Optics for elk hunting

[bridgerbenson]

Im a newbie in the elk hunting world and reading up on optics. Is a guy ahead to buy the best spotting scope and use decent binos or can you get by with top of the line binos and no scope? I realize location will vary, but in most elk hunting circumstances, which would you all prefer? Id really rather not drop the money for the best binos AND spotting scope.

 

[bridgerbenson]

To put it another way, if you only get one, do you take high end binos, or high end scope?

 

[realunlucky]

Binoculars get used way more typically.

 

[Jeff Martin]

Binos 100% - If you have the funds, buy once, cry once. Buy the best you can afford and you will be happy for decades to come.
You do not need a spotting scope - especially for a newbie...

 

[PathFinder]

I use both like crazy, but binos are the ones I won't leave home without. If you are bow hunting elk, I think the spotter could be easily dismissed. Spend lots more than you want to. I keep upgrading and wishing I bought the better ones the first time. I wouldn't buy a cheap spotter, I've had a couple and they're entirely worthless. Start at 900$ and look upward.

 

[Trial153]

I would buy the best binoculars I could possibly afford

 

[bridgerbenson]

Thanks for your replies. Read several posts in the optics forum, and got a good deal on a new pair of Razors 10x42 on AT. Good luck this season!