Budget Binos & Rangefinder

BeastlyDavis13 · Jul 12, 2019

So I'm new to muley hunting, grew up bow hunting whitetail from a tree stand back East. I drew a muley tag in Utah this fall, so I'm working on collecting all the gear I'll need.

The big problem I face is that I'm on a college student budget. I've got my rifle set up, just picked up a pack, now I need to figure out a way to see the critter to shoot at it. Realistically my budget is no more than $100-150 each for binos and range finder (and I won't have a spotting scope). What models should I look for used in that range, since I've read a lot of people on here suggest it is better to buy used "nicer"glass than cheaper new.

Thanks! And if you think my budget is basically impossible to work with, let me know.

BeastlyDavis13 · Jul 12, 2019

I found Vortex Diamondback 10x42 binos on sale for $120 shipped for a new pair, thoughts?

Homer · Jul 12, 2019

....as good as what 90% of us used 30 years ago....

Jaeger22 · Jul 15, 2019

Vortex IS a good binocular for the price. Also look at Pentax & Nikon.

You do NOT NEED a rangefinder. I (either pulling the trigger or 'guiding' family & friends) have been there when we killed well over 400 deer & elk. Yeah, I'm that old.

I killed a lot of deer before I could afford binos. I NOW have ALL the high-end, hi-tech optics & stuff. The range finders are FUN but hardly a necessity. If you can SHOOT, it's the least-important item.

My best hunting partner and I use them ALL THE TIME ...... while shooting at rocks 1000 yards away on the far side of a distant canyon, as well brag to one another. Neither of us have ever used them while actually killing a deer or elk.

Within the shadows, move softly.

HIcountryman · Jul 15, 2019

A rangefinder gives u confidence in knowing where that buck is. I use mine constantly while hunting to train my eye... So if u dont have time to range moving buck u at least know about how far he is. I use a Halo that was $100 about 6 yrs ago. U dont need one that will range to 1000 yds if your shooting range is only 300 yds...

I use vortex diamondback 10 x 42. They are 100x better than anything too much cheaper and u have to pay a lot more to see that next bump in quality.

Good footwear, socks, binos, and a cheap rangefinder are basic essentials for muley hunting in ny opinion

BeastlyDavis13 · Jul 15, 2019

I ended up biting on the Vortex Diamondback's, it was too good of a deal to pass up on. I've seen some Nikon 500 yard rangefinders being sold used for $100 on KSL, I'll have to keep an eye out and see if I can find a good deal.

I've been watching Sierra Trading Post for some boots, for socks, do y'all recommend Merino wool? For a mid-late October Utah hunt, should I get insulated boots or non-insulated?

HIcountryman · Jul 18, 2019

Uninsulated are a bit more versatile i think. Two pair liners and two smartwools are what i use late seasons in an uninsulated boot. Dont skimp on yer footwear.

Largebull · Jul 28, 2019

just read this thread. I was gonna say for hunting the west Pentex and Nikon would be a joke. Even high end Leoupold don't cut it. Unless a tripod is used. Do yourself a favor what ever You got put it on a tri pod. At worst I would get Minox or Doctor 15's ,tripod them and You will be glassing with the big boys......Then sone day you get Swaros or Leica. . Then sell the Vortex.........BULL!

Largebull · Jul 28, 2019

Jaegger I agree wth you range finder is last thing needed. I have a Leica 900 very accurate and rarely use it.............BULL!

azerot · Sep 26, 2019

I also want to buy a good rangefinder or laser sight. I really can't decide what I'll stop at.

azerot · Sep 26, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Sep-26-19 AT 12:31PM (MST)[p]What do you say? By the way, I heard that there are laser sights with the functions of a rangefinder.

shoo99 · Sep 30, 2019

I also for a long time can not choose which smart sight is better. After that I began to search for information on the Internet and decided to stop at ATN X-SIGHT 4K INT 3-14X (I bought it here https://www.atncorp.com/smart-hd-weapon-sight), designed for day and night shooting