In the Razor vs Viper topic - if you’re set on vortex and have the budget I’d suggest the razors. If you’re planning on glassing for long periods of time your eyes will thank you. Keep an eye on the classifieds here, usually a few pairs popping up often. Try and find some that were made in Japan, not the recent China models where qc has gone down hill.
In my honest opinion there’s better glass out there for the same price points. If you can get your hands on some Meopta Meostar or Cabelas euro you’re way better off for not much more money if you don’t want to swallow the swaro pill. The saying buy once cry once really sticks here.
Whatever you do - buy the best that you can afford. Vortex is ok if that’s the budget.
If you can get your hands on a few pairs have the sales rep mount them on a tripod in early morning or fading evening light. Go out the to parking lot and look into a wheel well of a truck in a distance. You’ll know which glass is best by its low light performance which is the time that matters most. They all look ok in daylight but the animals move most at dusk / dawn.
The ability to see into shadows during the daylight hours to find bedded animals is also critical for mid day glassing.
Another key to shop for is to find something comfortable to hold, make sure they fit your face and the eye relief works for you.
Glassing tips -
1. Use a good tripod and head regardless of the binos you get. It makes all of the difference to have your optics steady.
2. If you can’t get to your area to scout prior to your season, study google earth. Find high vantage points that you can set yourself up and see onto slopes, into canyons etc without having to hike to too many locations.
2 a. Pay attention to where the sun will be during the days (to the side, to your back, will you’ve glassing directly into it?) These conditions will be much different with different qualities of optics. The coatings on the lenses make a huge difference and separate the bottom from top tier glass here
3. Once you’re set up establish a pattern for glassing. I use the grid approach myself. Don’t forget to take your eyes away from the glass now and then to see what’s right in front of you.
4. Remember you won’t be looking for an entire animal 95% of the time. Look for the horizontal lines, color shades of an ass or antler, glinting of the sun on an antler in a shaded spot etc. This is where the tripod is key. I’ve picked up on animals I never would have noticed because they flicked an ear or moved their head.
5. Get comfortable. Bring a sit pad, appropriate clothes and snacks. Be prepared to sit / stand and glass for long periods of time. Be patient and have fun.
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