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!
 
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.
 
Your question is pretty specific but my general advice to new hunters is: GO HUNT. There are soooo many rabbit holes you can go down chasing gear. Use what you've got until you think you need to upgrade. It's easy to forget that just a few decades ago the majority of hunters were wearing red plaid Woolrich or Pendleton clothing and being just as successful as hunters have been recently.

Get an inexpensive tripod and consider a scope upgrade.


The Leupold BX-4 Pro Guides are a very well reputed mid range bino if you get to the point you want to upgrade those and not spend $2K.
 
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