[Brad H]

Ok guys I'm not looking for any particular brands, just a few different set ups. Would you go with 10x42 binocs and compact spotting scope, 15x56 binocs only, or 10x42 binocs only???

 

[Bobmuley]

Option A or C. I'm currently down to Option B and it's driving me crazy not having my 10x42s around.

 

[drkangel11683]

I agree with bobmuley, either A or C. Usually I go C.

 

[wetcreoste]

Depends on ur time to hunt, and terrain. If ur only hunting 1-2 days then i would say the 10x42 binos and compact spotting scope would be fine. If ur blessed to have 7 or more days, than i would suggest the 15x56 and bigger optics/more weight. Seeing at greater distance is always the advantage, but say, if I see a trophy mule deer at 2.5+ miles across a canyon with my 15x56 Swaros and STS 80 HD spotting scope, it would be all useless and fruitless to attempt to trex after the animal, and relocate a back country campsite if I had no time. Always match your bowhunting with whatever availiable time you are given, thats what will increase your odds for success.

 

[Brad H]

We will be bow hunting elk in either New Mexico or Colorado. Will have 10-14 days to hunt.

 

[Fulldraw1972]

For a back pack hunt were you are out for 5+ days I would go with just the 10 x 42's. If your trips are shorter then I would say option A.
I know you said 10 to 14 days. Is that in two trips in??

 

[Brad H]

We would split the hunts up into two or three different trips.

 

[trapper.robi]

I would go with just the 10 x 42's in your situation

 

[trophyhill]

i'm taking my spotter and my 10x42's on any mule deer, or back country elk hunt.

 

[dotman2]

I prefer 8x42 but I also have a spotter.

 

[trophyhill]

I prefer 8x42 but I also have a spotter.

i thought about getting some 8x42's for the black timber situations i'm always getting myself into

 

[AZwarts]

I picked up a pair of 15x50s thinking that I needed those for the desert but If I could go back would have upgraded my 10x42s.

 

[Th3hocker]

Not to hijack, but feel my question adds to the original posters question. I am looking at the Vortex viper hd 8x42 or the 10x50 used with a tripod hunting in Nevada, Utah, Idaho. Only 4oz weight difference

I am thinking I can use the 10x50 and skip the spotting scope. I want to keep a 5mm exit pupil.

 

[Bowhuntr64]

Only 10x42 binocs for me.

 

[5MilesBack]

For me, it depends. For elk only I will probably never carry a spotter. But for deer, absolutely 10x42's and spotter. For most of my elk hunting, I use 8x32's because I hardly ever leave the timber.

 

[BroodBuster]

I'm seriously thinking of buying a spotter this year but mostly for scouting and photography. Probably wont carry during the actual hunt because I can recognize a shooter when I see it-Basically anything legal

So I picked C

 

[Evan28]

I go with 8x42 on a harness and put 15x56 in my pack with tripod.

 

[Rack Tracker]

The openness of the terrain is really going to determine if I bring a spotting scope. Mule Deer Country; high desert or alpine, yes.
10x42 for sure on the Binos.

Higher value on the Binos than the Scope.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

depends on location and time of hunt. Don't really need either for hunting elk in the rut, just ears. But other times a scope and binos are an absolute must. A scope in densely forested areas is just added weight but in the open country, they're worth their weight in boot leather.

 

[Mtn. Runner]

I like 10x42 but I also always carry my spotter with me.