Optimal Mule Deer Optics Setup

[MontanaMuley]

Hey Rokslide,

I’m looking for some advice on a long-term mule deer optics setup. Here’s what I’m currently running:

• Binos: Vortex Razor HD 10x42
• Spotter: Vortex Razor 17–38x56
• Rangefinder: Vortex Razor 4000

I really like how lightweight this setup is, but I’m ready to make the jump to “alpha” glass and build something I can stick with for years, rather than chasing constant upgrades.

What would you recommend for a well-rounded mule deer setup?

Appreciate your wisdom and experience.


Thank you,
MontanaMuley

 

[realunlucky]

@robby denning and @Matt Cashell just had this very discussion on the Rokcast podcast give it a listen here- https://www.rokslide.com/hunting-vampire-bucks-building-an-optics-kit/

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[Hnthrdr]

For me and for muleys it is 12x42 nl pures & ATC, could see swapping to 10x42 NL’s but I like the little extra magnification when it comes to muleys

 

[MontanaMuley]

For me and for muleys it is 12x42 nl pures & ATC, could see swapping to 10x42 NL’s but I like the little extra magnification when it comes to muleys

This is what I was leaning toward. NLs + STC...

 

[Hnthrdr]

This is what I was leaning toward. NLs + STC...

Really good combo, I could see wanting more magnification in the sage, i primarily hunt more mountainous pine/ aspen so most of my glassing is 2 miles and in. Usually 1 ridge to the next maybe 2 ridges, so I don’t feel under gunned, in the sage I would want an 80mm 20-60 or 20-70x type scope

 

[HookUp]

you should consider looking at the SIG Image stabilization binos. Ive ran Alpha glass and and to me it never showed anyting that wasnt there. Going 12x or more you will need a tripod. Tripods add weight and are slow to set up. I switched to IS binos years ago and would never go back to being tethered to a tripod and the non stop shaky view. Sure you dont get as good first and last light capability but your not married to a tripod and you become a lot more efficient glasser.

 

[WRO]

you should consider looking at the SIG Image stabilization binos. Ive ran Alpha glass and and to me it never showed anyting that wasnt there. Going 12x or more you will need a tripod. Tripods add weight and are slow to set up. I switched to IS binos years ago and would never go back to being tethered to a tripod and the non stop shaky view. Sure you dont get as good first and last light capability but your not married to a tripod and you become a lot more efficient glasser.

I’d completely disagree having ran both, putting a set of 14s or 15s on a tripod and spending a few hours at a time is very effective. The image stabilized have their pluses, but for serious glassing sessions they wouldn’t be my first or second choice.


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[JGRaider]

Hey Rokslide,

I’m looking for some advice on a long-term mule deer optics setup. Here’s what I’m currently running:

• Binos: Vortex Razor HD 10x42
• Spotter: Vortex Razor 17–38x56
• Rangefinder: Vortex Razor 4000

I really like how lightweight this setup is, but I’m ready to make the jump to “alpha” glass and build something I can stick with for years, rather than chasing constant upgrades.

What would you recommend for a well-rounded mule deer setup?

Appreciate your wisdom and experience.


Thank you,
MontanaMuley

You may find better glass at a higher price point, but alpha glass won't help you find any more game than that trio you already have. Many think expensive glass makes them better hunters and that's completely false. Perfect your glassing techniques off of a tripod and slow down, way down before you move to glass another area.

 

[grizz19]

Man I’m far from a pro but Swaro is obviously Swaro. Don’t know that there’s better binos on the planet than the NL pures. If money’s an object I really like the maven glass. Arguably some of the best bang for your buck glass out there. I’m hard on my gear so they are probably the only bino I’ll run. Currently have the 10’s would like to probably get the 12’s in the future. Spotters I like a little more than the mini spotter. I’ve had one of the razors in the past and always wanted more. Always. Ended up with a used Swaro stm 80 and love it. Spotters I say get the good stuff and baby it. I hunt the desert a lot so it’s big vast country.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I will say the baby razor is a great mini spotter at its price point, it obviously doesn’t have the edge to edge or the FOV of the swaro but I was really impressed with it, awesome at 850 or 800 or so. Have an ATC and love it but don’t feel like I have a bigger edge with the “alpha” glass. Really your set up will do you very well, but if you want swaro and have saved up, do it

 

[LCguy]

I go the way of the Coues hunters. 10x42 and 18x56 binos. My current 10s are mid-range Nikons (until my Monarch HGs arrive this week), and my 18s are Mavens. Both companies are, I think, at the point of diminishing returns in terms of image quality. Sure, you can make the step up to $2k glass but the difference between $1k glass and $2k glass is not as great as you might think. Is an extra $1k worth a 2-5% increase in preformance? Only you can decide that.

 

[lundellhunting7]

Binos Sig Zulu 6 12x42
Spotter Swaro ATS 65 hd
RF Sig 3K

Binos I have loved since I picked them up and even sold my swaros since I quit using them. My Spotter I feel is the best overall spotter. Its not heavy, easy to pack and great optics. The eyepiece being 20-60 is great. VERY rarely do I ever go to 60 power. But it is nice to have if needed. I have had compact spotters and large spotters. I always go back to an ATS 65 hd.

 

[WeiserBucks]

NL 14's, Kowa 66 and Revic BR4 work great for me.

 

[blksno]

Hey Rokslide,

I’m looking for some advice on a long-term mule deer optics setup. Here’s what I’m currently running:

• Binos: Vortex Razor HD 10x42
• Spotter: Vortex Razor 17–38x56
• Rangefinder: Vortex Razor 4000

I really like how lightweight this setup is, but I’m ready to make the jump to “alpha” glass and build something I can stick with for years, rather than chasing constant upgrades.

What would you recommend for a well-rounded mule deer setup?

Appreciate your wisdom and experience.


Thank you,
MontanaMuley

I hate carrying redundant glass.
I carry Sig Kilo 10K Gen 2s (built in LRF)
and my rifle (was) carrying a March 5-42x HighMaster.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I hate carrying redundant glass.
I carry Sig Kilo 10K Gen 2s (built in LRF)
and my rifle (was) carrying a March 5-42x HighMaster.

You imply you glass with your rifle scope? Interesting