Let’s play a game. Build me an optics system with $5K

[Ken Swenson]

If you were handed $5K and were to build an glassing system for western big game (mule deer emphasis) from scratch, what would you pick up?

 

[Flyjunky]

Kowa 66a and EL 10x42, done.

 

[Wheels]

Find a used Kowa 77 and a set of NL 10’s or 12’s.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Give us a call, 516-217-1000, and we can discuss this as well as take amazing care of you

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Meopta Optika LR 8x50 Range Finding Binos

Meopta Meostar B1.1 HD 15x56 Binos

Lightweight Carbon Tripod

Outdoorsmans Micro Pan Head, Bino Stud, and tall bino adapter.

Have money left over for ammo and tags.

 

[Steve O]

Swarovski 10 or 12 NL and a little ATC/STC spotter. I’ve had just about every combination one could think of and of push came to shove those are the ones I’d keep.

 

[Beendare]

I think I’ve tried just about everything.

If you are a one size type guy and young…the 12x50 swaros are a darn good-do it all bino. Not great for old guys like me to hand hold…

For a Two part system hunting the west I use 10x NL and uhd 18’s rarely dusting off my spotter.

I would buy the Vortex UHD 18s- (better than 15x Swaro or Meoptas) , a carbon Sirui tripod with ball head and Swaro El or NL….eff the spotter unless you would turn down a 180” mulie because he didn’t make 190”

For 90% of guys, you can tell whether you would shoot a critter or not at 3/4 mile with 10 powers.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Maybe wait a few weeks. I’m attempting to do a fairly objective comparison of all that and with other members so won’t be my sole opinion.

Crowd Sourced Optics Comparison (CO area) ***Updated 3/9/24***

So I guess I’m bored. But 5 years ago or so I invested a good chunk of $ to purchase (then resell) a dozen or so $1000 binos and then eventually a few of the same in spotters and wrote some bro level, objective as possible, comparisons. I know we see a lot of these online by folks who have way...

rokslide.com

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Bear ranging g binos I could buy while still getting a Swarovski ats 60.

 

[chav0_12]

I think that’s about how much I spent on my setup. I have Swarovski 10x42 SLCs, 65mm ATX, Leica 2800.COM, a Sirui ET-1204 with a VA-5. I’ve been pretty happy with that setup. While you might say that’s more than $5k I did get some great deals on all of it. Can’t really say, but it was right around that $5k number.

Edit to add: I will at some point own 15s, and an 85/95mm objective for my ATX. Having 15s is awesome especially for long range spotting work. 15s would be a setup that stays close to the road for me.

 

[WKR]

Zeiss or Swaro Range finding binos, Swarovski sts or ats 60mm with the 25-50 wide angle lens.
This is of you plan on back pack hunting. Otherwise look for a bigger objective lens spotting scope.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Fwiw once the comparison is over I’ll have almost all the stuff for sale used at good prices if you are looking to save over new.

Assuming I’ll have mini razor, STM 65, Kowa 66a, either NL or EL 12s and maybe some others.

 

[Ken Swenson]

Fwiw once the comparison is over I’ll have almost all the stuff for sale used at good prices if you are looking to save over new.

Assuming I’ll have mini razor, STM 65, Kowa 66a, either NL or EL 12s and maybe some others.

I will absolutely stay tuned. Great idea with the comparison you’re doing, it’s exactly what I’ve had on my mind. I might be first in line to buy

 

[Tahoe1305]

I will absolutely stay tuned. Great idea with the comparison you’re doing, it’s exactly what I’ve had on my mind. I might be first in line to buy

If your in CO or close come see for yourself!

 

[Ken Swenson]

If your in CO or close come see for yourself!

Dang, wish I was closer. I’ll be curious to see if you compare the EL to the NL. I’ve looked through both, but not in the field at the same time. Those are the big dogs IMO

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I'd pick these up at a smoking deal

Swarovski EL 10x42 WB Condition A Demo Binoculars 37010

Swarovski EL 10x42 WB Condition A Demo Binoculars 37010 For Sale!

www.eurooptic.com

Then a spotter, compact I'd go with this demo STC or reach out to S&S for the kowa 553

Swarovski STC 17-40x56mm Green Compact Straight Condition B Demo Spotting Scope w/SWAROVISION 48902

FREE SHIPPING on Swarovski STC 17-40x56mm Green Compact Straight Condition B Demo Spotting Scope w/SWAROVISION 48902

www.eurooptic.com

I'd go full size spotter, kowa 88, call S&S or camera land, you'd be below the 5K for an alpha set up

 

[StopMakingSense]

Rifle or archery or ready for both?
Does this include just glass or your tripod as well?
Backcountry hunting or short hikes from the truck in the morning?
What state or all states?

 

[jimh406]

Most of the reviews I've read say the difference at the top is personal preference, so I'd go take a look at them in person. You may have to go used to get the top quality glass especially with the spotter.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Swarovski 10 or 12 NL and a little ATC/STC spotter. I’ve had just about every combination one could think of and of push came to shove those are the ones I’d keep.

In the process of selling/ have sold off a bunch of stuff to get NL 12’s and an ATC… last glass anyone would need for 90% of hunts. I can think of a few hunts where you may want a bigger spotter but that’s it

 

[wildcat33]

EL range 10x42 and a tripod. Done.

I have a nice spotter and rarely use it. Don’t want to carry it and not often I’m glassing from the truck.