What spotting scope?? Straight/Angled

[Fridaythe13th]

1st and maybe last time 4th season colorado mule deer hunt???? I own a pair of 10x42 vortex razor. Do I need or would it be beneficial to buy a spotting scope with a tripod? I certainly don't want to break the bank. Maybe in that $100 -$400 range. Is straight or angled better? 60mm or 80mm? I found a vortex Diamondbacks 20-60x60mm for a decent price. Or should I keep shoping and look for a better used 1 on this site or Facebook. Send some help my way. Thank you

 

[htlt_surfboards]

You definitely will want to get a tripod that you can at least put your binos on. As far as spotters go they are really really helpful but you can get by without one if cost is factor. This is obviously just my opinion but I think you're going to have to spend significantly more than the 100-400 range to get a decent spotter.

The first spotter I ever purchased was actually a vortex diamondback in that 350 range. I got it delivered and took it outside and it took me about 2 min to decided that it was pretty much useless in terms of clarity when zoomed at all so I returned it. Moral of the story I would avoid the diamondback and at minimal get a used higher model vortex.

A number of years later I revisited the whole spotter thing and bought a used kowa 55 off of here and have been really impressed with the clarity at all zoom levels. Since the newer version has come out I've seen some screaming deals on the older version on here for $1000 and less. As far as angled vs straight its very much a preference thing. I prefer straight as I find it easier to switch between binos and spotter and still be lined up on what im looking at.

 

[mlchase]

Pretty much what he said...spend $1000 or skip the spotter and just have better binos and maybe tripod them. I prefer straight for same reason, but have know plenty of guys that like angled

 

[24valve]

There is a good discussion of straight vs angled here: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/is-your-angled-spotter-holding-you-back.369070/

Tripods help tremendously for finding game with binos, especially mule deer.

 

[fmyth]

You can find a new Vortex Razor Gen 1 16-48x65 for under $500 on sale a couple times a year. Straight or angled is a personal preference. Either can be used effectively for hunting mule deer and elk.
I find mule deer with my 10x42 binos on a tripod. If they are far far away I'll put my Vortex Razor Gen 1 16-48x65 spotter on the tripod to count antler points and decide if its worth the walk. I could hunt mule deer without a spotter but it has saved me a few miles of walking after bucks that don't meet the min 4pt rule in one of the areas I hunt. My tripod is a Slick CF 734 with a Small Rig head. I carry a simply Y yoke mounted to a plate so I can shoot off of it.

 

[Fridaythe13th]

Thank you for your input. I would love to do the buy once cry once, but when I add the use once factor it scares the check book lol. But the facts are if people aren't happy with a cheaper spotter maybe i should look for a fare price on a used quality spotter.

 

[nm.otter]

maybe i should look for a fare price on a used quality spotter.

Consider broadening that to a 'used quality long-range optic.'

15/18x binos on a tripod are easy to use -- and easy to like.

 

[Tmac]

Are you counting inches or just looking to see if he looks to have a good frame? Inch counters generally want a spotter. You can get a lot done by putting your Bino’s on a tripod.

Is your 4th season hunt mostly in a fairly roaded winter range or are you on foot? Weight does not matter if hunting mostly out of the truck, it usually matters if on foot.

Either way you will want a tripod. If you have one, get a bino attachment system and try your Bino’s off the tripod. If not, buy a tripod and try the Bino’s. That may answer your question.

 

[Fridaythe13th]

Are you counting inches or just looking to see if he looks to have a good frame? Inch counters generally want a spotter. You can get a lot done by putting your Bino’s on a tripod.

Is your 4th season hunt mostly in a fairly roaded winter range or are you on foot? Weight does not matter if hunting mostly out of the truck, it usually matters if on foot.

Either way you will want a tripod. If you have one, get a bino attachment system and try your Bino’s off the tripod. If not, buy a tripod and try the Bino’s. That may answer your question.

I don't think I'm counting inches??? but I would like a decent buck. Maybe because it took 11 points and I'm 53 years old. With my job in agriculture I really can only go 4th season.

 

[Tmac]

I don't think I'm counting inches??? but I would like a decent buck. Maybe because it took 11 points and I'm 53 years old. With my job in agriculture I really can only go 4th season.

There is a good chance you would be fine with Bino’s on a tripod. Have you tried that?

I hunted 4th season a couple years ago, had 10x and 15x Bino’s and a large spotter. Only used the 10x as the deer were on open sage hill winter range terrain. Was easy to get close. Found 6 groups of does and checked them multiple times a day. Rarely were they over 400 yards away.

Can you borrow a spotter? There are also places that rent them.

 

[RWT]

I would bump the budget to $750. Go straight spotter with average or above glass. You can get a decent tripod with a ball head for $150ish on sale. Good enough for glassing but marginal for use as a shooting platform, but better than sticks. Then pick up a used spotter and have it professionally cleaned at a camera shop. $25. The Nikon and a few other models on the forum for $750-$400 range will keep you from walking that mile for a better look.

Think about the time it takes to travel that mile, then do that 3 to 4 times a year or just once every year. Assume it’s 30 mins. What do you make an hour roughly. When you do the math an average or better spotter will save you hours on the hunt and justified the budget bump.

Binos are to find them
Spotters are to determine if you like them and want to put in the effort.

 

[JF_Idaho]

The Razor Gen 1 16-48 is a great spotter, albeit heavy at around 3+ lbs.

 

[Fridaythe13th]

I found a used Maven S.2 Spotting Scope
12-27x56 Compact Spotter. Is this comparable to the vortex razor? What is the rule of thumb on used optics, 50% off of new price or 25% off. I'm sure it depends on how clean or beat up it is.