New Binoculars, spotting scope, or both...

[iflyskyhigh]

Met up with @hereinaz last night. Great guy BTW. Nice enough to take time out of his day to show me some glass and offer some advice.

Went and looked at a pair of 14 NL's today that a guy over on coueswhitetail has for sale. Wow. Stephen was correct.

I talked a little with the gentleman and his approach was 12 NL's with a Swaro spotter, and separate range finder. But he's also backpack hunting. And trophy hunting, I'd assume, or at least cared more about the rack than I do. And I'm not back hunting. We're hiking in, but not backpacking.

After talking with Stephen last night I thought I had kind of picked my course.

After looking through the 14 it should have helped me make up my mind, but I'm more indecisive than before.

I was leaning towards a ranging set of binos and the 14 NL's for now. Then if I found the need for a spotter for some of the longer range shooting stuff down the road I could revisit that.

I'm just not that crazy about of the ranging bino options.

To be fair I haven't looked through the Vortex Furys yet. AND I am interested in the Vectronics Vector X. Seems like those are the only ones with glass approaching the swaro's and a ranging system as good as Sig's. I know they are overkill, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around spending $1000 or more on a pair of binos just to get mediocre to crappy quality glass. AND while I'm not so concerned with weight, it does appeal to me to carry less crap. Whether that be shooting or hunting.

Also havne't even gone down the rabbit hole of stand alone range finders.

Stand alone range finder and NL 10's probably aren't enough?

Stand alone range finder and NL 12's or NL 14's is probably too limiting?

So it seems like the real practical kit options for my application (if I even know what that is) are:

Stand alone range finder, NL 10's or 12's, and Good spotter

Stand alone range finder, some type of 8X binos, and NL 14 (I say 8X's because it seems silly to have a pair of NL 10's and NL 12's or even NL 10's and NL 14's, right?)

Or some type of ranging bino and NL 14's

All that to say I'm further along than when I made the first post. But not really much. I guess I narrowed it down to something at least. Sorry for the verbal diarrhea. Just thinking out loud.

 

[Jake Larsen]

So it seems like the real practical kit options for my application (if I even know what that is) are:

Stand alone range finder, NL 10's or 12's, and Good spotter

Stand alone range finder, some type of 8X binos, and NL 14 (I say 8X's because it seems silly to have a pair of NL 10's and NL 12's or even NL 10's and NL 14's, right?)

.

You’re on the right track I think. You’ve ended up where most people do. Good quality 10s, a good rangefinder, and a good spotter.

The difference between 10s and 14s is enough that it’s absolutely worth owning both.

If I was in your shoes, I’d get NL 10s, a good rangefinders and a good spotter. Then I’d add the 14s if you find yourself regularity looking 2,000+ yards. (or dual spotter big eyes if you want to go crazy haha). Depending on the type of country and style of hunting you end up doing, you may not even need the 14s/big eyes.


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[iflyskyhigh]

You’re on the right track I think. You’ve ended up where most people do. Good quality 10s, a good rangefinder, and a good spotter.

The difference between 10s and 14s is enough that it’s absolutely worth owning both.

If I was in your shoes, I’d get NL 10s, a good rangefinders and a good spotter. Then I’d add the 14s if you find yourself regularity looking 2,000+ yards. (or dual spotter big eyes if you want to go crazy haha). Depending on the type of country and style of hunting you end up doing, you may not even need the 14s/big eyes.


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Thanks. Damn those 14’s were nice though

I think we’ve discussed it before but I can’t remember.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a stand alone range finder should I go that route.

For spotters I’m interested in the Kowa TSN66 (believe that’s the model?) Saw one pop up in the classifieds here the other day


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[Jake Larsen]

Thanks. Damn those 14’s were nice though

I think we’ve discussed it before but I can’t remember.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a stand alone range finder should I go that route.

For spotters I’m interested in the Kowa TSN66 (believe that’s the model?) Saw one pop up in the classifieds here the other day


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I highly recommend that spotter. I own the same one haha. I switched from Swarovski.

I’d look at the Sig Kilo line for rangefinders.

NL 10s, 12s and 14s all have that “wow” factor. I think you’ll be just as blown away by the 10s or 12s. FWIW, I’m currently running the 12s on my chest. I’m considering trying to trade someone for the 10s though, just because the 12s are still a little challenging to hand hold. About half the time though, the 12s on my tripod would be better than 10s. It’s all give and take

Remind me what species/terrain you’re primarily hunting?


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[iflyskyhigh]

You’re on the right track I think. You’ve ended up where most people do. Good quality 10s, a good rangefinder, and a good spotter.

The difference between 10s and 14s is enough that it’s absolutely worth owning both.

If I was in your shoes, I’d get NL 10s, a good rangefinders and a good spotter. Then I’d add the 14s if you find yourself regularity looking 2,000+ yards. (or dual spotter big eyes if you want to go crazy haha). Depending on the type of country and style of hunting you end up doing, you may not even need the 14s/big eyes.


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OR

I still have my old Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42’s

Maybe I just stick with those for meow and get the 14’s and a better rangefinder?

I feel like the old Nikon’s are good enough for a new quick look see, but I don’t think I want to spend a whole lotta time behind them? So those and a spotter don’t really seem like an option? Cause I like the idea of using the binos for the majority of time spent glassing and if the only nice glass I have is the spotter then that kinda defeats the purpose of this exercise.

I’m also still trying to think about how realistic it is for me to take a spotter hunting in any case? If I’m being honest with myself the spotter would probably be used mostly for long range shooting, in which case I’m back to, are the 14s good enough for that. In which case the 14s seem better cause they kill 2 birds with one stone.

Crap!

 

[iflyskyhigh]

I highly recommend that spotter. I own the same one haha. I switched from Swarovski.

I’d look at the Sig Kilo line for rangefinders.

NL 10s, 12s and 14s all have that “wow” factor. I think you’ll be just as blown away by the 10s or 12s. FWIW, I’m currently running the 12s on my chest. I’m considering trying to trade someone for the 10s though, just because the 12s are still a little challenging to hand hold. About half the time though, the 12s on my tripod would be better than 10s. It’s all give and take

Remind me what species/terrain you’re primarily hunting?


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Maybe I’m discounting the usefulness of the spotter to myself????

Maybe the nice 10’s cover 75-80% of what I’m really trying to do and spotter is there when I need it?

In which case the money saved on the 10s vs 14’s goes a long way towards paying for the spotter

Elk, coues, and coyotes. Never hunted Muley’s before but going to be it in this year.

 

[Jake Larsen]

OR

I still have my old Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42’s

Maybe I just stick with those for meow and get the 14’s and a better rangefinder?

I feel like the old Nikon’s are good enough for a new quick look see, but I don’t think I want to spend a whole lotta time behind them? So those and a spotter don’t really seem like an option? Cause I like the idea of using the binos for the majority of time spent glassing and if the only nice glass I have is the spotter then that kinda defeats the purpose of this exercise.

I’m also still trying to think about how realistic it is for me to take a spotter hunting in any case? If I’m being honest with myself the spotter would probably be used mostly for long range shooting, in which case I’m back to, are the 14s good enough for that. In which case the 14s seem better cause they kill 2 birds with one stone.

Crap!

A spotter while hunting is critical IMO. You’ll use to to judge up everything you see. When I’m glassing, I’m switching back and forth between my binos and spotter constantly.

It only makes sense to spend a lot of time behind the 14s if you’re looking 1500-2000” yards plus. (Unless you’re a coues deer guy). In many cases in western mountain hunting, the glassing distances are inside 2,000. That’s why I personally choose 10-12s as my best glass. It’s all about matching the glassing distance to the power and fov of the optic.

If you’re hinting coues deer in big open country where you’re regularly glassing 1-3 miles, then keeping your 10s and dumping the money into 14 NLs might make sense

 

[180ls1]

Maybe I’m discounting the usefulness of the spotter to myself????

Maybe the nice 10’s cover 75-80% of what I’m really trying to do and spotter is there when I need it?

In which case the money saved on the 10s vs 14’s goes a long way towards paying for the spotter

Elk, coues, and coyotes. Never hunted Muley’s before but going to be it in this year.

I like 10x on my chest and 20x binos in my pack. Just sold my spotter. I personally dislike glassing through a spotter.

NL pures and a decent spotter would get you a LONG way as well.

I'll also be selling my 16x56 nikon binos if you are interested. You really need to try things out and see what works for you. Accepting the tradeoffs, no setup is perfect.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

I like 10x on my chest and 20x binos in my pack. Just sold my spotter. I personally dislike glassing through a spotter.

NL pures and a decent spotter would get you a LONG way as well.

I'll also be selling my 16x56 nikon binos if you are interested. You really need to try things out and see what works for you. Accepting the tradeoffs, no setup is perfect.

Agreed. Glad I looked through the 14’s today. Looked through Stephen’s 15x56’s last night. I really need to see a pair of the NL 10’s


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[iflyskyhigh]

Got the first part of my new and improved optic "starter kit".

Thanks to @Jbuck for the sweet Kowa TSN66!



Did a little side by side with the replacement Viper HD Vortex sent me. The Viper is a really good spotter for $700. But the Kowa is bananas good. It sooo much lighter. Better high end. Better FOV. Just so much better. Totally worth the extra dollar bills.

Working on a set of Swarovski 10X42 NL Pure. Hopefully have those purchased today.

Running back over to Outdoorsman's today. Think I'm gonna do the Gen II Pan head. Played with it last week but didn't pull the trigger. They offered me 10% off on that which basically covers tax plus a couple extra bucks.

I'm down to the Tricer AD and the Leofoto SO-282CX on the tripod front.

Getting it dialed in. Thanks to all those who have spent time with me, helping me figure all this out. I really appreciate it!

 

[Alpine4x4]

Have you messed with the Aziak FC? Folds up more compact that the Tricer. I have one, absolutely love it and chose it over the Tricer due to the smaller footprint once packed.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

I have not. But I’m 6-04 and really like the inverted leg design of the Tricer and Leofoto. I’m hiking but not backpacking so a little extra size isn’t that of a concern to me. I don’t think?

 

[Alpine4x4]

I have not. But I’m 6-04 and really like the inverted leg design of the Tricer and Leofoto. I’m hiking but not backpacking so a little extra size isn’t that of a concern to me. I don’t think?

Maybe, maybe not then. I prefer the smaller profile with less gaps as it snags on brush less imo. I'm 6ft and just run the Aziak out all the way and adjust up and down on the center post.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

Okay. I take another look at it.


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[iflyskyhigh]

Have you messed with the Aziak FC? Folds up more compact that the Tricer. I have one, absolutely love it and chose it over the Tricer due to the smaller footprint once packed.

FC = Front Country?

 

[hereinaz]

Got the first part of my new and improved optic "starter kit".

Thanks to @Jbuck for the sweet Kowa TSN66!

View attachment 842053

Did a little side by side with the replacement Viper HD Vortex sent me. The Viper is a really good spotter for $700. But the Kowa is bananas good. It sooo much lighter. Better high end. Better FOV. Just so much better. Totally worth the extra dollar bills.

Working on a set of Swarovski 10X42 NL Pure. Hopefully have those purchased today.

Running back over to Outdoorsman's today. Think I'm gonna do the Gen II Pan head. Played with it last week but didn't pull the trigger. They offered me 10% off on that which basically covers tax plus a couple extra bucks.

I'm down to the Tricer AD and the Leofoto SO-282CX on the tripod front.

Getting it dialed in. Thanks to all those who have spent time with me, helping me figure all this out. I really appreciate it!

There’s a long range hunting store in Mesa that has the Tricer tripods if you need to look at them.

I have a Tricer JC new in the box that I didn’t like enough for shooting, and am trying to send back outside the free exchange period. If they have a newer shooting focused tripod I woudl try it.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

There’s a long range hunting store in Mesa that has the Tricer tripods if you need to look at them.

I have a Tricer JC new in the box that I didn’t like enough for shooting, and am trying to send back outside the free exchange period. If they have a newer shooting focused tripod I woudl try it.

Hey Stephen

What’s the place in Mesa? I'd like to handle one of the Tracer's before I buy something. I'd like to see the newer Leofoto too, but not sure how that's gonna happen? I have to run down to CZ customs to pick up a pistol in the near future. Maybe it’s close to there?

What didn't you like about the Tricer? Was it specific to the JC or just the Tricer brand in general. The Tricer AD seems like a good compromise for shooting and glassing. It's lighter than JC for sure.

I liked the Leofoto you had a couple weeks ago. Seemed stout but not too heavy. That Leofoto SO28-CX is a little heavier than the Tricer AD, more in line with the Tricer JC, but also might be a little better for shooting?

 

[hereinaz]

https://www.precisionhuntingsupply.com/

The Tricer didn’t give me anything over the leofoto for shooting. The Tricer is a better glassing tripod with the adjustment built into the tripod for panning. I wanted to like it. You can run a ball head and use the tripod for more methodical glassing.

I can’t see any reason to use anything different than the Leofoto you saw me with based on weight and strength. And, the ball head I use is the best solution I have found for me.

When you look at weight, remember to think in “total kit weight” I shoot off my tripod almost exclusively, so my tripod can weigh more because I don’t carry a bipod.

When we met, you had a pretty good idea because I can be persuasive, lol. But, we did get to walk through the pros and cons. And, looking through a couple binos helped.

Don’t over think too much, and buy used. If you change your mind it’s cheap rental fee.

Remember, when you get advice on the internet, you hear all the different perspectives. It’s good so you don’t miss anything.

It’s bad because it opens all the possibilities and people say, “this is best” “you need this” etc. all that.

For instance, there is absolutely no need for you to have a spotter to accomplish your goals. I don’t run a spotter but, I ate most of my tags when, like you, I was a rookie and didn’t know how to glass and hunt.

Since I learned, I haven’t shot “trophy’s” but I have helped kill a bunch and fill lots of tags. It’s rare for me to eat a tag. In my hunting groups, none of us really use anything more than 15/18x binos.

Now, you may want to have a spotter, and, they are without a doubt very cool, useful, and fun to film through, but you don’t “need” one. You are never really spotting game with them, just field judging.

You made a good choice with the Kowa by the way. My favorite spotter brand with the Flourite crystal lenses.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

https://www.precisionhuntingsupply.com/

The Tricer didn’t give me anything over the leofoto for shooting. The Tricer is a better glassing tripod with the adjustment built into the tripod for panning. I wanted to like it. You can run a ball head and use the tripod for more methodical glassing.

I can’t see any reason to use anything different than the Leofoto you saw me with based on weight and strength. And, the ball head I use is the best solution I have found for me.

When you look at weight, remember to think in “total kit weight” I shoot off my tripod almost exclusively, so my tripod can weigh more because I don’t carry a bipod.

When we met, you had a pretty good idea because I can be persuasive, lol. But, we did get to walk through the pros and cons. And, looking through a couple binos helped.

Don’t over think too much, and buy used. If you change your mind it’s cheap rental fee.

Remember, when you get advice on the internet, you hear all the different perspectives. It’s good so you don’t miss anything.

It’s bad because it opens all the possibilities and people say, “this is best” “you need this” etc. all that.

For instance, there is absolutely no need for you to have a spotter to accomplish your goals. I don’t run a spotter but, I ate most of my tags when, like you, I was a rookie and didn’t know how to glass and hunt.

Since I learned, I haven’t shot “trophy’s” but I have helped kill a bunch and fill lots of tags. It’s rare for me to eat a tag. In my hunting groups, none of us really use anything more than 15/18x binos.

Now, you may want to have a spotter, and, they are without a doubt very cool, useful, and fun to film through, but you don’t “need” one. You are never really spotting game with them, just field judging.

You made a good choice with the Kowa by the way. My favorite spotter brand with the Flourite crystal lenses.

Lots of good points ref the tripods. I really liked your Leofoto and agree it seemed a good tripod for glassing and shooting.

The spotter is as much or more for the long range and target shooting as it is for hunting at this point. I thought long and hard about it and decided that was the best option at this point in time.

I was able to snag an almost new pair NL 10x42’s yesterday for a steal. The Swaro binos will be my main hunting optic for the time being. I’ll carry the spotter and use it if the opportunity arises.

I take everything everyone says with a grain of salt. And I mean that in the kindest way. So much of this stuff is individual interest, preference, and need.

And I appreciate all the time everyone has spent talking with me about this stuff.

 

[Alpine4x4]

FC = Front Country?

Front Country yes. I have their ballhead as well which is impressive in hand, but I havent put any time in with it in the field yet.

I have an issue with buying A LOT of different variations of things to try out then selling what doesnt work.

Edit: To add there were a few recent threads regarding the Tricer options and many posters said they had sold their Tricer in favor of the Aziak or chose the Aziak over the Tricer to start with. Those threads led me down the path of buying the Aziak and I have been happy with the decision.