Spotting scope or Binoculars….

[GetReel]

I currently have the Kowa TSN-770 w/25-60 eyepiece. Although it is very nice and very clear. I realized this past week, I'm not a huge fan of spending a ton of time with one eye squinted shut. I'm thinking about going to a set of higher magnification binoculars for scanning in the mountains while backpacking.

Anyone else in the same boat make the switch? Of just add in a set of binos and keep the spotter too?

Would like to hear from some others on this.

 

[Recon$$]

I run both, but I do use all optics to include rifle/spotting scopes with both eyes open. I find myself on the spotting scope not binoculars most the time but both have their role. I think you could get away with a 12 or 15 power binocular but you'll miss that spotting scope in situations.

 

[vancewalker007]

My perspective is primarily western hunting looking at Coues deer mostly, some times elk or mule deer. Usually I will carry a spotter and binos. If I am wanting to go super light I'll carry a set of 12x50s set up for a tripod and my Gold Ring 12-40x60 (37 ounces), leaving my 15s behind. If I need to glass far, for long periods, I will carry my 15x56s and the spotter. Usually when going for Coues deer I'll bring the 15s and a spotter. I only use the spotter to check for horns on Coues deer at long range that have been spotted with the binos. I don't really glass for any length of time through the spotter. I like to phone skope through the spotter as well. Elk and Mulies are a lot easier to see so a lot of times I will use my 12s to lighten the backpack load. The 12s I have weigh around 29 ounces my 15s weigh around 42 ounces. When I'm rifle hunting Coues deer I try not approach closer than 300ish yards to stay out of their danger zone. So if I need to glass them up after moving closer I will used the tripod and the 15s or 12s usually to find them. My eyes are not good enough for 10s or 8s on a stalk for Coues deer. If your hunting doesn't include Coues deer I would seriously look at a pair of 12xXX glasses set up for a tripod, then only use your spotter for horn checks on long range targets.

 

[dfanonymous]

I also use both. While 10x42s are more popular, I use 10x50s for a wider FOv. The spotter comes sometimes, depending. To spot game, this is the easiest way. To confirm animal size and maturity, I use/switch to the spotter. Acting as a spotter to another hunter, like my wife I sit behind the spotting scope on far shots, and the binos inside 300y.

More times than not I wish I brought the spotter, but didn't because I was trying to save weight. The binos stay in my chest pack, and pretty much I feel is a mandatory piece of kit.

 

[GetReel]

My binos are 10x42's. I bought a tripod adapter today for them.

I will most likely get a second pair of binos.

Should I look into 12x, 15x, 18x?

 

[Barrelnut]

I use both from time to time. When I use the spotter, I keep both eyes open and cover the left with the palm of my hand. Really cuts down on eyestrain. I have never been able to master the both eyes open trick with a spotter or scope.

 

[sp6x6]

If you have tens youll want 15x,big step up.One best for light weight 28oz and cost vortex,$500.Then its the big boys swaro,ziess,lieca,all great and $2000 type and 42 oz for those type The Kowa nice with 30 Wide

 

[cjuve]

I use 12x50's off a tripod for covering lots of ground and when I am traveling light away from the truck. BTX 95 for picking apart the moutain and when I want a good look or to take video or pics I get out the spotter eyepiece. If I only could use one it would be the 12x50's hands down. I can find critters a long ways away with them.

 

[Reelamin]

I used to just use a spotter and fully understand the down sides of really glassing with it. I have always used 8 or 10's until the last two years, and I stepped up to some 15's. I hunt western states so glassing some big county is expected even if it is eastern MT or Wyoming. What a world of difference the 15's were. I compared every pair I could actually get ahold of out in the field before I chose. I compared the Swaro, Zeiss, Vortex, and Meopta. My personal pick was the Meopta's. The vortex pair were not even close to the quality and price of the others.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

You can set up both on a tripod using something as simple as the

• 
  $28.00
  

  Field Optics Research Arca Swiss Accessory Rail - 12"

• 
  $33.00
  

  Field Optics Research Arca Swiss Accessory Rail - 16"

 

[parshal]

I've tried all the alpha glass in all the big magnifications. I'm back to using 8's or 10's to spot and a spotter to take a closer look. Continual viewing through a spotter is difficult even wearing an eyepatch to reduce fatigue.

 

[vancewalker007]

My binos are 10x42's. I bought a tripod adapter today for them.

I will most likely get a second pair of binos.

Should I look into 12x, 15x, 18x?

You will be amazed how much better those 10s will work for you on a tripod. Which big glass you should get is tough to say. I'd try to get some on a rental and try them out. You may have a shop that does rental locally. We have an archery shop locally that rents binos.

 

[Reelamin]

You will be amazed how much better those 10s will work for you on a tripod. Which big glass you should get is tough to say. I'd try to get some on a rental and try them out. You may have a shop that does rental locally. We have an archery shop locally that rents binos.

IMO absolutely imperative you actually try the glass outside in real conditions side by side. Obviously, not always possible and it may be easier than you think. I have never heard of anyplace within.....well anyplace that will rent glass and that would be the best. I ended up asking someone I knew with Facebook (No I dont have Facebook nor am I getting it) to ask for me and sure enough I found the Meopta and Vortex. I'm lucky and just went out and glassed the hills for a few days keeping notes.

 

[Reelamin]

Get one of these. Dump the stupid level and can get them off Amazon at your door for $15. Yes, I have several as I not going to be moving them from base to base to base.