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nwhntr
Joined: 02 Sep 2006
Posts: 1
Location: Eastern Washington
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| Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 11:44 am Post subject: Optics Choice |
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I am getting ready to make an upgrade in my optics and wanted some input. I currently have a Leupold Windriver 15-45x60 spotting scope and Bushnell 8x36 Rangefinding binoculars. I am going to replace the binocs with the Leica 10x42 BRF's or replace the spotting scope with a Swarovski 20-60x65. My question is: given a choice of mediocre binocs/rangefinder and top quality spotting scope or mediocre spotting scope top quality binocs/rangefinder which would you choose?
I hunt in eastern Washington and northern Idaho for elk, deer, black bear, etc. etc. I have a Leupold VXIII on my rifle now and it drives me crazy that my rifle scope has better optics than both my current spotting scope and binocs. I would love to upgrade both but only one is a viable option right now. I am bouncing back and forth and have changed my mind about 30 times. Let's hear some opinions! |
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gr8fuldoug
Joined: 07 Jul 2006
Posts: 177
Location: NYC
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| Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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I think that the binoculars will see much more glassing time than a spotter and the money is better spent on a great binocular.
Keep in mind, there are very good quality binoculars and spotters without spending over $1000.00 on either. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this |
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Don Fischer
Joined: 24 Mar 2005
Posts: 2070
Location: Antelope, Ore
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| Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 11:35 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not so sure just how much of an upgrade that really is. I've bought two spoting scopes over the years because I though I needed them. Have carried one once and the other has a place of honor on the floor next to my chair. I take it out and fool with it while watching television! I've had several different pairs of bino's but have to force myself to carry them also. The best pair I ever used were a very cheap pair of Tasco 7x35 I bought at the Rod & Gun Club in Germany about 1968. I don't like things dangling on me.
In your case, I'm sure I'd get the binoculars, your going to spend a lot more time looking thru them than a spoting scope. |
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tim
Joined: 11 Jun 2004
Posts: 329
Location: north idaho
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| Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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I am lucky that i get to glass year round. where my house sits, there is endless glassing. 2 binoculars and the spotting scope on the table at all times. With that said. My swarvorski 20x60x65 spotting scope is awesome. At 60 power the image is sharp. yes you will use the binocs more but when you want to get up close and personal from a mile away, you will be glad that you got an excellent spotting scope. Plus make sure the tripod will hold the scope.
tim |
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Don Fischer
Joined: 24 Mar 2005
Posts: 2070
Location: Antelope, Ore
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| Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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tim,
How much mirage do you get at 60x? I don't have that great a spoter but lots of mirage at high powers, especially on warm days. That I expect. |
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tim
Joined: 11 Jun 2004
Posts: 329
Location: north idaho
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| Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject: |
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don
if i have the mirage at 20 power i definalty have it at 60 power. If i don't see the mirage at 20 power than i dont see it at 60 power. This is with a swarovski scope.
tim |
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