Favorite Chest Binos when riding?

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Hi All,

Per title, what are your favorite size binos when riding your stock?

Assuming they're not high powered, do you like to carry a higher power set in your saddle bags or a spotter?

I've carried 10x42's before and it was ok, but certainly never glassed long from the saddle as it was more like a quick look. Going to try out my tiny Maven B3 8x30's this year, then depending on where I go, to pack my 15x's if extended tripod sessions planned. A spotter is on the radar, but with so few times I felt I "needed" one, I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Going to do a lot of summer scouting this year, so figure a nice spotter would be nice.

Cheers,

s

 

[Matt5266]

I live in Idaho and the only binos I carry anymore are 12X50s

 

[180ls1]

Image stabilized.

Followed by 8x with big FOV. Swaro and Nikon Monarch HG.

 

[doverpack12]

Nothing big. I catch my bino harness on the horn getting on all the time.
I only have 10x42 so that’s what I use but I could see the smaller and lower power 8x30 working well to catch a Quick Look.

 

[yycyak]

Late to the party on this one, but wanted to add a comment.

Horses are dumb for all sorts of reasons. If there's a rodeo, I want to have some gear with me (InReach) in case the horse disappears over the ridge and I need some help. Same with my optics - I'd rather not have my high-dollar binos in a saddle bag, on the off chance a rodeo happens.

I tried a fanny pack type of deal, but found it was annoying. Tried binos with just a carry strap, but they flop around and get weather on them. In the end, I settled on my bino harness, plus a side pouch attached to the harness. This way I have my glass, but also some possibles + inreach. Everything close to the body, and I'm not stuck riding with a backpack.

I have standard-size 10x40, nothing fancy. I don't think I'd want much bigger though. Spotting scope or 15x go in a saddle bag or cantle bag - Don't really have much choice there.

 

[Zackcarp]

nailed it. Bino harness with inreach attached. My everyday binos are 12x50s. So thats what I use. If I really need to take a longer look at something I'll step out of the saddle. It took some time to get my horse to just stand still and not twitch around, but once they do, it definitely gets better.