Binos for out west

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FallRutSpringStrut

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I got drawn for a Wyoming Mule Deer Hunt and I think I am going to upgrade the binos before I go out west. Not made of money but would like to get the best bang for my buck. Any suggestion on size and brand would be nice. I dont know much about Aplen brand but a guy at work has a pair and he swears by his and he goes out west every year.
 
I would get 10x for out west with at least a 40mm objective. Minox, Pentax, or Vortex would be on my short list.
 
If doing lots of walking in more rugged terrain, the actual weight of the binos can be an issue as well. Keep in mind as you increase magnification, more "weight" is needed to allow you to hold the binoculars steady in an off-hand viewing situation. You may "need" a pair of 12x binoculars to weigh 3 lbs, to offer similar viewing steadiness to a 1-lb pair of 8x.

My idea on binoculars is to have them very convenient, instantly available, without need for a tripod or rest.

Might consider having a small spotting scope (with tripod) in addition to your binoculars. The total weight of both could be little different than a single pair of larger binoculars.
 
You will get 100 different answers from 100 different people, but I like Brunton's.

Just something else to check out for you.
 
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Need more information...

Bow or gun hunt?

Elevation? Terrain? (open or in the timber?)

How much will your other gear weigh?

The biggest things to consider in general when hunting out west are the distance you need to see (in other words, are you using them in place of a spotting scope), and the weight of the binoculars. Trust me, a 1/2lb in wt makes a big difference at high altitude.

I'd lean toward the Swarovski SLC's in 8x40 for an all around binocular out west. should be able to pick up a pair used but in perfect condition for around $750. The Swaro 8x40 EL's would be the cat's meow, but they're around $1300 used.

For archery hunting only where you can get by with smaller objectives and lighter weights, I'd go with the swaro 8x32 SLC's. I love mine, and paid $550 for them used but in perfect condition.

I've used other people's spotting scopes out west scouting, and I don't think I'd even waste the few hundred dollars on a cheap one (including Leupolds). They aren't any better than good binoculars, and are just about worthless when using them in low light (when game is actually out in the open). Now the high dollar spotting scopes are FINE, but at around $1200 for a used, low end Swaro, I just make due without (since I'm generally bowhunting)
 
once you develop and optics fetish, be prepared to continue to spend lots of $$$$
 
I have Leupold 10x42 Pinnacles and I can't say enough about them. They were about $500, and now discontinued. I've only had Nikon $130 binocs before and the Leupold's are much better IMO.

For hunting the open territory out here, I wish I had a pair of Zeiss 12x or 15x. You'll not believe me until you see the hunting areas for antelope & mule deer out here. Some coworkers have suggested Leica compact 10x binocs, too, but I've never looked through them.

My honest opinion--all things considered including cost--I'd get a $250-500 pair of 10x or 12x binoculars (Leupold, etc), unless you just have sacks full of unmarked hundred dollar bills. A spotting scope could help (glassing) or hinder (extra weight) you depending on the terrain you'll be hunting.

Let me know what area you got for mulies. I have a general (OTC) resident deer tag, and an area 92 doe/fawn tag, but may not do much with buck mulies during gun season depending on the weather and moving plans.
 
whatever binocular you pic, make sure you get the over the shoulder binocular strap (Butler Creek is one brand) to carry them in the mountains here. It will make a huge difference if you're walking miles each day.
 
cullbuck1 said:
whatever binocular you pic, make sure you get the over the shoulder binocular strap (Butler Creek is one brand) to carry them in the mountains here. It will make a huge difference if you're walking miles each day.
Click to expand...

got that right. i have the gander mtn kind and they are awesome. best 15 bucks ive spent in a while
 

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