BIG glass

cabinfever · May 14, 2008

Anyone have any experience with the BIG binos put out by Doctor. They have a 40x80mm that sells for about $3500. Thats a lot of cheddar for glass, but I have heard many of the successful guides use them.

Mike

slamdunk · May 14, 2008

Being a guide myself with an outfitter that has about 40 or so guides working, not a ONE of us use giant bino's like that, we pack enough junk to have to worry about those.

We are all pretty standard, 10x40's and big spotting scopes.

Flagstaff · May 14, 2008

I agree with slamdunk in that usual optics and spotting scopes are the ticket. The 40X80 would be fine at noon in broad daylight, but with an exit pupil of 2MM, it would be fairly dark at other times. And the field of view would also be fairly small. If you still want to go beyond a 10 power binocular, get at 15X56. JMO

cabinfever · May 16, 2008

Thanks guys. I have owned and used 15X leicas. I'm not sure you gain a ton of advantage over the 10X. I have heard of a few particular guides who are very successful every year use them.

Mike

camuleycrazy · May 17, 2008

I don't own the big doctors but iv'e used them and they work incredibly well in some areas. I wish I had them! You don't want to pack them too far from a vehicle but you can glass for miles when conditions are right.

AWHOLELOTTABULL · May 17, 2008

I've been around the guiding business for a long time and I've never seen a guide packing those heavy things around. If all you have to do is take them out of the truck and put them on a tripod then maybe. Not for packing around the woods.

It's always an adventure!!!
www.awholelottabull.com

BigPig · May 19, 2008

If you want big glass, get the 15x Swaros and put them on a good tripod, AZ style. There is no better set up for long term and long distance glassing. The coues guides in So. AZ pioneered this system and it is incredibly effective.

http://www.wildernessathlete.com/ because the most important piece of equipment you own is YOU!

http://www.sitkagear.com/ Turning clothing into gear.

www.hudallaassociates.com

huntsonora · May 19, 2008

I used to think like the guys that have already posted untila friend of mine, Greg Krogh, told me to look through his when we were glassing some huge country a few years back.

That are simply unreal! The depth perception is much better as is the field of view to that of a spotting scope. I have a Leica spotter and his Doctors are head and shoulders better.

I am actually looking for a pair. I had better pony up the coin though, Greg doesnt like it when he doesnt get to use his glass.

Drum

3Toes · May 19, 2008

If you have good quality standard size bino's, a good scope, top qualilty 15's, and just need your next optics fix to calm the nerves. I feel your pain, I'm at the same point.

I would look at some of the astronomy glass. They are very large, 8 to 10 pounds, and require a very stable tripod. I wouldn't go above 25 power because of the heat waves. I also wouldn't go below a 4 to 1 (objective to power) ratio no matter what power you buy. A good starting place would be binocular.com. They have a large selection with the more popular brands having many reviews.

I have used the doctors and they are excellent, but this type of binoculars fill a very narrow niche in hunting and I can't justify the money. The astronomy glass is anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand. I'm in the martet at those prices.