12ELs and Kowa 553 have been my go too as mostly a spot with 12s and confirm with kowa setup. When animals are on their feet and with the sun at my back, I can find game very effectively with the 12s on tripod. When checking areas while on the move, they are ok for quick scans but benefit from kneeling and balancing them on a treking pole. With a pirate patch I developed some spotter proficiency finding game at long distance with one eye, but depth perception with one eye becomes a limiting factor and mid day heat waves prevent mags over 30. Lots of guys dont use a spotter, and if you are already in a place that has game or you know where the animals usually are, hunting timber or you're not keen on studying antlers, a spotter isnt needed. In a new unit, in limited time, in low game density areas, throwing up a spotter to look at the next mountain/ridge/valley can get you on animals. Ive never understood the "spotters see too far to hunt anyway crowd". Im going to tote the BTX and 85 with 12ELs next year on day hunts and 1 or 2 night spike out hunts, and will be keeping the kowas for longer duration backcountry hunts. I havent used the BTX for mid day deer glassing yet, but Im tickled at the prospect.
