The Optics Game

[CiK]

I am planning a 2016 elk hunt. Destination unknown. As a flatlander, tree stand kind of guy, the only optic I own is a rangefinder.

My next purchase is a quality spotting scope or binoculars. In your opinion, which is more important to the success of a hunt? If you could explain why I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[Rangerz]

If I had to choose binocs vs a scope, the binocs would win hands down. I have some Vortex 10x42 hds that I love. Got them from Elknut here on the site.

Love my spotting scopes but they are not as convenient as binocs.

Good luck!

[ElkNut1]

Yes sir, I agree with Rangerz, binos all the way, you will carry binos on a daily basis where a spotter you most likely wouldn't unless you were on a terrific draw unit, if that, you would need both! For most of ones hunts in binos in the 10X42 power, this will suit most elk hunts out west to turkey hunts anywhere! Plus with binos you will not require a tripod as you would with a Spotting Scope. Less weight this way all in all. As time goes by & you feel the need to add glass for distance or on a Special hunt then consider a spotter. I like having both in the rig or at camp but only the binos make the trips into the woods on a regular basis. Most OTC hunts binos work great!

ElkNut1

[saddlesore]

Definitely good binoculars are a lot more useful

[ishy]

Binos, but that is subject to change depending on location and hunt dates. I'm a North Idaho guy and binos are even questionable up here, if you can see more than 50 yards in these jungles you're probably on a road.

[Swede]

Generally speaking the binoculars are the most used. I would determine where I am going to hunt before I bought the optics. I know they have to be functional on a broad scale, still I find 8 power better for timbered areas and broken ground hunting. I like 10X better for more open country. Where I hunt it is a mix of open and shorter range hunting, and it is about a toss up between 8X and 10X. With a spotting scope you can set up a tripod and glass a long ways, or measure a trophy, but mine rarely gets out of the truck. Call Elknut and tell him what you are planning on. He can advise you as well as anyone.

[Indian Summer]

Binoculars no question. A spotting scope is a special purpose tool. Binoculars are your all day every day bread and butter tool.

If you told me you were a tree stand only hunter then it might be debatable whether to go with 8 power glass. Otherwise 10x42 or 10x50 is the way to go.

Buy the best you can afford so that you can put that behind you and move on instead of wanting a better pair down the road. That's a good rule of thumb with nearly all of your gear. When you buy from reputable companies like Leupold, Vortex, or Swarovski part of what you pay for is their no questions asked warranties. I wouldn't look any further than those 3.