Would you rather?

Feare

FNG
Joined
Aug 14, 2018
Messages
92
Have a high end scope (Swarovski) and middle of the road binos (razor, bx-5) or middle of the road scope (VX-3i) and high end binos? Hunting open area elk and mule deer.




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Joined
Oct 19, 2019
Messages
876
With the advancement of optics in the past few years it isn’t really a binary choice. Today a guy could get very good binos (Nikon HG, GPO, etc) and a very good scope (Tract, SWFA, Leupold) for about the same price as an Alpha glass bino.
 
Joined
Aug 16, 2019
Messages
398
Binos. For most hunting, you use them way more.
You can get most of the performance of the highest end optics at a fraction of the price these days - which did not used to be the case. Instead of spending $4-5k on optics, I'd shoot to cut that at least in half to start and see what you like. Now there is certainly something to be said for "buy once cry once", hut you should at least have a good idea of what system fits your style before dropping the bigger coin.
That said - I love my 30 year old swaro 8x30's and will also likely never replace them (knock wood). I carry an old meopta spotter as well. I have less than a grand into the pair. You don't need the best optics in on the planet to fill your tags, but it certainly is nice some times 😉 I have used binos and scopes from all the top brands and have been surprised at how truly good some of the new 'midrange' stuff that is accessible to mere mortal checkbooks.

-looks like spiralhorn beat me to it
 

N2TRKYS

WKR
Joined
Apr 17, 2016
Messages
3,977
Location
Alabama
I haven't found any reason to buy anything other than VX3I scopes for my rifles. A better bino system is the way to go.
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2018
Messages
710
Location
N. CO
Go with high end binos, a good rifle scope, and save for a decent spotter. Binos top priority since you'll use them 80-90% of the time.
 

Rich M

WKR
Joined
Jun 14, 2017
Messages
5,213
Location
Orlando
Get good glass for both. You have to decide what is worth it to you.

You need a VX-3 or better level scope for it to be reliable and give decent low light ability.

I'd consider Meopta for both scope & binoculars. Good bang for your buck.

Make sure you can shoot and make the first and only shot opp you get. This year I got mine and my buddy muffed a couple opps - 3x3 then 2x2 and would not check his zero until hunt was over. All the glass in the world can't help you hit.
 
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