Spotting scope vs binoculars

[timmymic]

making my first trip to Idaho and deciding between vortex 18x binos or the 11-33 razor Hd spotting scope. Which is a better decision? Or the vortex viper Hd series spotting scope?

Maybe also some advice on 15x vs 18x binos

 

[Axl]

i go the best binos you can afford then spotting scope

 

[Elkeater]

Start with good binos and a harness instead of a neck strap. then on your hunt live in that harness. Spotting scope is useful for judging trophy potential but a good set of binos will be used more.

 

[timmymic]

Thanks this is the info I was hoping for. I am not going out looking for a record book animal I think I will be able to tell pretty easy if he is a shooter in my eyes or not. Thanks

 

[Plinker147]

Neither. Buy good Bino's first. Don't buy 15x or higher unless you plan on using a tripod. The vortex line of binos don't have good enough glass for the higher powers. If you want 15x binos go swaros. The razor 12x50s are good buy and the glass quality works for that power range.

If you get a spotter get one with a larger bell at least 65. The small razor is good for packing but not a very good as a spotter, speaking from experience with it. I could see better detail with my swaro 15x than the razor spotter 11-33 on 33 power

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

I will have to agree with the above post. A quality set of 10x42 go along way. If you want to go to 15x56 go with Swarovski 15x56s or if you don't want to spend that kind of bread--I have a set of Meopta that I'm fairly fond of.i only use a bipod/bogpod with them. As for as Vortex I have a 80mm razor spotting scope that I'm happy with--and a set of Vortex Kiabab 15x56 that are good--but not of the Swarovski or Meopta caliber.

 

[timmymic]

I have a nice set of 10s already I was hoping to get something to see a bit farther without breaking the bank. The Swarovski gear is out of my range. Also if I get the binos I plan to use a tripod.

 

[Canhunter35]

What kind of scope are you going to use?
Seeing a bit farther is nice, but I would rather have the fov of my 10x than more power. Then I just use my 20x on my scope

 

[timmymic]

What kind of scope are you going to use?
Seeing a bit farther is nice, but I would rather have the fov of my 10x than more power. Then I just use my 20x on my scope

I'll have a 3.5-21 in the gun. Considering 15 or 18 x binos and try to attach my phone to help zoom if I needed a little more.

 

[Canhunter35]

I'll have a 3.5-21 in the gun. Considering 15 or 18 x binos and try to attach my phone to help zoom if I needed a little more.

IMO Your 10x will be fine. You have 21x on your scope if you want a closer look at something.

 

[Plinker147]

Yeah don't use rifle scope for looking!! violates basic safety rules don't point muzzle at something your not willing to destroy. Sorry for soap box but I've seen a guide get killed because a hunter did this.

Use your optics.

If you have good binos maybe you should go spotting scope route. They work better for phone scoping than binos

 

[Canhunter35]

Yeah don't use rifle scope for looking!! violates basic safety rules don't point muzzle at something your not willing to destroy. Sorry for soap box but I've seen a guide get killed because a hunter did this.

Use your optics.

If you have good binos maybe you should go spotting scope route. They work better for phone scoping than binos

I was talking about a deers antlers when I said use your scope...use your bino otherwise. If you can't tell the difference between a deer and a person with your 10x bino, something is wrong. And yes, you don't scope **** you won't shoot, but you can't tell me you've never eyeballed something with your scope then decided not to shoot cause of some reason. Sorry about the guide, that is a terrible tragedy.

 

[dmj]

Get the best 10 power binos you can afford. Your eyes and lack of headaches will thank you. Especially if you plan on spending any time behind them. They will probably be all you need unless you are trying to decide what antler's would score. Also consider a comfortable way to carry them. And yes your rifle scope would be a benefit for a closer look once you have found a target that you wish to get a closer look at for some reason. But only after you have identified something you are trying to decide whether to take or not. I've had people look at me through a scope and I have to admit it makes me furious. I can't get out of the area fast enough. Good luck and be safe. And this is just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Buck Buster]

I have to agree With Canhunter35 and dmj. Go with a good 10 or maybe 12 power binoculars, it has also been my experience with a lot of variable powered binoculars that the upper powers are too high for the objective lens size making them less clear at the upper levels. Also I feel binoculars are much faster to the draw so to speak, you don't have to get them set up and try to find something through them. Just raise the binoculars and look, and you will find the subject much faster because of the larger field of view. They both gave Excellent advise to you, I would take it. Good luck on your hunt and be safe.