Binos or Spotting Scope?

by **eltaco** » 08 03, 2013 • [Post 1]

Alright, finally sold my spotting scope so looking to upgrade my optics, stat! Only problem is... not sure which direction to go!

I'm looking at either a pair of Razor HD 10x42 binos or a Viper HD 20-60x80mm spotting scope. I don't think I can swing the Razor scope this year, even though I've had the opportunity to look through it and enjoyed it IMMENSELY!

Up until this season, I would have gone binos, no question, as my general elk unit doesn't have much for open terrain. Now that I'm in UT, I can see for miles in this high desert mule deer country. The draw tag that I pulled for CO elk this season is a lot more open, too.

I've read a number of people say "if you can't find them with the binos, the spotter is useless ", but I've also had thr experience of finding deer with binos (low quality) that I can't determine what they are without pulling out the spotting scope.

Since open country is the world I live in now, I'm having a hard time deciding which is most useful. I'm going to do a backpacking trip this year, but now that I've seen what the 80-85mm Scopes can do, I'm hesitant to go any smaller... man, they're sweet!

This has been a drawn out process for me, so thanks for dealing with me (Paul)

that said, its a huge purchase and I unfortunately can't afford both at this time. Any insight is appreciated!

by **planebow** » 08 03, 2013 • [Post 2]

If I only had one or the other it would be binoculars as I use them almost continually all day.

by **eltaco** » 08 03, 2013 • [Post 3]

Sorry, that is a critical bit of info that I should have included.

I have a set of cabelas 10x42 binos, currently. I think they retailed for $300, and compared well to the Nikon monarch when I purchased them. So I have a set of binos, but the razor hd binos would certainly blow them out of the water.

by **ElkNut1** » 08 03, 2013 • [Post 4]

Since you already have binos go with the Spotter! When working serious country where I can glass for miles the binos get little use. I sit behind my Spotter for hours on end & love every minute of it. Binos are for spotting & looking at the obvious, Spotters kick butt in finding game 3/4 miles out to 5+ - -- When hunting country that is open & hilly & seeing long distances go with the spotter. You need both to be well geared but don't overlook the power of the Spotter, that is hands down your next purchase, as funds become available upgrade your binos.

ElkNut1

by **Lefty** » 08 03, 2013 • [Post 5]

eltaco wrote:y "if you can't find them with the binos, the spotter is useless ", ,.......!

So untrue. I have a Nikon Fieldscope 13-30x50mm ED Straight Not a very expensive scope but I could see a whole lot of things that I couldnt see with binos. I was able to pick out a huge bull 6 miles away, antelop over three and coyote at 2 miles. I dont know how one would hunt here in the west without both

by **eltaco** » 08 04, 2013 • [Post 6]

Lefty wrote:
eltaco wrote:y "if you can't find them with the binos, the spotter is useless ", ,.......!

So untrue. I have a Nikon Fieldscope 13-30x50mm ED Straight Not a very expensive scope but I could see a whole lot of things that I couldnt see with binos. I was able to pick out a huge bull 6 miles away, antelop over three and coyote at 2 miles. I dont know how one would hunt here in the west without both

6mi away at 30x?! Seriously?

If that is honestly true, maybe I should give more consideration to the Razor 50. Its in my budget and I wouldn't need a new tripod.

by **Lefty** » 08 04, 2013 • [Post 7]

6mi away at 30x?! Seriously?
If that is honestly true, maybe I should give more consideration to the Razor 50. Its in my budget and I wouldn't need a new tripod.

The Razor sure looks like my Nikon,..are they the same?

I have no reason to blow smoke.
Yes, clear day. early morning, shortly after sunrise, no heat waves, no wind. watched them for an hour. they were by a land feature. so if the map was right and I read the map right it was 6 miles away.
I dont recal what power setting I had. And the view wasnt clear and sharp but I could still pick out the bull. It took me 2 hours to get close to the area and they were gone and I didnt find them, but I wasnt dreaming ( but I sure was thinking about that bull 8-)

)

by **eltaco** » 08 04, 2013 • [Post 8]

Lefty wrote:
6mi away at 30x?! Seriously?
If that is honestly true, maybe I should give more consideration to the Razor 50. Its in my budget and I wouldn't need a new tripod.

The Razor sure looks like my Nikon,..are they the same?

I have no reason to blow smoke.
Yes, clear day. early morning, shortly after sunrise, no heat waves, no wind. watched them for an hour. they were by a land feature. so if the map was right and I read the map right it was 6 miles away.
I dont recal what power setting I had. And the view wasnt clear and sharp but I could still pick out the bull. It took me 2 hours to get close to the area and they were gone and I didnt find them, but I wasnt dreaming ( but I sure was thinking about that bull )

Sorry didn't say that to mean that you were blowing smoke at all... more surprised than anything!

I've looked at deer just over 6mi (measured on Google earth) with the 85mm Razor HD scope and I couldn't tell you if they were bucks or does at 60x. At 30x I'm not positive I would have seen them at all. That said, I'd guess the vast majority of my scouting will be in the 3mi and under distance so maybe the little razor is plenty sufficient?

Man, wish I could set them all out to try them in my area!

I went out tonight and found 4 deer with my binos that I couldn't clearly identify. I'll have yo measure how far, but really left me wanting that scope,.where I know I could have identified them all immediately.

by **wideangle** » 08 04, 2013 • [Post 9]

I stay with my 8 x 30 Swarovski's. They are the perfect size for carrying all day.
I sent them to the repair facility in NJ this year and had them rebuilt.
They were 10 years old and showed heavy usage.
IMO they are a must have for any hunt.

by **aron** » 08 05, 2013 • [Post 10]

If you already have binos, I would get the spotter hands down before upgrading binos, especially if you are hunting open country.

by **eltaco** » 08 05, 2013 • [Post 11]

Got a Viper HD 65mm spotting scope on the way

by **BrentLaBere** » 08 05, 2013 • [Post 12]

I think you made the right choice. Enjoy it!

by **pointysticks** » 08 05, 2013 • [Post 13]

eltaco wrote:Got a Viper HD 65mm spotting scope on the way

That's what I got! What are you thinking of tripods. ?

by **eltaco** » 08 05, 2013 • [Post 14]

pointysticks wrote:
eltaco wrote:Got a Viper HD 65mm spotting scope on the way

That's what I got! What are you thinking of tripods. ?

not sure bud!

I have a slik sprint mini ii that I've been using for a couple of years... hoping it'll fit the bill but prepared to go elsewhere if not.

by **twinkieman** » 08 05, 2013 • [Post 15]

Since you have binos, no brainer , spotter for sure

by **aron** » 08 06, 2013 • [Post 16]

Nice choice on the spotter.

I have the slik sprint mini II tripod for a 72mm objective and really like it. I ditched the Slik Sprints ball head and replaced it with a Vanguard PH-21 pan head. The vanguard head uses the same quick shoe mount as the Cabelas Outfitter Series window mount so it is quick to swap from tripod to window mount.

by **eltaco** » 08 06, 2013 • [Post 17]

aron wrote:Nice choice on the spotter.

I have the slik sprint mini II tripod for a 72mm objective and really like it. I ditched the Slik Sprints ball head and replaced it with a Vanguard PH-21 pan head. The vanguard head uses the same quick shoe mount as the Cabelas Outfitter Series window mount so it is quick to swap from tripod to window mount.

That is truly excellent news! Truth be told, the reason I shied away from the bigger 80 was because I don't want to drop another couple hundo and a new tripod... I'd much rather put that money towards the binos if I can make the 65 work!

Should have it on Thursday! Looking forward to getting this thing!!