Spotting Scope Vs Binoculars

Vector32

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I was up scouting this weekend and it has become very clear I need something new. I have just a normal pair of 10x42 binoculars. Will I be better of getting a spotting scoop or bigger bino's? I want to use the bino's off a tir pod. I don't really want to spend 2K on a spotter because I don't know if I will use it after this year. Any suggestions?


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5MilesBack

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This will be the first year that I will actually use my spotter while actually hunting. I've taken them for scouting and such, but never used one while hunting before. I have a late season muley hunt and will want to be able to see a long ways off. And hopefully I can use it maybe for a sheep hunt one of these years, but other than that I don't use a spotter much and stick to my binos. But I also have 10x42's and 15's as well.

You're the only one that can determine if you need a spotter. There's also a place that rents spotters if you don't want to buy one for one time use.
 
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Spotting scopes are a great tool for the application you cite and saves you a lot of boot leather. Initially I hated using em but I am now a firm believer. I find a tripod w/ panhead and a 2lb Helinox chair to be necessary for long spotting sessions.

 
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Vector32

Vector32

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That's what I am starting to think. That if I had one it would save time and miles.


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Ryan Avery

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I spot more animals with binos on a tripod than I do with a spotter. But a quality spotter will make sure that stick in the shadows is a stick and not a 200" buck:)
 
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HvyBeams

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Buy a used swaro HD spotter. At the end of the season sell it. More than likely you will break even, be out a $100 bucks, or you may make money if you get a good deal. If you get a straight spotter just rest your 10x42s on top of the spotter. I used to do this before I went to an angled spotter. It is just like having your binos on a tripod and quick acquisition when you want to check something out.
 

CorbLand

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I use my spotter a lot but alway glass with my binos to find things then investigate with the spotting scope. It is nice to be able to watch deer and elk from a mile and half away. I would invest in quality binos first. If you have these, then a spotting scope is a nice addition.
 
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Vector32

Vector32

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I just have a set of vortex 10x42. They are not anything fancy. I have been looking at the 11x45 Maven's.


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Which model Vortex?

Personally, I feel quality of optics trump power of optics.
If you go the larger bino route, which ones do you plan to get?

I could argue that a pair of 10x42 Swaro EL's would out perform a pair of 12x50 Razor HD's.

But the bino vs spotter question is a delima that I wrestle with myself.
I know WRO would say go with the larger binos.

I went the 10x42 Swaro route and plan to add a spotter in the future. I just couldn't bring myself to dump that serious of $$$ on binos that I might find too bulky to carry with me 100% of the time.
I don't know... even I question my decison.

Fortunately I have 4-24x52mm to work with on my rifle.
Hunt'nFish
 
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