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Binocs or scope on tripod

Going to try more "spot and stalk" next year (CO and WY). Question - for those who use a tripod set up, do you prefer high power binocs or a spotting scope? I'm not sure I need all the power of a scope (not really worried about the biggest buck/bull, just want to get into animals) and using both eyes seems more relaxing for "glassing sessions" than one eye, but I've never done it and am just guessing... I want to get input from those here who use a tripod setup for glassing deer and/or elk. Thanks!

Binocs for finding, spotter for evaluating.

Love nockers on a tripod. Makes glassing so much more enjoyable. Throw on the spotter once you've located the animals.

I would assume no matter what you are going to be carrying bino's. Consider the weight of adding a spotter to your pack. If you are going to be covering a lot of miles and/or gain a lot of elevation a full size spotter adds a lot of weight that will be noticeable . I like to use trekking poles. One of them adjusted to the proper height makes a good monopod to rest your bino's on.

I use them all! As mentioned above, use binos mostly for spotting and spotter for judging and locating game I miss with binos. If you are interested in field judging game you won't be able to do this effectively at long range without a spotter (even with 15x binos). A spotting scope actually saves me miles of hiking...so no need to be spooked about the additional weight. With a spotter....I don't have to get super close like I do with binos to field judge. I can spot game (an ear, antler, rump, etc) at long range with a spotter that I would miss with binos. I use this same combo for antelope, deer, elk, bighorn, mtn goat, moose...etc!

15x56 Swarovski binoculars on a tripod are a game changer. I can take or leave my spotter but you can't have my 15's!!!!!

Agree that 15's are awesome. I love to have a set of 10x's around my neck for the final stalk, 15x's for finding animals and a spotter for evaluating. Put it all in pack with a tripod, add a bow and water and realistically this setup is limited to hunting within about a mile of the rig or base camp.

One more thing to add. If you get a really good tripod and a head with a dove tail quick release you can find animals with your tripod mounted 10x or 15x binos and switch to a spotter on the same tripod and there's a good chance the animal will still be in the spotter's field of view if you're able to switch optics without moving the tripod. It's pretty sweet with a high quality rig.

For locating, binos all day and twice on Sunday. Your assessment about being more relaxed during glassing is right on the money. If you are going to look through a spotter for long periods I recommend an eye patch so you are not squinting for long periods to close the other eye.

I won't glass without my tripod, with just 10x42 swaros you'd be amazed what you can see at incredible distances...

Thanks for all the info! Since I'm not worried about evaluating animals at this point, it sounds like a good pair of binocs and tripod will fit the bill. Of course, if I find that I'm missing stuff, there is always the year after that. Boys and their toys and all...

A tripod goes with me everywhere except tree stands......

12’s are even more of a game changer over 15’s. More field of view and better glass. I glass with binos and evaluate with scope

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