New Hunter in CO needing input on optics situation

Rakun

FNG
Joined
Aug 11, 2025
Messages
7
Hello Everyone,

I'll be heading out on my first hunt for elk first rifle in the Zirkel Wilderness area in Northern CO. This will be my first time out hunting but I have a decent amount of backpacking gear already including some binos so I'm trying to decide if I should spend money on a spotting scope or not. I have a list of gear to buy so trying to shed costs where I can without much impact. I currently have a pair of Leupold Rainier HD 10x42 binos with chest harness/case that I scooped at costco on closeout. I also have a pair of Bushnell Powerview 2 20x50s that I could buy a tripod mount for about $30-40. If I was to buy a spotting scope now the budget would probably be $200-300 and I'd probably have to cut my tent budget some as well.

Next couple years I plan on also doing some whitetail, muley and antelope hunting in CO, WY or NE so thats something to consider, but if I can put the spotting scope purchase off till next year then I will likely be able to commit greater funds to it and potentially catch a nice deal somewhere since I won't be as time pressured to make a purchase.

Thanks for your time and input
 
Guess I should include that my rifle scope is a Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 in case that changes it at all.
 
Assuming you’re not counting inches, definitely don’t prioritize a spotter over other gear purchases. Definitely DO put your binoculars (either/both) on a tripod for maximum glassing effectiveness. Given your budget constraints, just go for an AmazonBasics tripod with a cheap bino adapter. A pair of cheap binos on a cheap tripod will let you see enough detail in the vast majority of situations. It doesn’t take much to recognize a legal bull. Good luck!
 
As others have said, save your money for a better spotter. I’ve learned this the hard way.
 
Binos should be the most expensive optic on your while hunting. Followed by a durable aka a rifle scope that holds zero. Once those are covered get a tripod, lastly a spotting scope, and those are only needed in certain areas or looking for exceptional animals
 
Hello Everyone,

I'll be heading out on my first hunt for elk first rifle in the Zirkel Wilderness area in Northern CO.

Thanks for your time and input
I would prioritize:
1) a more reliable scope can be had for a few hundred dollars. It would last a lifetime. Search on here for the answer.
2) saving $1k for 8x binoculars if you foresee this being a 20+ day a year endeavor in the future. Otherwise Leupold bx4 pro is my pick at $400-500. 8x!

Don't think any further until you have enough time in the field looking for animals to understand your own wants and preferences.
 
Back
Top