need advice on optics for wyoming hunt

[mainehunter]

I am going to wyoming on a mulie hunt (if I draw a tag).Never hunted out west.I am told I need a good set of binoculars or a spotting scope.any advice on what to use would be appreciated!Do I also need to consider a range finder?THANKS

 

[NomadPilot]

What part of the state (i.e. what type terrain)? How much do you want to spend? Horseback or walking?

 

[Sako7STW]

In my optics arsenal I have:

Zeiss 8x32 Binoc's (super light weight for packing)
Vortex Viper 10x42 Binoc's
Canon 15x50 Image stabilizing Binoc's
Nikon Field Scope IIIED 20-60x60mm spotting scope (fit's in a saddle bag easily)
Kowa Prominar TSN-884 20-60x88mm spotting scope

Since you wont be hunting here all of the time, if I had to pick a single item to buy again it would be the Canon's! I only say that because they are 1/3 the price of the Kowa but I would get rid of all the others before my Kowa.

Soon to be added to my collection is the Theron Wapiti 8x42 APO Binoculars and maybe a Theron Mag82 ED 82mm Spotter

 

[mainehunter]

horseback I am guessing 200-300 would get a decent pair?

 

[mainehunter]

region H or G

 

[mainehunter]

checked pricing on the models you recomened guess ill have to work on my budget thanks for your help!

 

[newmexkid]

Make sure it's at least 10X. Most important, get a lightweight one. After walking 3-4 miles a heavy set ones strap will start digging into your neck.

 

[mainehunter]

thanks for the advice

 

[joseph]

Make sure it's at least 10X. Most important, get a lightweight one. After walking 3-4 miles a heavy set ones strap will start digging into your neck.

Get one of these or similar kind then you can walk 50 miles and still be comfortable carrying your binocs.

Allen Deluxe Binocular Strap, Optics, Allen at Sportsman's Guide

joseph

PS: These work great = Canon Image stabilizing Binoc's

 

[Outlaw6.0]

^^^^^^^^^^^What he said (beat me to it!). These things are worth their weight in gold, for carrying they rock, they increase stability while viewing & they hold your bino's in place if/when you need to "pick up the pace" whether you have to run or 'lope your horse, they aren't flinging around like a war mace!

 

[meatyrem]

Mainehunter

I have a pair of the nikon monarch ATB 10 x 42. Very nice, not a swarovski but nice. They go for about$319 or so and are lightweight.

They rated the best in a category of binos for under $500. Can't rememberwho did the test. I'm happy with them.

 

[Dr. Vette]

I'd recommend a larger objective over a smaller one, and usually 10x power. Back in 2007 Dad had a very nice compact pair of binocs and I took my 10x42s. When we were looking at objects in the distance it was so much easier to find things using the 42s vs what I think was with a 28 in his compact as the wider field of view makes a difference. Next elk hunt he brought his large ones and was much happier.

Nikon and Leupold both have reasonably good binocs in the $300-350 range. Anything less than that price point and you'll notice a difference.