BGbasbhat
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Seems as though this topic has come up a bit lately...I'd like to toss in my 2 cents.....discussion/opinions/debates welcome.
I just got back from helping my buddy on his archery lope hunt in AZ. For 4 days I was sitting on a hill glassing the wide open prairie, from sunup to sundown. I'm tired, dehydrated, and sunburnt...but I have a lope tenderloin in the freezer right now, I'll post pics later..
Anyway, I was using Swaro 15x56s, a Swaro 20-60x85 spotter, and a Monfrotto tripod.
By far, I used the 15x56s the most. The objective was the most proportionate to the zoom, they were easier to use/handle, and the use of both eyes was very comfortable. I could easily glass anywhere from 50 yards to 2-3 miles, with exceptional detail. At the longer distances, I could easily differentiate buck from doe, bigger from smaller, facing to or away, bedded or alert. I think for the average hunter, these situations would suffice for 95% of your hunting needs.
The spotter was solely used when bucks were considerably far away, or if I was trying to judge horn character. When I was using them for target capture, I had to use so much magnification, the heat waves would disallow any kind of detail depiction. Plus, the animals were so far away at this magnification, we didn't want to go after them anyway...
The spotter had its niche; but I honestly couldn't stand using 1 eye. I switched eyes from time to time; but eye dominance is always an issue, so I used my right eye the majority of the time. After a long session of scope usage, my right eye was noticably tired and unable to focus as quickly. Maybe they'll get used to the strain; but I was just much more comfortable using the binos.
All in all, both optics are great for their purpose. However, for the average joe just trying to fill a tag, and not count how many kickers or whiskers an animal has, I think the 15x56s get my vote. I think a spotter would be ideal for trophy judging, or extreme long range and low heat (due to the mirage) spotting. If you're hunting inside of 3 miles for a nice buck, some 15s would fit the bill.....in my opinion....
Hope this might open up a discussion. All these things cost alot of $$$, so the more opinions the better for the educated buyer!!
"...I'd rather be tried by twelve than carried by six..."
I just got back from helping my buddy on his archery lope hunt in AZ. For 4 days I was sitting on a hill glassing the wide open prairie, from sunup to sundown. I'm tired, dehydrated, and sunburnt...but I have a lope tenderloin in the freezer right now, I'll post pics later..
Anyway, I was using Swaro 15x56s, a Swaro 20-60x85 spotter, and a Monfrotto tripod.
By far, I used the 15x56s the most. The objective was the most proportionate to the zoom, they were easier to use/handle, and the use of both eyes was very comfortable. I could easily glass anywhere from 50 yards to 2-3 miles, with exceptional detail. At the longer distances, I could easily differentiate buck from doe, bigger from smaller, facing to or away, bedded or alert. I think for the average hunter, these situations would suffice for 95% of your hunting needs.
The spotter was solely used when bucks were considerably far away, or if I was trying to judge horn character. When I was using them for target capture, I had to use so much magnification, the heat waves would disallow any kind of detail depiction. Plus, the animals were so far away at this magnification, we didn't want to go after them anyway...
The spotter had its niche; but I honestly couldn't stand using 1 eye. I switched eyes from time to time; but eye dominance is always an issue, so I used my right eye the majority of the time. After a long session of scope usage, my right eye was noticably tired and unable to focus as quickly. Maybe they'll get used to the strain; but I was just much more comfortable using the binos.
All in all, both optics are great for their purpose. However, for the average joe just trying to fill a tag, and not count how many kickers or whiskers an animal has, I think the 15x56s get my vote. I think a spotter would be ideal for trophy judging, or extreme long range and low heat (due to the mirage) spotting. If you're hunting inside of 3 miles for a nice buck, some 15s would fit the bill.....in my opinion....
Hope this might open up a discussion. All these things cost alot of $$$, so the more opinions the better for the educated buyer!!
"...I'd rather be tried by twelve than carried by six..."