Contributors to this thread:
How important are a good set of binos for bowhunting southwest Colorado?
It all comes down to how much money you want to spend.
For an affordable pair its hard to beat a pair of Nikon Monarchs.
If you like to get up high and glass, 10 x 42 If you hunt mostly dark timber you may want to look at 8 x 42 or smaller.
Binoculars save walking. SW Colorado is big country.
Anything the keeps you from wasting steps and time is a good thing. So, yes, they are quite important.
they are very important, buy the best you can afford and go enjoy them.
another fan for Nikon Monarch 10x42 One of the best binoculars under 300 us
A decent set is a great asset. I'm liking the Leupold Mojave HD in the intermediate price range. I use binos all the time elk hunting even when its not open country. You can go without, but its really nice to be able to confirm a little patch of tan or an out of place horizontal line through the timber.
I hunt with Jerad Cotten of West Elk outfitters in SW Colorado and he can see deer and elk with his Swarovskis long before I can with my 10x50 Nikons. I have 20/15 vision with my glasses on as well.
Im looking at the Vortex diamondbacks. they got great reviews and alot of people recommend them and price is pretty good.
The diamondbacks are the 10 by 32 or the 10 by 42. which ones would anyone recommend?
10X42 Diamondbacks, good glass, decent price, great warranty
Picked up a pair of 12x50 Diamondbacks a couple weeks ago, Cabela's had them on sale for $159. They're good, but I think my older Alpen 10x50's are just as good...not even sure why I got them but the price was right.
I've glassed with Swarovski in CO and AZ, Zeiss as well...maybe it's me but I don't see the big difference, and certainly can't justify the price.
My wife got me a pair Zeiss before I went on my first caribou hunt. The guys with me were counting caribou, I was counting points.
Good glass is definitely worth the money. It is just as important as your bow.
TMBB
I also like the Monarch for the money they are essentially disposable.
The 42 is a bigger diameter objective lens and all else being equal, it will provide a brighter and clearer image. The trade-off is a little more weight, size and price. For some, the size of the slightly smaller 32 is a better fit and worth the slight reduction in performance.
That said, I would get the 42. In medium priced glass, I think 10x42 or 8x32 are the best balances of objective size and magnification.
vortex are good value as well. 10x42 would be great Get a good binocular harness..you won't even know you are wearing them.
Steiner 10x50s not too big and fairly light. Can be had in their mid range glass for under 400. Shawn
As far as how important binocs are, whether it's SW CO or anywhere else for that matter, they're very important...at least for me. As far as brand, cost, etc, that boils down to personal preference. I do prefer 10x42's.
Although I hunt where it's thick cover darn near everywhere, I would no sooner enter the woods without them than I would my bow.
I have compared Vortex to Leupold and Nikon and they always come up lacking in clarity unless you buy the $1000+ models. Ohio- I would hardly say it is from lack of experience.How would you explain me spotting 3 cow elk with the Swarovskis immediately after I had just glassed the same hillside with my Nikons?
They were bedded. That is why the best guides in the world Swarovski.
I have some expensive glass but my every-day hunting binos have always been something midrange on price. The best was a set of Pentax 10x42. Everyone who used them thought they were amazing. I lost them and tried to find a current model but the newer model just wasn't as crisp.
When one of my Swaro buddies give me a hard time I tell them the reward from hunting comes from the challenge. Anyone can spot critters with $1500 binos :^)
Pm me about getting a set of the new ZenRay Ed 4s
ohio clear your mind. We were a mile from them and I was rifle hunting.
Swarovski's worth every penny! You only have to buy them once in your lifetime.
Zeiss 10x42. Worth every penny. 10x better than my Nikon Monarchs.
I was ready to pull the trigger on some Swaros or Zeiss binos I was down looking at them ready to go and they are both great binos, but I bought the Vortex Vipers 10x42 instead... I really like them, super clear, crisp, light weight. For the money they can not be beat! I also have Nikon Monarch 5 10x42 and the Vortex blow them away.
Go down and look at them, at good retailer will let you take them outside to compare.
Good Luck,
Scar.
When I went to buy a set of binos for western hunting. I went I tried a bunch of different ones at a store. I did it late in the evening. I ended up with a pair of Vortex vipers in 10 x 42. My friend decided on Cabelas euros. In very low light the Euros transmit color better. That was the only difference I could tell.
The next year I got the chance to compare them to a pair of Swaro's on an elk hunt late in the evening glassing from a hill top. Were the swaro's better? Yes they were. Were they $1,500 better? Im not so sure about that one.
Thanks everyone for the input. i will be in colorado the last week of sepetember for my elk hunt. pretty excited about that. just want decent binos that i can use there and back here in ohio deer hunting with out breaking the bank.
Money is relative. Sounds like you're looking for low-mid priced stuff. All the above options are good.
I think by far the best bang for you buck is the Minox 8x44 I think BL's or whatever they are in a porro prism. They are compact, but the porro prism is a lot better in low light and seeing 3D. They are such an awesome bino for the money it's amazing. For a few hundred bucks the german glass shouldn't be overlooked. Being a compact porro they look kind of goofy, but they flat out perform.
We were at a family picnic and my brother was showing me his new Vortex binoculars. It was mid day and they were nice, clear and sharp. I happened to have a pair of Leica and Zeiss Conquest with me. They all seemed comparable until I looked in the shadows at 400-600 yards. With the Vortex it was not very sharp at all and hard to make out details. With the Leica and Zeiss they were still sharp with great color clarity and it was easy to pick out details. The Vortex are still good but you do get something for the extra money.
Binos are valuable to a bow hunter, whether they are in the woods of the East or the mountains of the West. An Eastern hunter might want to make sure they are going to shoot a doe and not a button buck. They may want to look at the antlers of a buck in low light 100 yards away. Out West, you may want to see if that elk a mile away has antlers or not. You may want to see how big they are. Most of my hunting is in the Southeast, and I take my 8x30 Swaros on every hunt. They add value to my hunting experience. When my son first started sitting by himself, I found a bargain cave pair of Monarchs for him. They have given him good service for eight years. Well worth the money.
The real only reason for the binos is elk hunting. Here in ohio i dont glass to much except before season start or if im hunting a big field so i really dont plan on spending alot. just nice compact good binos that if i need them they are there for me to glass with.
OP, if you don't hunt out West every year, you might do well to borrow a pair from a good friend. I certainly understand your usage, as that was me a while back. Now, I've used binos on nearly every big game hunt I've been on in the past twenty years and will say that it is one of my most valuable and enjoyable pieces of hunting equipment I own.
Good luck on the hunt in Colorado.
Bushnell makes a light weight 10x42 and life time replacement, Less then $150.
Has anyone used the vortex diamondback 10x32? Thats what i bought. i wanted alittle more compact than the 10x42.
There's a reason most everyone recommended the 10x42's rather than the 10x32's. The 42's have better light gathering that can certainly help during low light glassing. The minor difference in "compactness" isn't worth the trade-off in performance IMO.
I don't have any experience in Ohio, but I wouldn't bother hunting without a quality set of binos.
At the mid level price point I would look at the Leica Trinovids or meopta meostars or used swaro's.
Another option is to rent quality optics.
As for the bow analogy, it's not really applicable as almost any bow on the market will shoot accurately out to 60 yards, but not every optic will work equally for finding game at distance.
If wanting more compact, I would go 8x32. A bright clear 8X picture is often better than a 10X using the same objective size. Middle of the day its hard to see the differences but in low light its important to have plenty of lens area to match the magnification.
"I have over 750" of antler on the wall". Maybe you should invest in some quality binos, unless your talking antelope you have some ground shrinkage issues. With your vast knowledge of glassing elk out west, you should have like 7500" of wall antler.
Another vote for the Nikon Monarchs - for sure one of the best values in the marketplace.
BUCKEYEBUCK01,
On the Rokslide.com sight (classified adds) they have a pair of Zeiss HD 8X32 Conquest Binos for $450. This is a good price point for some quality glass with decent resale value IMHO. Should fit your needs pretty well.
Regards LaGriz
Hunted Western Colorado and each year I was the last to find elk or never found them with my $500 binos. The first person was always a guy with Swarvoski's, now I have a pair and wished I had them years ago. We all only get to hunt a few days a year, why not get the best good binos you can?
Just remember, you can't hunt elk you can't see.
My vote is for some 10x42 Swarovski EL's
Good luck!
I witnessed a group of around 300 elk disappear in the tree line around 600 yards away from me this Saturday. To the naked eye you couldn't see a single one while they were in the tree line. Pull up the binos and they stood out in the timber.
My point is if I hadn't watched the group run into the timberline I would've never known they were there unless I had binos..... so regardless of what some say on here I would say it is a necessary tool. Have people shot elk without them, of course. Will it help you find elk you never knew were there, absolutely. For some to suggest it's not needed are simply wrong. You don't need it when the animal is 20 yards away, you need them when finding animals you never knew where there.... maybe only 200 yards away.
Out east sitting in a stand no I would say you don't need them... but for elk yup. And buy a good pair like vortex. That purchase will be well worth it if you find one bull you never knew was there. And you will see more animals if you use them.
Perhaps the Bowsite can form a new western hunting forum that has access driven by the state listed in the user profile, so that only people who live in states with peak elevations of 7,000 ft. or less can contribute? That should eliminate the confusion that results when people who actually live and hunt out west contribute opinions. ;-)
And to the op question.... I've used the diamondback. Great glass for the money. I really do suggest at least the 42. You'll thank me in the timber.
I don't hunt Ohio. Take the word of afellow Ohio native about not using them, or not really needing them if you want. I live and hunt here in new mexico and Arizona for elk. I've never hunted Colorado though. If you were my friend I was taking hunting elk out west, I would be adamant about either buying the 42 or using a pair of mine. In fact I would almost bet if you did buy the 32 you would end up using my 42.... get the 42!
One benefit of binoculars most folks don't understand or take advantage of is using the field flattening phenomenon of the range of focus to see "through" layers of cover and find elk you would otherwise stumble into and bust. They are pretty handy tools, and IMO one no serious elk hunter would be without.
Plus one Matt. I've speed elk and deer while still hunting through timber I no doubt would've blown had I not used the binos to scan ahead. I am almost almost shocked to see some down play their importance. You don't need a pair of swarros though.... but I guarantee you'll like em more than others lol. Get a pair you're comfortable with buying. I recommend any vortex line.
Binos for elk - not so much - for me. I carry compact 8x32 for a quick study but not much other than that.
Works for me.
Eyestrain - Thats why I have Nikon 10x42 Monarchs for when I do use glass. The lower the magnification and objective the more likely you will have eye strain after prolonged, continued use.
Matt- I live in KS and hunt the wide-open Flint Hills but I've hunted Colorado for the last 17 years with several outfitters and DIY hunts. Most folks from the midwest and back east really cannot fathom how far you will be looking for animals until you get out there and see it for yourself. I am still hanging on to my $300 10x Nikons because I'm a tightwad but rest assured I will get some Swarovskis someday.
When hunting in the Western states I will always have my Zeiss Conquest 10x42 in a harness on my chest. They get used A LOT.
I see very little use for binoculars most of the time when hunting deer in the east. When hunting at home in VA I only use Minox 8x26 pocket binoculars if I use binoculars at all. They only get used when I see something that isn't coming near my stand. The only use for good glass in the east is for late summer scouting in crop fields.
Personally, I think the OP chose a good compromise with the Vortex 10x32 for binos that will work for his needs.
Typical bowsite dick measuring contest. This reminds me why I don't come on here anymore.
C'mon Matt, every person coming from the flatlands doesn't claim to be the leading expert at least. A lot of people hunt in a lot of different ways. To some binoculars are way more valuable than others. Maybe certain people on this thread just don't know how to use binoculars?? I'm no where near expert level myself.
IMO binoculars are an important tool, perhaps even a critical one in SW Colorado. In the woods of the east, they are probably less critical. However, depending on your hunting style, they may be just as essential for your hunt.
You get what you pay for... Mostly. Have used top dollar Zeiss and Leica. But who has 1k-2k for glass. Not me. Bought Bushnell Legends used for 160 used for my son and they are functional. Have 2 pairs of Bruntons - 1 8x32- and 1 10x42. Got those for 200 each used since Brunton went out of the binocular business 2 years ago. If a guy could find a pair of Bruntons used-- best deal there is. No warranty on those but an excellent buy what what a guy will spend. Plus if you lose them, it won't cause you so much heart burn.
From ohiohunter,
"Griz, speaking of zeiss, I wonder when they're gonna ante up and offer a warranty like the competition?"
Not sure what you mean? I have a transferable Warranty on my Zeiss product. They do have a range finder component that is limited (defects in workmanship or materials for 5 years) This would effect the 8X32's that I recommended to the thread owner. I think it's Leica has a 10 year warranty that is non-transferable, and they have a loyal following. Swarovski I'm told is the best.
I looked hard at all this before I put down the coin. (The latest pair cost more than several used cars of my youth) That said, I have never regretted a purchase of high end optics. That includes Bino's, rifle scopes, or a spotter. The 8X32 are not "too big" for the deer woods and they do give me an edge on occasion especially in broken cover or late season. I also agree with Matt that they are handy to look-thru-the-cover.I have forgotten my bino's at camp, home, or truck on whitetail hunts without much if any stress. But IMHO, on any mountain hunt, I would feel under-equipped and undressed with out them.
LaGriz
I was referencing the unconditional lifetime warranties like vortex. I've heard of swaro charging for repairs, though never experienced it. I only own vortex. Had zeiss had the same warranty I would've prob looked at them with more conviction, at this point in my life swaros aren't on the menu.
Ohiohunter,
I don't understand your comments. I don't know much about deer hunting in Ohio, not on my bucket list or radar.
The OP's question was about hunting elk in the mountains, something that I have a lot of experience doing. I spend 60 days a year in the mountains hunting and guiding for elk, deer, and bear in big country.
I've been lucky to use a lot of glass in the field and can tell you with great certainty that having a quality optics can make or break a hunt in the west.
If you read every post leading up to it you would understand.
And PLEASE PLEASE comprehend I am NOT, I repeat, NOT saying quality optics are not desirable out west. I have razors, and trust me had I not moved west I would never in my wildest dreams spend that much on optics. I KNOW THE IMPORTANCE. clear? A little reading comprehension goes a long way.
Lets make this simple.
1. opt asked about necessity of good glass suggesting he is reluctant to spend $$ on therefore budget friendly.
2. He is in ohio, the glass will be used extensively once a year at best.. in colorado/west.
3. I've been in his shoes more literally than most understand, I don't see how hard it is to understand but whatever.
4. People boasting about their swaros and how op should get them! wtf? $2k glass, really not what I call budget.
5. Then the classic bowsite -put words into one's mouth- starts (which is why you are adding your 2cents, b/c you think I don't think optics are important).. along w/ a few scragglers (WRO) who want to get their 2cents worth of uniformed bashing in.
6. OP ignores all help and buys 10x32's.. moral of the story... SSDD on bowsite, be prepared to feel like you're arguing with a woman.
I'm still wondering why an Ohio deer hunter is giving advice on anything to do with western elk hunting. Stick to something you have knowledge about, like you favorite iPhone game you play in your stand.
Ohiohunter you are a real jack
You guys are entertaining.
Please tell me where my account of the conversation is wrong?
I like Jack, thank you!
Yep, said he bought the vortex diamondback 10x32's.
Thanks Mav. He in fact did, the diamondbacks, but hopefully he read the responses and kept his receipt.
ohiohunter, You could do a little reading and comprehending too!
"4. People boasting about their swaros and how op should get them! wtf? $2k glass, really not what I call budget."
I pointed the thread writer to a "used" $450 set of HD Conquests, yet you felt that I needed scolding for doing so. I also added "IMHO" in the text. That too must have been missed while you vented your disgust with all of us rubes. I get your brand loyalty the Vortex products. Warranty plays a big part in any purchase. Your advice in that direction must have made an impact on the buyer.
If you think it is rough over here, try the "Monster Muleys" site, were they filet folks on a regular basis for much less. LOL!
LaGriz
I'm not sure why you'd think anything was directed towards you??? I asked you about zeiss warranty, end of story. Sensitivity is on high around here.
Eh, mule deer do little for me.
Ohiohunter,
I wasn't bashing, but I can say with great certainty I've forgotten more about optics than you know. (that was bashing so now your covered)
You seem to be more sensitive than my wife when her monthly visitor shows up.
As for your choice in glass, Paying 1200.00 for a 600.00 piece of glass with a good warranty?
Congrats??
WRO,
I must have missed something, what is the reference below about?
"As for your choice in glass, Paying 1200.00 for a 600.00 piece of glass with a good warranty?"
Thanks,
Scar.
I looked through some monarch 5 and sworo's el today and they were both amazing. feels like you were right there. never had a chance to look through great optics like the swaro's but monarchs seem very comparable during daytime but im guessing difference is in low light situations?
Scar,
I'm personally not impressed with the razors at all, there CA control is poor, they have mediocre edge to edge clarity, and the image always has a slight greenish hue to it.
Buckeye,
The difference goes far beyond light, the EL's have field flattening lenses that make the image perfect to the edges, when you get to glassing fine detail, the El's win (this becomes very important when glassing at distance, as the spider web in a store transalates to a horn tip in the sage) They do colors and textures better when also helps to differentiate animals from the background. The monarch 7 is a very solid performer at the price point, but isn't in the same class as the Swato, Leica, and Meopta of the world.
WRO, once again your ignorance precedes you. Wife? I would've never guessed it, after all society is far more accepting these days.
I'm glad you know what I pay for my equipment. Thanks buddy! I'm far less sensitive and more frustrated when people get their own ideas of what one is writing and run with it, then all the weak minded jump on the bandwagon. Misunderstandings happen but it goes to the extreme too often.
Maybe you could use your PHD in optics to help others out instead of bragging about it.
** I agree the razors have a "tint" to them.. green blue, but at the price I got them I couldn't pass them up. Side by side vs swaros the swaros are superior but I couldn't justify the extra 1500.
WRO,
I agree the super high end glass is superior, only a fool would argue that. if they weren't, they wouldn't be selling for what they do and wouldn't be in business. If I had the need, I would have gone with the Leica. I love them, for me they are awesome. But for what I use binos for, I could never justify the cost. I went with the Vortex Viper HD in 10X42. I did have the coin and the opportunity to go with the high end glass, but as I said, I really couldn't justify it for what I use them for. Everyone's eyes are different, the Monarchs didn't impress me at all, I have the 5's and I have used the 7's in low light and I feel my Vipers are far superior (for my eyes)
Scar.
Ohiohunter,
I trying to earlier before someone got all bunched up.
Everyday I'm amazed I am able to wake up next to a beautiful woman with such a poor of judgement.
Scar,
It doesn't have to be a 2500.00 set of glass to be really good. The new trinovids are 1K on the nose, Meoptas meostars are right in the same ballpark as far as cost. Both of those have better glass than their similarly priced Asian counterparts. At 600.00 the vipers are a pretty good value for the money and probably a leader in that price range.
If a guy really wants to get into a set of alpha glass, used is the best way to go. I picked up a set of Victory HT's last year for 1200.00 with a triopd adapter. Thats roughly 1/2 price of new, kept them for a while, sold them and made a little money and went with EL 12x50's. There are used sets of SLC HD's, Ultravids, and El's that one can consistently find on the various classifieds for 30-50% off retail.
I think we were typing at the same time.
I'm not that easy on equipment and I know even the highest quality will need service eventually. What is swaros policy? and in the case of ownership change?
Would the avg joe be able to identify differences between slc, ultravids, and el??
I know Swaro well, lifetime manufacturers warranty free cleanings and service, if you break it, you will pay for the materials only. New lenses are about 75-150 each. Eyecups, caps, etc are generally always free. The warranty is transferable. Everyone I guide with runs swaro and the neighboring guides do 2, I've never heard a complaint about a warranty issue from any of them.
I've never had anything break so I don't have much experience with them except for the yearly service which makes the view look new again.
I've heard that Meopta is the same way, my hunting partner had them before he had Swaro's and they were pretty dang good as well.
No experience with zeiss warranty, other than I've heard its good, but really slow. Leica warranty service sucks from what I know.
As for seeing the differences, I run an STX spotter (yes it costs what a used vehicle runs) but when we were glassing Elk at 2000 yards in poor light (overcast, elk in the shade of mohaganies) I could literally see 7 different elk and in my clients Razor, you could see 2. The difference was in the detail at distance and picking up the pieces of the bedded elk. In binoculars, the biggest advantages are no eye strain, you get your peripheral vision, which is lost in a pair of glass with bad edge clarity, and then picking up details, color changes, and textures at distance. Under 500 yards on moving game, it doesn't matter really. At distance, or counting points, or digging up bedded animals, it makes a huge difference.
I run all of my glass on a tripod for the following reasons. The human eye is focused on movement 99% of the time, tripod stabilize out any handshake allowing subtle movements to be picked up. Grid searching Easy to start again where you left off Transfer between Spotter and Binoc’s is quick Increased comfort for longer glassing sessions
I literally doubled to tripled the amount of game I see when running my glass off a tripod.
Sorry for the Novel.
Oh and I forgot about better chromatic abberation control which is nice for glassing in the high sun etc..
Side by side I could see the resolution advantage of swaros in the store (over razors), but again, for me the price difference was undoubtedly a factor. And as pointed out above in the deer woods I have not put the value on glass as more seasoned western hunters. I don't even have a spotter, and I don't see one in my future unless a crack head needs a fix or someone is really down on their luck.
At the price I picked up my razors I'll either break even or come out ahead. Then maybe some swaros but until then I'll just have to deal with my beta glass.
I am not familiar with the terrain where you will be hunting, when I was elk hunting near Meeker I used 6x32 Vortex Vipers, they were excellent. I love them hunting PA and Oh, being 6x low light transmission is excellent, hope this helps
I dont know if i like the vortex diamondbacks. what does anyone think of the leupold acadias?
The Vortex Razors aren't even in the Swaro discussion. LMAO! Hell they aren't even that great a glass for the price anymore. You can do MUCH better for a $1,000 dollars... (Vortex has really started to slip optically)
PAHO
im hunting in southwest colorado san juan forest area.
My son bought some Vortex 10X42's on clearance at Cabelas and they are every bit as nice as my Swarovski's for the money.
I"m a big fan of Minox myself although I have Swarovski's- I may send them in and have them gone over just to see if there warranty work does make them any different?
I thought I saw some tree rubs around here....I see the bulls are in full rut before the season. This appears to be a wallow..... LOL!
JordanMOFLCO...LOL that is rich.
Unless someone can get the OP some Swaro's for $200 (also please include me in this deal) he obviously isn't going to drop that kind of coin on binos. Looks at the models he as been asking about. I have no experience in those models so unfortunately I can not contribute.
There is no question that the best glass will let you see animals that yuo would consistently miss with low end glass. You will see detail in shadows that you can't possibly see with low end binos. It has nothing to do with experience. There are some physical limitations with the budget binos of any brand that experience or all the wishing in the world won't overcome.
If your budget is low and you will use them once or twice for hunts in the west I would buy the first pair that looks good to your eyes within your price range. it's pointless to try out every brand out there as the performance is all similar at the lower price points you will be slightly better off than not having binoculars but only marginally.
Also regarding objective lense size and magnification. The pupil only dilates to 5mm so any binoculars with more than a 5mm exit pupil is a waste. so the best combinations are those that have exit pupils divisible by 5. 10 x 50, 8 x 40, 7x35. etc.
You missed the point. but I shouldn't be surprised. How many did you miss because of the limitations of the cheap binos that you will never know about? Where as if you were using the better binos you would have seen?
I would have to question how legitimate the hunters were that were using a teen to "escort" them. What I mean is, they probably weren't very good hunters and your experience and young eyesight had everything to do with finding animals and had little to do with your cheap binocs. There is no arguing high end glass will enable you to pick up on animals at long distances. Those who would argue have simply have not used them in the field trying to find animals that can sometimes be miles away.
For what its worth I took the 2nd largest typical whitetail w/ bow in ohio at 20 (at 20yds) followed by a near booner (at less than 10yds) the next season. So for a teen to be a successful guide is not unfathomable, I could have easily put anyone in my stand. Not to mention I cleaned house at my local 3d shoots in my mid teens.
How many gymnast's pinnacle of their career happens in their teens? To completely dismiss one's age regarding skill can be an act of futility.
I agree with Maverick340 that experience in spoting game, regardless of brand, plays a large role in what you end up seeing. Expespecially in today's world where you can get a "usable" pair of bino's for $300. My recommendation would be to look at Leopold Mohave's (on sale from time to time) or Nikon Monarch's. On sale these are $250-350 glass and will work fine for a once-per-year western hunt. Actually, my advice is to buy a set of Swarovski's when you can first afford them (30 years old or so?) and never look back-but only if you plan to hunt out west every year until you physically can't.
"I agree with Maverick340 that experience in spoting game, regardless of brand, plays a large role in what you end up seeing."
Agreed.
But the point was experience doesn't overcome the binoculars physical limitations If the glass isn't capable of providing the detail needed to see an object all the experience in the world isn't going to help. If it could it seems doubtful there would be a market for high end optics.
Example, If I'm sitting next to a person with high end binoculars and we can both see the object using his binoculars but neither of of us can pick it out using my cheap binoculars then the cheap binoculars aren't worth the money at any price regardless of experience. I can't tell you how many times I have seen that happen.
I had a pair of pentax for years. I finally was able to buy Swaro's what a difference. Found some used like new and saved a bit. I would agree with buy the best you can afford. Took about 45 years to get them.
I have a pair of leupold cascade 8x42 and have been happy with them. You shop around you can get them for 200 or less. You dont need a expensive pair unless you got cash to burn or are trophy hunting. Even a cheap pair of 50 dollar binos I could tell if a bull was big or small at 4-500 yards away.
You guys should listen to Maverick, he is the greatest hunter in the history of hunting. Just ask him!!
So Ohiohunter you have 4 whitetails over 185"s? Just curious as that is impressive. Guys have to remember what some folks call mid-range glass still costs a grand. If you want to save some money and get quality German Glass I still like Steiner. Shawn
Not quite; 214, 183, 176, 176.. gross.
When I make it back to ohio I may get the chance to pull them all out for a barn side picture for Ed Waite jr. He's the Buckmaster scorer in the area, my biggest has been featured in one of his books (and rack magazine, ohio game and fish cover, and mention in outdoor life) and I did have a pic in the record book but I'm not sure if it is still in the top to be pictured.
^^^^EVERYBODY just loves "That" guy...^^^^
ohiohunter's Link
I'll gladly be "that" guy again, and again, and again.
My next set of binos will be Nikons, I think they are some of the best glass you can buy for the money.
Here is a kudos to Vortex for not only great binocs but a warranty program beyond belief. Some dummy, me, recently ran over my wifes binocs with our 3/4 ton truck and destroyed same. I sent them in and they were replaced without cost, saving this old guy grief. A GREAT PRODUCT AND WARRANTY and you do not need a second mortgage for their products.
Hunt 596 don't kid yourself that Vortex has the best warranty. Leupold and several other companies had the same warranty LONG before chinese junk vortex came along
Based on what my friends who have extensive experience with Vortex products have experienced, you will likely be forced to use the warranty at some point. Vortex has good optical quality for the money, but the durability doesn't seem to measure up. This may not be an issue for someone who isn't likely to use the binoculars extensively, but something to consider.
I am of the mind to buy gear for which I will likely never need to use the warranty, as good as that warranty may be.
Very Important!
I just pick up a pair of Swarovski EL 10x32 W B.
The original question was "How important are a good set of binos for bowhunting southwest Colorado?"
The answer is-Binos are very important! I'd say at least something in the range of 10x, buy binos that fit your budget, there are a ton of choices out there for as little as a couple hundred bucks that will save you a lot of walking. Buy what you can afford and go hunt...
I don't see how the importance of quality glass could be minimized to any degree. IMO it is THE most important piece of equipment we have. For distance or picking out a patch of tan or antler in the dark timber. Good glass kills more elk than any other piece of equipment.
Therefore, get the best glass you can afford. Period. Cut back on something else if you have to. It's that important IMO.
When I had very little money, the first $1000 I could scrape up went for a pair of used Swaros. That was a long time ago, but IMO it's still a good philosophy.
Lagrizz and bb spot on. I would not hesitate to buy good used. Warranty response with swaro and zeiss glass is most always regarded highly.
Depending in where I am I use binos little these days. But that's been changing lately.
You could spend $1000's on good glass that won't help at all if you don't know how to use it. Just because someone has a pair of Swaros around their neck doesn't mean they're going to see elk...
Binoculars are a work tool for me so I opt for good glass. I use these 8 months out of the year & sometimes 8 hrs. a day. You cannot do that with cheap glass!
The op will use them for 1wk and nowhere near 8hrs a day. That can be done with inexpensive glass.
"You could spend $1000's on good glass that won't help at all if you don't know how to use it. Just because someone has a pair of Swaros around their neck doesn't mean they're going to see elk..."
Well thats a whole other issue and that's definitely true. If you aren't going to see them with the Swaro's then you certainly aren't going to see them with a lesser pair So that leads into the next question...why bother at all or at least buy a token pair just to say you have them.
I live and do most of my hunting in NW Ohio. I take my binoculars with me every time I go out. I don't like to hunt without them as they add another dimension to the hunt. Like Matt said above I can "look through" brush to see hidden deer/game. Also I can still see when it's too dark for the naked eye because of the light gathering ability of binos. For the record I use Nikon Monarch 8 X 32.
I understand both sides of the debate. If you spend a lot of time behind the glass, the high-end brands are an investment that will pay huge dividends.
OTOH, where I hunt is quite thick. Most all my glassing is 100yds and in. I glass mostly to differentiate between elk and stumps. Spending $3000 on a set of binocs would be insane. My $500 glasses do everything for me that a set costing 5-6 times that much would do.
All depends on the use and the user
Rooster, how many times have you spot and stalked a whitetail that you glassed up?
It is fun looking at critters close up but in my experience binos in a stand leave you fidgeting too much. Them bucks will see you long before you ever know when you're tossing your binos up ever 5min to inspect what that giant fox squirrel has in his mouth.
In elk country I'm usually 9x out of 10 not in country that is really conducive to glassing, the areas that are usually aren't on my list. I'd rather chase the bugle any ways. My first time elk hunting I could've done more glassing and I COULD have benefited from it but I was way to worried about putting boots on the mountain.. I didn't drive 22hrs to sit on a rock with binos which is why I don't see the reason to take out a second mortgage for binocs. There are plenty of binos under the pinnacle swaros that are adequate for the ops purpose.
What I find most entertaining are the guys who put off buying swaros for over half their elk hunting career (for whatever reasons) and finally buy swaros (most likely when the are more financially stable) then think every person who buys an elk tag should have EL's around their neck.
Side note, I hope the op returned the 8x and picked up the 10's.
Must've been typing the same time, but I completely agree Wyo.
I now live in SC and I use my binos just as much hunting here as I do in MT Elk hunting. I have both Monarch 8x42 and Vortex Viper HD 10x42. The Vipers are worth the money, probably more.