Spotting Scope or 15x56s?

ADDICT · May 22, 2009

Just some advice please:

I've got Nikon Monarch 12x42s and think they are fine while archery hunting and just to lug around but I want to pick uo some magnum glass.

I primarily hunt mule deer and coues deer in AZ and am planning on scoring some Leicas or Swaros in 15x56 to replace my Nikons or do you all recommend buying a big spotting scope instead and keeping the Nikons for the field?

I really prefer glassing with binos from a tri-pod but wonder if the 15x56s are enough of a difference when it comes to field judging and scanning the desert at over a mile.

Thanks in advance!

TheSaint · May 22, 2009

I have both the Swarvoski 15x56 bino's and a Swarvoski spotting scope. Both are great and have there benefits. If I had to pick between the two (since you already have the Nikon Bino's) I would go with the spotting scope.

easymoney · May 22, 2009

I use both depending on what kind of hunt I'm on.
Mule deer backpack bow hunt I use 10x32 binos and 16-48 x 70 spotting scope because they are very lightweight.
If I'm parked in one place, I love my 20x80 binos. The big binos are great because your field of vision is so wide and you use both eyes but the weight is too high for hiking around much.
Just my two cents...

Stop Global Whining

appleman · May 22, 2009

I feel you need all three----or the smaller binos and the spotter

JeremyKS · May 22, 2009

Ideally I would buy some 8 or 10 binos to carry and get the swaro 15x56s and a 65mm hd or 80mm swaro scope. But if can't do that I would get the scope first.

www.sagebrushhunts.com

ADDICT · May 24, 2009

Thanks guys.

BigFin · May 24, 2009

I am selling one of each (Swaro spotter and 15X56s). Go to this link, if interested. Great glass in great shape at a great price.

http://www.hunttalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48227

"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"

1highpeak · May 27, 2009

If you have already got some big glasses, I would definatly go with the Swarovski or Leica Spotting scope, you really cant go wrong with either, truthfully though, if your going to get a spotting scope to pack, I personally carry a 60mm Swarovski, I would save the 80mm for just close to the truck or horse, whatever, the 80mm is just to big and heavy to pack for days and miles at a time in your pack, not to mention the heat waves!
Just my Opinion ofcourse

ADDICT · May 28, 2009

Is the HD Swaro worth the difference $$$?

Gator · May 28, 2009

In for a dime in for a dollar BUY the BEST you cam afford period. If it the swarovski's then pull the trigger and get them Just BUY the BEST you can afford.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".

cabinfever · May 28, 2009

Addict, I sent my HD swaro back and got the non hds. Unless you digiscope, I don't think you'll notice a difference. HD certainly won't make the difference in spotting and animal and not.

1highpeak · May 28, 2009

+1 Addict, I have had them side by side in the field, and my eyes are not good enough to tell the diff in the two.

redrabbit · May 28, 2009

You would likely enjoy glassing all day behind a set of quality 15x binos rather than squinting or using an eyepatch with a spotter, BTDT. If you do see something big a long ways away past 15x range and need to judge him, pull out the spotter. So if you're serious into trophy hunting, get both. If you can only afford one, I'd rec the 15x first.

Another thought would be to get a quality 8x or 10X bino for around the neck that would be more suitable for handholding. (see how easy it is for us to spend your money)

RR

maddglasser · May 28, 2009

I agree with RR. Most animals are going to be somewhat judgeable for quite some distance. We spot game at 2 miles in the desert here, and can tell if the animal warrants a better look or not, even desert sheep. If your glassing a long ways and all day--15's! The scope should used to be a "deliar", but most think it will make an animal larger. Simple fact, when you see a big animal, he is big in the binos as well!

ADDICT · May 29, 2009

You guys are killing me! I see both points but I'm stuck again. Are there any 20x+ binos that anyone recommends? I already have Nikon 12x and I understand the Swaros are a ton better quality but am I really getting my $2k worth or does the spotter make more sense...? Im stuck

maddglasser · May 30, 2009

You might want to look at the vortex stuff. The new Kiabab 15's are absolutely awesome. Their new razor scope is top notch as well.

fatrooster · May 30, 2009

Addict, I owne Swarovski 10x42 EL's, 15x56 SLC's and a 20x60x80 non HD swaro spotting scope and in my opinion the 10x42's and a quality spotting scope is the way to go. I can put my 10 power bino's on a tripod and spot anything that I can spot with my 15 power bino's. Then the spotter is extremely important to tell you the rest of the story. I personally cannot live without the spotter and the distance it can be used to judge an animal. fatrooster.

LVTHNT · May 30, 2009

I have the same optics as fatrooster, except I went with the HD Swaro spotting scope, so I could run my cameras through it. I am starting to leave my 15x56's in the truck more and more as I start to leave weight behind for tough climbs. I never leave my 10 EL's or my spotter behind.

redrabbit · May 31, 2009

For good 20+x binos, look at the Docter Aspectums, a banker and a sherpa.
http://www.eurooptic.com/Docter-Opt...ars.asp?category=XXDB&vendor=XXDO&parent=XXDO

spcheuvront · May 31, 2009

Addict;
Maybe someone has alredy mentioned it, but have you thought of a pair of Zeiss 15X60 used, I think about 750-1000 bucks. Help me guys with this one, is it a Swarovski ST-80 that we all had a few years ago? I think , used,. Addict may be able to get them both for around 2000 bucks. Great glass and was the standard for a lot of years.

Just a thought---

Steve Cheuvront

ADDICT · Jun 1, 2009

LAST EDITED ON Jun-01-09 AT 09:05AM (MST)[p]Red--

It is easy for YOU to spend my money isn't it LOL! I think I'm going to have to look throught the Vortex Razor HD side by side with the Swaro 20x60 80mm non-HD and go with the gut instinct.

Thanks again for all of your help guys!