Seeking advice on Binocular upgrade

[Jayhawk5]

I’m looking to upgrade my binoculars as I currently run a pair of Redfield Rebel 10x42.

I mostly whitetail and turkey hunt in Kansas and would like something compact since I’m kind of a minimalist and prefer less weight to carry to the tree stand. I’m pretty set on the Maven B3 8x30.

I’ve been buying points in Wyoming for a long time (elk and antelope) but have never gone, and my question is—once I finally go, should I also purchase a quality 10x42? I am finely in a place financially where I can hopefully start making this happen at least every couple of years depending on if I draw. My Redfields will get moved to my “keep in the truck” binos.

Another option would be to go with the 8x30s and add a quality spotter for western hunts, or possibly just purchase all three as needed since they all have their place.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[IdahoBeav]

A spotter is not needed for most western hunts in my opinion.

 

[Jayhawk5]

I was reading that on the forum with others saying it’s nice to have. I don’t mind spending the money on it if needed. I’m sure I will use it scouting and target shooting also.

 

[IDVortex]

A spotter is not needed for most western hunts in my opinion.

Id second this. A good quality 10x42 will be great. Get a tripod or imagine stabilizing binos and you'll see all you need to.

 

[Jayhawk5]

So an 8x30 for Kansas tree stand hunting, and then also a quality 10x42 would probably be the way to go? Yes, I would buy a nice tripod also.

 

[txtransplant]

Probably not enough mag difference from 8x to 10x to justify carrying both. If you want more power for the west, and you’re looking for quality, I’d consider a pair of high mag image stabilized Sig Zulu6s. I don’t have a pair, but I’ve tested them out, and the image stabilization is a game changer. I’d love a 16x or 20x set for my kit, and run them on a tripod for spotting. It’s just not at the top of my wish list yet.

 

[Jayhawk5]

Probably not enough mag difference from 8x to 10x to justify carrying both. If you want more power for the west, and you’re looking for quality, I’d consider a pair of high mag image stabilized Sig Zulu6s. I don’t have a pair, but I’ve tested them out, and the image stabilization is a game changer. I’d love a 16x or 20x set for my kit, and run them on a tripod for spotting. It’s just not at the top of my wish list yet.

Gotcha. I hunt out of a Sitka tool belt fanny pack most of the time and It’s more about my current 10x42s taking up a lot of space and being heavy. Plus I just want to upgrade to better glass. I also don’t like a bino chest pack when archery hunting. Maybe I need to buy a quality 10x42 and then just a cheap 8x30ish pair like some vortex diamondbacks or something like that. I just know I would use a compact pair a lot.

 

[Jayhawk5]

These would be used for different applications. I wouldn’t carry both at the same time

 

[txtransplant]

Ah, I didn’t understand you were proposing leaving the 8x at home and bringing the 10x.

Still, I’d probably stick with the 8x you already have (particularly given that you like to keep things so minimalist). I just don’t see the need for a 10x pair if you already have 8x. Those basically do the same thing. I’d rather have one 8x or 10x pair, plus a 16x or 20x image stabilized pair than two pairs that are so close in function.

 

[Trogon]

I would buy a pair of Swaro NL 8x32 and nothing else. Those will glass better than most 10s. I dont feel that a spotter is needed for most western hunting unless you are hunting limited tags and searching for a specific animal. A good pair of 10x would be a good choice if you were mainly hunting elk, but since not I like 8s.

 

[Jayhawk5]

I see what you’re saying and that’s I guess what I’m asking.

8x plus spotter for western hunt

Vs

8x for tree stand and 10x for western

vs

8x for tree stand and then 10x plus spotter for western.

I guess I hadn’t considered a 16x or 20x

 

[JRMiller]

One of the main factors will be weight on your future elk hunt.
If it going to be hike in-backpack camp kind of thing, stick with a 10x42 with a fluid head and a solid carbon fiber tripod.
If its gonna be something easier where weights not as much of a factor, then good set of 30-32mm binos and a 60mm spotter /tripod are a good choice.
If weight is no concern at all, a 10x42 and an 80mm spotter/tripod are king.
Keep in mind also that spotters are only really needed when trying to determine if an animal will meet your requirements to shoot.
You generally don't use spotters to find animals, just to determine the quality. The binos are for finding them.

 

[Jayhawk5]

I would buy a pair of Swaro NL 8x32 and nothing else. Those will glass better than most 10s. I dont feel that a spotter is needed for most western hunting unless you are hunting limited tags and searching for a specific animal. A good pair of 10x would be a good choice if you were mainly hunting elk, but since not I like 8s.

That would be awesome, I’m just not sure I want to spend that much. I guess if I only bought 1 pair vs 2 it would it would be about the same.

 

[jimh406]

I thought this video was pretty good. They explain why you would choose one type/dimension/magnification vs the other and what the tradeoffs are for spotting scopes, binoculars, scopes, etc. This isn't a brand specific video.

 

[Jayhawk5]

One of the main factors will be weight on your future elk hunt.
If it going to be hike in-backpack camp kind of thing, stick with a 10x42 with a fluid head and a solid carbon fiber tripod.
If its gonna be something easier where weights not as much of a factor, then good set of 30-32mm binos and a 60mm spotter /tripod are a good choice.
If weight is no concern at all, a 10x42 and an 80mm spotter/tripod are king.
Keep in mind also that spotters are only really needed when trying to determine if an animal will meet your requirements to shoot.
You generally don't use spotters to find animals, just to determine the quality. The binos are for finding them.

Okay this is helpful and makes a lot of sense. Sounds like I need to buy a 30-32mm pair now and then consider weight and what is necessary for the hunt later on in deciding what direction to go.

 

[Trogon]

That would be awesome, I’m just not sure I want to spend that much. I guess if I only bought 1 pair vs 2 it would it would be about the same.

Keep an eye out in the classifieds, they pop up for fairly reasonable prices

 

[Aaron-in-CO]

Maven B.3 8x are my primary binos here in CO for all game. Love them so much. A lot of the glassing I do is in the 1-2 mile range, and I have no problem picking up elk at those distances, especially on a tripod. I usually carry 18x binos as well which are helpful but not necessary. If you end up buying the Mavens, definitely don’t preemptively buy another pair of 10x or 12x because you think you might be under-gunned.

 

[180ls1]

Whats your budget? I'd consider combining it into one pair of the highest quality 8/10x

That maven would suit you just fine for elk all by itself though.

 

[mthayr]

Why do you feel you need an 8x for tree stand hunting? 6.5x32 are plenty of magnification for a stand, better light transmission, and better FOV to boot. I'd suggest you give the Kowa BD II a hard look for that purpose - it'll save you some ca$h too, that you can spend on a solid 8x or 10x42 (yes 8x are just fine for out west) pair. @Camera Land should be able to give you a good price on them, maybe a great price with Black Friday coming up.

 

[Agross]

Get the maven b3 then decide if u need anything else. If u do, get a nice set of 10’s. The b3’s are binos.