New Binoculars, spotting scope, or both...

[iflyskyhigh]

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.

I don't mind buying, trying, and reselling. But also trying to avoid it.

 

[Nate D]

I don't mind buying, trying, and reselling. But also trying to avoid it.

I just recently upgraded my optics. I ended up with the 8x and 14x pures and a compact spotter. I went with the 8s over the 10s for FOV and handhold ability. Went with 14s over the 12s for the greater magnification and greater separation in use from the 8s. Plus I just want to try a higher mag bino. They have nearly the same FOV as the 12x50 els but nearly 3x more magnification and the Els were considered by many as the best Western hunting bino before the NLs. I know I shake so 12s off hand is not something I would enjoy. The 8s are something special. I am waiting for the 14s to arrive.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

I just recently upgraded my optics. I ended up with the 8x and 14x pures and a compact spotter. I went with the 8s over the 10s for FOV and handhold ability. Went with 14s over the 12s for the greater magnification and greater separation in use from the 8s. Plus I just want to try a higher mag bino. They have nearly the same FOV as the 12x50 els but nearly 3x more magnification and the Els were considered by many as the best Western hunting bino before the NLs. I know I shake so 12s off hand is not something I would enjoy. The 8s are something special. I am waiting for the 14s to arrive.

Sounds like you got it dialed in.

 

[Nate D]

Sounds like you got it dialed in.

We shall see if it fits my style of hunting but I’m looking forward to testing it all out. I love good glass.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

We shall see if it fits my style of hunting but I’m looking forward to testing it all out. I love good glass.

Yea. I’ve become addicted to it over the past year or so

 

[weakender]

I am also trying to find my combo. I demoed the Swarovski ATS-65 and the ATS-80 with 25-50x zoom, and they were fine scopes, but I think I am more of a meat hunter than a trophy hunter, so I am going to ditch the spotter for a high mag bino. Debating Razor 18x56 vs NL Pure 14.

For lower mag, I think I’d prefer 8x binos but I really wanted to try a range finding bino and the Vortex Fury 5000 Gen 2 are currently on sale $799 (B&H and EuroOptic). I’ve read they’re good for the price ($1000 reg), so I’ll do those and put those savings towards a high mag bino.


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[Nate D]

Yea. I’ve become addicted to it over the past year or so

As have I. I have been thinking about the reasons why good glass so appealing ,outside of the obvious hunting aid. One part of it for me is that I can own and use something that is the best in the world. I don’t know of to many other things that qualify as good glass does.

 

[Nate D]

I am also trying to find my combo. I demoed the Swarovski ATS-65 and the ATS-80 with 25-50x zoom, and they were fine scopes, but I think I am more of a meat hunter than a trophy hunter, so I am going to ditch the spotter for a high mag bino. Debating Razor 18x56 vs NL Pure 14.

For lower mag, I think I’d prefer 8x binos but I really wanted to try a range finding bino and the Vortex Fury 5000 Gen 2 are currently on sale $799 (B&H and EuroOptic). I’ve read they’re good for the price ($1000 reg), so I’ll do those and put those savings towards a high mag bino.


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I read in a thread on here that you should put the money into the one that you use the most. . The one around your neck gets the most use. That seems like sound advise. I just picked up the 8nl and they are something. FOV with clarity to the edges is stunning.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I am also trying to find my combo. I demoed the Swarovski ATS-65 and the ATS-80 with 25-50x zoom, and they were fine scopes, but I think I am more of a meat hunter than a trophy hunter, so I am going to ditch the spotter for a high mag bino. Debating Razor 18x56 vs NL Pure 14.

For lower mag, I think I’d prefer 8x binos but I really wanted to try a range finding bino and the Vortex Fury 5000 Gen 2 are currently on sale $799 (B&H and EuroOptic). I’ve read they’re good for the price ($1000 reg), so I’ll do those and put those savings towards a high mag bino.


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No way I would take the razor 18s over the 14 NLs. FOV is king, especially as a meat hunter. You want to find game and that wider field of view is going to do that.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

I am also trying to find my combo. I demoed the Swarovski ATS-65 and the ATS-80 with 25-50x zoom, and they were fine scopes, but I think I am more of a meat hunter than a trophy hunter, so I am going to ditch the spotter for a high mag bino. Debating Razor 18x56 vs NL Pure 14.

For lower mag, I think I’d prefer 8x binos but I really wanted to try a range finding bino and the Vortex Fury 5000 Gen 2 are currently on sale $799 (B&H and EuroOptic). I’ve read they’re good for the price ($1000 reg), so I’ll do those and put those savings towards a high mag bino.


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I’m not a trophy hunter either.

I have multiple uses for a good spotter so that was part of the decision for me.

But also…trying to figure out “what type f hunter” I am.

My thought processes was 10’s give me the best chance to see something. Whatever that something is. And if I can’t identify it, or need a better look at it. That spotter will do the task. And since I needed the spotter for other disciplines as well it just made sense.

I looked through the 12 and 14 NL Pures. And they are awesome. But after looking through the 10’s I was sold. The FOV is bananas. And the difference in magnification was discernible, not dramatic, but discernible. But also not enough to make me give up the FOV of the 10’s. At this point at least while I’m trying to figure things out.

I obviously have no idea what I’m talking about, but that being said, after looking through all 3, if the magnification on the 10’s was not enough to discern what it was I was looking at, not sure the 12’ would have gotten it done either? Maybe the 14’s could? But if I were too that point I think I’d probably still want to pull out the higher magnification of the spotter? Does that make sense. It’s not like I’ve never glassed before, and I’ve spent a good amount of time looking through binos and spotters for other things, but to fair most of my ideas are just theoretical at this point.

I feel like I made the best choice for where I’m at right meow. And like everyone told me when I started this expedition, the items I’ve purchased can be resold with little to no hit. So if I get going and my ideas don’t pan out in practical application, I can adjust.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

And like so many things, there are probably a million ways to skin this cat.

And a lot of it is subjective and personal preference.

I listened to everyone’s advice. Took it heart. Took my time. Looked through as many of the options as I could and just went with what seemed best at this point

Again. Appreciate everyone’s time and input.

Everyone I’ve met on here and Cousewhitetail.com so far has been awesome. Can’t say enough nice things about everyone I’ve come in contact with so far.

 

[paul1k2k]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm going to spend the money to upgrade glass here in the next few months and have been going back and forth. Most of my time will be glassing 400-2k yards or so. I'm pretty well set on NL14's and an STC. Planning to dual mount them coaligned on a rail so I can easily move back and forth between the two. Currently using 12x50 UHD's and they've been great. As far as FOV goes, I've never felt handicapped by them BUT, the NL14's have nearly the same FOV, so I think that + the extra bit of magnification is only a win. I have some cheaper 10x42's I'll keep for when distances are short and glass quality isn't as important.

 

[Nate D]

And like so many things, there are probably a million ways to skin this cat.

And a lot of it is subjective and personal preference.

I listened to everyone’s advice. Took it heart. Took my time. Looked through as many of the options as I could and just went with what seemed best at this point

Again. Appreciate everyone’s time and input.

Everyone I’ve met on here and Cousewhitetail.com so far has been awesome. Can’t say enough nice things about everyone I’ve come in contact with so far.

So you went with the NL 10s and what spotter?

 

[hrhunter]

I use vortex AB rangefinder binoculars. I can see most impact except for maybe the 1000 with a dasher or something. But I am blind in one eye.
I use a bog tripod for spotting and it works just fine. Problem has become the time has come for me to learn to use the tripod for support. The bog just isn’t up to the task ( legs like to close). Now I’m looking at another tripod and trying to decide on a leofoto or red mist. I should have just done that to begin with. I will end up spending more and/ or carrying two tripods.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

So you went with the NL 10s and what spotter?

Yes. NL 10X42's and the Kowa TSN66 (newest model).

 

[Jake Larsen]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm going to spend the money to upgrade glass here in the next few months and have been going back and forth. Most of my time will be glassing 400-2k yards or so. I'm pretty well set on NL14's and an STC. Planning to dual mount them coaligned on a rail so I can easily move back and forth between the two. Currently using 12x50 UHD's and they've been great. As far as FOV goes, I've never felt handicapped by them BUT, the NL14's have nearly the same FOV, so I think that + the extra bit of magnification is only a win. I have some cheaper 10x42's I'll keep for when distances are short and glass quality isn't as important.

For those glassing distances I’d highly recommend 10s, 12s at the most. Unless you’re primarily spotting Coues deer. For most applications, that’s the sweet spot for 10s


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[Nate D]

Yes. NL 10X42's and the Kowa TSN66 (newest model).

Seems like you made a well thought out decision. I am looking forward to trying out my choices in the field to see if I like the combo. One thing I can say for certain is that the NL pures are amazing no matter which ones you go with.

 

[east aurora]

I'm in the same boat. Just starting to research a good spotter for myself. Buy new or trust used from a respected brand?? That's what I'm looking into.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

Seems like you made a well thought out decision. I am looking forward to trying out my choices in the field to see if I like the combo. One thing I can say for certain is that the NL pures are amazing no matter which ones you go with.

I feel like I took my time and made the best decision I could with the available information I had. I looked at, and put my hands on as many of the available options as I could. I shopped around and found what I believe to be very good deals on the optics I decided I wanted. In the end I'll just have to get out there and put them into action and see if they work for me the way I envisioned them working.

 

[iflyskyhigh]

I'm in the same boat. Just starting to research a good spotter for myself. Buy new or trust used from a respected brand?? That's what I'm looking into.

Not exactly sure what you are asking.

I'd 100% buy used if you can. If that's what you're asking? Especially if you are still trying to figure out exactly what you want.

For me, in AZ, it was a no brainer because of the tax savings alone. On a $2000+ optic that's a substantial savings. Plus you're most likely gonna save a couple bucks buying used anyway. On the high end glass, it's not a ton, but a little.

Then, if you decide that piece of glass isn't for you, you can resell it, hopefully for what you paid for it. But, even if it's a little less, you for sure aren't going to lose as much (nor eat the tax) as you would if you had paid retail.

Every thing has pro and cons though right?

If you are shopping used you gotta be patient cause it could take awhile to find what you're looking for. I can't remember exactly when I started this thread, but I think it was at least 2 months ago. And I was diligent! I kept the process moving the whole time. Scanning the classifieds of every website where I might find the items I was looking for. Asking questions. Going shopping. Meeting and talking to other members. It was a lot of work.

And I probably have more free time than a lot of people do. I can see why some people say screw it and just find the best retail deal they can. Especially if you're in a no sales tax state.

Also, I feel like I have to add, I've met some really great people through this endeavor. Both buying and selling. I haven't yet dealt with a person who wasn't willing to help me, nor one I wouldn't do business with again.

You can fee complexity comfortable and safe buying on rokslide. Or cousewhitetail or Snipers Hide for that matter. I've had the same experience over on those websites as well.

Just be smart about it. Do your homework on the person you are purchasing from. Video chats and FaceTime are worth their weight in gold. If someone won't do that for you, run away, don't walk. That was a great piece of advice I got from @Jake Larsen. Honestly I haven't had anyone refuse me yet. If I'm contacted and I mention it and they were a scam I never hear from them again.