case towards good binos and I understand why. Binos will be used to find animals and will be used in every type of hunt I go on. The spotter is a pretty specific tool that is not used nearly as much.

Maybe I can save up enough to just break the bank and buy both when the time comes.

Budget wise I will probably be looking around the $500-800 range for binos then $1000 for spotter. Really wish I could afford more but its just not in the cards.

 

[theleo91386]

Spend the money on the tool you use the most. I'd set aside the biggest part of your budget for the binocs then get a spotter down the road. You can shop around and get some really good glass for some good deals if you're patient.

 

[twall13]

I agree with getting decent binoculars first. That said, there are options for you to rent a spotter for a specific trip if you really feel you'll need it on that trip (a sheep hunt might be a good example). That might be a decent way to get by, plus you get the benefit that you can test some different spotters and see what you like. Don't be afraid to buy used optics either. There are frequently great deals on optics in the Rokslide classifieds and that's one item that, generally speaking, shouldn't deteriorate with age/use.

 

[HOT ROD]

twall13 hit the nail on the head here. Rokslide classifieds can be Ur friend... As far as used glass.... For new price of binos. If U could swing a little more $$$. U could get into Zeiss Conquest Vortex Razor or Meopta. Or bye used

 

[tipsntails7]

Thanks guys. Yes I will be buying a good tripod right away (it will double for wife's photography as well so win win ) to use with binos. I guess my biggest fear is hunting sheep in the mountains and not being able to judge if they are legal until I get quite close. A spotter can save a bunch of leg work if I am not stalking every ram I see to get inside bino distance.

However there seems to be a pretty strong case towards good binos and I understand why. Binos will be used to find animals and will be used in every type of hunt I go on. The spotter is a pretty specific tool that is not used nearly as much.

Maybe I can save up enough to just break the bank and buy both when the time comes.

Budget wise I will probably be looking around the $500-800 range for binos then $1000 for spotter. Really wish I could afford more but its just not in the cards.

Spend 1500-1800 on binos, you will never have to buy them again.

Then save for a spotter.


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[Steve O]

I agree with getting decent binoculars first. That said, there are options for you to rent a spotter for a specific trip if you really feel you'll need it on that trip (a sheep hunt might be a good example). That might be a decent way to get by, plus you get the benefit that you can test some different spotters and see what you like. Don't be afraid to buy used optics either. There are frequently great deals on optics in the Rokslide classifieds and that's one item that, generally speaking, shouldn't deteriorate with age/use.

This is a GREAT point. I'd never hunt sheep without the spotter. I can't yell you how many hundreds of miles of climbing my spotter has saved me. I think it is "Optics for Rent" that has 10s, 15s, and Spotters all of the Swarovski variety to rent for a very reasonable price. I've had good dealings with them.

 

[colersu22]

If you go with used there is a pair of vortex vipers in the classifieds that have been here for a couple weeks. Just have to checkout multiple classifieds for a deal, I just happened to look for spotting scopes on the local Craigslist a few weeks ago and scored a brand new looking vortex vipe HD 65mm spotter for 300.

 

[Jimbob]

I am have a bunch of high end gear and it has all been purchased used, rarely do I buy new. It won't be different with glass I will always look for deals and extend my dollar.

Renting a spotter is something I had never thought of. That makes the idea of getting good binoculars a lot more appealing. Thanks again guys for all the comments. I know binoculars are important but I don't really know because I have never hunted were I really need them. Give me a few years in the mountains then I'll really know how important they are.

 

[TheCougar]

Binos first, 10x42 is par for the course. Vortex razor or Meopta can be found on sale right around $1000, particularly during the holidays. Then get a decent spotter, again meopta or razor, for close to $1000. The only species you listed that really requires a spotter is sheep. Save up your money until you must buy, then get the best you can. Watch the classified forums.

 

[eagle#eyes]

Get binoculars and just become friends with a guy that has a really nice spotter that will go with you