Idaho Spring Bear

[Undrgrndprdcts]

Its certainly do-able with the binos you have. Im not sold on the image stabilizing for my uses. I like a tripod mounted set of binos anyway. As far as the RF binos depends on how much you'll use them? Do you need them at home or would it likely only be for this trip? What's your budget?

I would use RF binos for lot's of different things, basically all the western hunts we go on. Some hunts around here, certain matches etc. I don't have a budget but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to buy the most expensive option available. I've been thinking high quality 10 or 12x rf binos would be a good fit for a general upgrade.

 

[Matt5266]

I would use RF binos for lot's of different things, basically all the western hunts we go on. Some hunts around here, certain matches etc. I don't have a budget but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to buy the most expensive option available. I've been thinking high quality 10 or 12x rf binos would be a good fit for a general upgrade.

I just bought a pair of like new Revic gen 1s for $1,000. Glass isnt alpha but its definitely usable. Glass is supposed to be better on the Gen 2. That said if I end up going a different route my next pair of binos will be NL Pures 14x52 and then probably never buy another set of binos again in my life

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

I just bought a pair of like new Revic gen 1s for $1,000. Glass isnt alpha but its definitely usable. Glass is supposed to be better on the Gen 2. That said if I end up going a different route my next pair of binos will be NL Pures 14x52 and then probably never buy another set of binos again in my life

Honestly that's what I've been thinking about doing at some point (NL Pure).

 

[gtriple]

Honestly that's what I've been thinking about doing at some point (NL Pure).

You absolutely do not need Pure level glass for spring bear. They are big black/brown objects that don't even try to hide. They aren't like elk or deer.

I wouldn't buy any new binocular right now. We are right on the cusp of having alpha quality glass + rangefinding + image stabilization. Swaro is probably less than 2 years out on this. Sig probably even sooner (save the glass).

Even if you wanted NL Pures, 14s are a lot of magnification. I run 8x42 EL Ranges and love them.

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

You absolutely do not need Pure level glass for spring bear. They are big black/brown objects that don't even try to hide. They aren't like elk or deer.

I wouldn't buy any new binocular right now. We are right on the cusp of having alpha quality glass + rangefinding + image stabilization. Swaro is probably less than 2 years out on this. Sig probably even sooner (save the glass).

Even if you wanted NL Pures, 14s are a lot of magnification. I run 8x42 EL Ranges and love them.

Great insight, and what my gut has been telling me as well.

 

[T_W]

Alright guys, prepare for a bunch of questions now. First one, what kind of optics are suitable for glassing bears in Idaho?

Lightweight tripod with 10x binos will be just fine. I upgraded from Vortex Diamondback to Razor HD and it was a great upgrade, but the lower end binos are okay. The used Razor binos were $500 off of FB marketplace. I sold a spotting scope last year since it rarely made it in the pack.

 

[solostalker]

Brother, do not let your gear (or lack of) be what prohibits you from going. Take the optics and rifle you already own and go hunt. You can fund probably two whole bear hunts for what you'll pay for Swaro's and I guarantee the extra time in the field will pay off more.

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

Brother, do not let your gear (or lack of) be what prohibits you from going. Take the optics and rifle you already own and go hunt. You can fund probably two whole bear hunts for what you'll pay for Swaro's and I guarantee the extra time in the field will pay off more.

Oh no don't get me wrong. In the end time/schedule is what affects if/when we go on hunts. I was just trying to get everything in line for if it works out and make sure my bases are covered. Totally agree time in the field is the most important. Only stuff left to figure out is everything related to flying/luggage.

 

[Gooden123]

@Undrgrndprdcts

I'm not sure about image stabilization, but keep in mind that things get shaky off hand beyond 10-12x. I'd rather have a bomb set of 10x and with a phone adapter, you can really zoom in. In the attached photos, that lighthouse is over 6 miles away on my Maven B1 10x42. Granted it's a lighthouse and not an animal, but it's 6.6 miles and just an example of what can be done with good clear glass that I have stats of. Got plenty of pics of caribou too but don't remember the distances. Far enough that mirage was about to make any optic useless

The main thing I wanted to add is that renting is an option and not as expensive as you might think. You can rent a $2,600 set of Swaro 15x56s, Sirui tripod with a VA5 head and digiscope adapter for $25/day from Optics4Rent.com. Shipping is pricey, but so is hunting. It's worth it to me if I ever need a spotter. I'd rather rent the best than buy budget glass to use once/year tops. Rentgunsandgear.com is another option and they allow you to rent to own.