Spotter or Bino's

[idfishnhunt]

Right now I have a pair of 10x42's.  I thought about getting a spotter, I had a Vortex Viper HD 15x45 before.  Now I'm wonder if it makes more sense just to get a pair of 15x50 Vortex Bino's instead...using a tripod of course.  It's more rare that you use a spotter, and with the extra weight of lugging it around.  Still a 10x42...you can hold pretty steady without a tripod, but I've heard those 15x50's you need to get on a stand or they aren't steady enough to see anything.


So if spotter...omg, then we get into angled or straight!

 

[aion2come]

I'll be lugging both this fall .... although probably not everyday.  The spotter really is only useful when I get close to treeline.  Otherwise the bino's work pretty good.  Did switch to the 10x42's a few years back after my super light weight 8x whatever couldn't see much after sunset.  The weight is worth the extra magnification and light gathering capabilities imho.

 

[HuntTheFront]

I always lug both around in the woods. I can spot quite a bit with my 10x42's but telling if I want to pursue it takes the spotter. For me, it is worth the extra weight.


Angled vs straight is all preference. I grew up using a straight spotter, so when I try to look through an angled I can't find a rock on a hillside

 

[idfishnhunt]

Are you guys packing full size spotters...or the smaller Vortex type ones?

 

[HuntTheFront]

Full size. If you are going to pack one, you might as well go all out. This is the one I carry:


http://www.elk101.com/store/zeiss-victory-diascope-65-t-fl-straight-with-vario-15-45x-20-60x-eyepiece

 

[Elkwido]

My husband packs both he uses 10x42 binos and then a small leupold spotter that goes up to 40x if i remember correctly.

 

[sgknutzen]

all depends on your hunt and the terrain you will be glassing. thick timber, i would take my 10x42. if i am glassing large expanses of terrain, i will pack 12x50 binos and a 20x60 spotter to take a better look at things. i like having both because if you are trying to get a quick look at something close with a set of 15's it can be tough.

 

[idfishnhunt]

Good advice, maybe sticking with the 10x42's...and picking up a spotter will be a good investment.  I did have one, but mostly used it on the range...sold it to get a tent, but now finding I wished I still had it.

 

[jamesctaylor17@gmail.com]

I've got the Vortex 85mm Razor and although I'm cursing the weight as I climb up the hill it's worth it. The biggest benefits that I've found by taking it is seeing details on an animal to know if I want to go after it, and the other is hunting during mid day. I've learned that I can extend my effective hunting time by glassing into bedding areas with the spotter. Even if I didn't watch animals move in and bed down I can usually turn some up with the high power magnification.


Angled or straight is personal preference. I've used both and can't decide which I prefer just yet.