Optimal Mule Deer Optics Setup

[Hnthrdr]

Sweet, I’ve still found a spotter handy for mid day picking things out in the brush/timber gaps. If I had a set of 14x nl lures that’d likely all I’d bring but I think that’s a year out.

For sure my Md glass set up is ATC and NL 12’s. ATC is great for looking cross drainage into shadows midday ect and getting a better idea before bombing off on a mile plus trek

 

[cq0302]

As long as you aren’t trying to really field judge over a mile or need to see a frame closer to 2 miles it’s a great set up, saw your stated goal, that would work great. Heck you could probably leave a spotter at home if you are looking for any deer

Also, yeah we have 5 days is all. Then on friend is coming from KC, I’ll pick him up in Missoula on my way out. That said, as long as it isn’t a fork, we’ll be going for it lol. I’m honestly not a huge mule deer guy, but we drew the veteran tags so hard to turn down a $36 nonresident tag lol

 

[cq0302]

For sure my Md glass set up is ATC and NL 12’s. ATC is great for looking cross drainage into shadows midday ect and getting a better idea before bombing off on a mile plus trek

Yeah that exactly what I’m looking for.

 

[cq0302]

Preference. I like how easy it is to go back and forth with my binos and how the straight stores in my pack.

With the Kestrel ring it can rotate, but I don’t use that a ton…..but every time I switch from binos the appeal of a straight spotter immediately is clear.

I’ve never had a straight spotter, and I’m not sure why I even like angled, but this certainly seems like the best reason for straight. The only benefit I see to an angled for my hunting is running the tripod lower. I honestly can’t think of another good reason but still want to buy the Atc lol

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I’ve never had a straight spotter, and I’m not sure why I even like angled, but this certainly seems like the best reason for straight. The only benefit I see to an angled for my hunting is running the tripod lower. I honestly can’t think of another good reason but still want to buy the Atc lol

It’s really nice to digiscope with, which is why I primarily bought angled (kids have easier time seeing it). Not sure I’d do the same today…..

 

[WRO]

I’ve never had a straight spotter, and I’m not sure why I even like angled, but this certainly seems like the best reason for straight. The only benefit I see to an angled for my hunting is running the tripod lower. I honestly can’t think of another good reason but still want to buy the Atc lol

The stc is superior and I have a big angled, the stc has the same hinge point as your binos which makes it super easy to switch back and forth and stay on target.


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[cq0302]

The stc is superior and I have a big angled, the stc has the same hinge point as your binos which makes it super easy to switch back and forth and stay on target.


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Yeah makes sense. I may give the stc a try instead. Thanks for all the help everyone

 

[C4Iceman]

I primarily use Swaro EL’s 8.5x42’s and supplement with a 65mm spotter for Mulies. The FOV on the 8.5 EL’s are the best for catching movement using a tripod.


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[Buglebrush]

Razor UHD 18x56
8x32 Razor UHD
10x32 Razor UHD
13x39x56 Baby Razor
22x60x85 Razor.
Some combination of this covers every Mule Deer hunt I do. My biggest advice is to avoid the 12x Binos like the plague. There's no one optic that does it all, and the 12x is no man's land.

 

[Buglebrush]

Headed to Idaho rifle mule deer this fall. In past I’ve always rocked a maven 10x and 15x, normally I haven’t worried about ton about weight but we are planning to hike a good ways into the frank, I’m thinking about buying an ATC and only bringing the 10x. Thoughts?

In big open country I never go without my 18's, but in steep country I often take my 10x32 and Baby Razor

 

[Hnthrdr]

Razor UHD 18x56
8x32 Razor UHD
10x32 Razor UHD
13x39x56 Baby Razor
22x60x85 Razor.
Some combination of this covers every Mule Deer hunt I do. My biggest advice is to avoid the 12x Binos like the plague. There's no one optic that does it all, and the 12x is no man's land.

NL 12’s would like to have a chat…. Probably the best optic for western hunting if you could only have 1

 

[Buglebrush]

NL 12’s would like to have a chat…. Probably the best optic for western hunting if you could only have 1

If you can only afford 1 NL 12x you could afford 8x32 Razor UHD, 18x56 UHD, and 13x39x56 Baby Razor from Sierra refurbished and still have money leftover. You'd have a way more versatile lineup of great glass. That's the route I went. 12x is too much for hand holding and too little for a dedicated tripod bino. No man's land. If I was set on NL and only one, I'd definitely go 10x42. The reality is that optimal isn't only one. Hence my list above. Also gives my kids a set-up to bring when we're in the field together.

 

[Hnthrdr]

If you can only afford 1 NL 12x you could afford 8x32 Razor UHD, 18x56 UHD, and 13x39x56 Baby Razor from Sierra refurbished and still have money leftover. You'd have a way more versatile lineup of great glass. That's the route I went. 12x is too much for hand holding and too little for a dedicated tripod bino. No man's land. If I was set on NL and only one, I'd definitely go 10x42. The reality is that optimal isn't only one. Hence my list above. Also gives my kids a set-up to bring when we're in the field together.

Have you used the NL 12’s? You can hand hold them, they are superb off a tripod though and have a fov equal to most 10x binos… I have used the vortex razor line extensively and they are okay but definitely not the same thing… also the UHD’s are 1500 a pop so 2 of those and your wad is blown… NL‘s can be had for a tad over 2k

 

[Buglebrush]

Have you used the NL 12’s? You can hand hold them, they are superb off a tripod though and have a fov equal to most 10x binos… I have used the vortex razor line extensively and they are okay but definitely not the same thing… also the UHD’s are 1500 a pop so 2 of those and your wad is blown… NL‘s can be had for a tad over 2k

I have used them. Didn't work hand holding for me well at all. Amazing Glass in the NL line for sure though. The UHD's are $900-1100 refurbished. I like the 8x32 UHD because of its tiny size and insane field of view paired with my 18's. This is just my experience and opinion, and I don't want to project it as an absolute way for everyone to go.

 

[JakeSCH]

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

It depends on the terrain, time of year, and style you like to hunt mule deer. Spot and stalk vs ambush vs still hunting, Mid October rifle vs archery vs Mid November rut hunts.

I personally have a mental disorder where I am determined to climb high and spend hours behind binos on a tripod, so I use NL12 + BR4; with my Kowa 883 along for the ride half the time. The EL Range TA 12x42 look promising (have not used them yet) and I have been considering the addition of either an ATC or BTX.

IMO, the EL 8.5x42's are one of the most underrated bino's out there and used ones can be had for significantly less than NL's. Build your binos around how you honestly hunt a majority of the time.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I have used them. Didn't work hand holding for me well at all. Amazing Glass in the NL line for sure though. The UHD's are $900-1100 refurbished. I like the 8x32 UHD because of its tiny size and insane field of view paired with my 18's. This is just my experience and opinion, and I don't want to project it as an absolute way for everyone to go.

For sure I’m actually interested in grabbing the 8x32 UHD’s specifically for their FOV

 

[buffsmoker]

It depends on the terrain, time of year, and style you like to hunt mule deer. Spot and stalk vs ambush vs still hunting, Mid October rifle vs archery vs Mid November rut hunts.

I personally have a mental disorder where I am determined to climb high and spend hours behind binos on a tripod, so I use NL12 + BR4; with my Kowa 883 along for the ride half the time. The EL Range TA 12x42 look promising (have not used them yet) and I have been considering the addition of either an ATC or BTX.

IMO, the EL 8.5x42's are one of the most underrated bino's out there and used ones can be had for significantly less than NL's. Build your binos around how you honestly hunt a majority of the time.

Pretty sure I bought my 8.5x ELs from you a few years back. Agreed, I love those freaking things!

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

I've been thinking about 12x50 Vortex UHD refurbs for tripod work.

 

[JakeSCH]

Pretty sure I bought my 8.5x ELs from you a few years back. Agreed, I love those freaking things!

Yep! Those binos are special and use to pair them with my 15x56 SLC's. Only reason I let them go was to sell both and grab the 12x NL Pures.

 

[Firehawk]

Man I love my 8.5x42 ELs. They have earned a permanent spot in my optics set up. I have used those with a 15x Meopta with great success. Sold the Meoptas this year and bought the 15x50 GPO Passion HDs for the weight savings and the form factor being much smaller. I like that bino quite a lot as well. Much easier to view through than a spotter.

I just find i much prefer to look through binos than a spotter. Spotters have their place, and I have a small Maven S2 and a Maven S1.2S which are good. But if I am going to spend time studying terrain, looking for "flickers of an ear" or anter tips or legs under a bush etc., I want the higher FOV of a bino to do that. I took my Maven S2 and my Swaro 8.5s alot this past hunting season on a cow elk hunt. The little spotter is easy to pack and does a fine job of putting antlers on the elk I find with the 8.5s. But for true analyzing of antlers, or lower light situations, the larger spotter is much better. And the binos are way easier to look through for any period of time. I feel like my Maven S1.2S spotter is just as good or maybe slightly better than my Kowa 774, but I am doing that from memory. It is a big scope, so it gets left in favor of a smaller/lighter 15x50 bino most of the time.

I did also pick up one of those Sky Rover Banner Cloud 12x50 binos a few weeks ago as well. They are outstanding. Super wide FOV, good optics all the way to the edge. I look forward to using them a lot more in the field and not just from my yard. It seems to be a great compliment to my Swarovski ELs.

FH