Favorite optics for elk

[leftyhunter]

Has we know opitics are with out doubt crucial for elk hunting. There are now so many brands of spotting scopes, binos and rifle scopes it is impossible to keep up. I know Swavorski and Lepould make great products however has anyone tried the Vortex line or Metopia or any other brand less well known to the American elk hunter and what are you impressions?opcorn:

 

[Huntinut]

Leica geovids, built in range finder, awesome glass

 

[Bubblehide]

I have the Meopta Binoculars, actually they are the Cabelas Euro Binoculars (made by Meopta). I've had my 10x42 side by side against Swarovski 10x42s in low light conditions several times; the difference was so minute that it was extremely close to not being noticeable. I'd say a 1 to 2% advantage with the Swarovski's, if that. Basically such a minute difference that I can't justify spending twice as much for the Swarovski brand, unless you just gotta have the name, and/or money burning a hole in your wallet.

I have noticed that the new HD glass has leveled the playing field in glass running around the $500.00 + or - range; with lots of good choices. But in the upper end, Meopta's quality and performance is exceptionally competitive with the top rated performers, at about half or less the cost. I'm one for buying the best best glass you can afford; and I'd say you simply can't go wrong with Meopta glass.

Now in spotting scopes, I might opt for a mid priced manufacture after trying Bruce's (where's Bruce) new spotting scope; big a%$ objective that gathers lots of light, produces a crisp clear image, and 1/3 or less the weight of Swarovski, Nikon..., So not only is it light in the pack, but it's also light on the pocket book, and with the reduced weight, I'm more likely to always pack it with me.

 

[sancho]

buy the best you can afford. i saved forever and went with Leica 10x50's. are they clear? yes!! in great daylight, they are all clear. but when the light goes down, the high end stuff makes the difference. one month ago, i got the first stalk by seeing the deer first. the sun was just coming up when i found it. for me, i can stay behind my binoculars much much longer with the Leicas. with my older pentax..i had to take frequent breaks.

spotting scope? good lordie..i think i will go with Vortex.

 

[leftyhunter]

Great replies guys keep them coming!

Leftyhunter

 

[markt800]

burris is the best bang for the buck.

they don't care if you leave them on the roof of your jeep and break them as they fall off three miles down the road they still replace or repair free of charge

 

[FTTPOW]

I use Steiner 12x29 binos and a Redfield spotting scope and rangefinder. I used to have a great deal of respect for Redfield, and still do, but the Steiners are a big step ahead.

 

[k_rad]

Lefty stay away from the Nikon ATB unless you just can't spend over $300. They were good the first year but as I have come to know there only really clear in the middle. The outside edges are fuzzy and out of focus. I am saving for good ones now. fyi

 

[leftyhunter]

Thanks Guys! I didn't know that Burris had a good warranty but I do now.

Leftyhunter

 

[sagebrush]

Learn from my experience. Spend more than you think you can afford now. It will save you in the long run. I bought three spotting scopes before I bought Swarovski. I bought three binoculars before I bought the Cabela's Euros by Meopta. At least I had the common sense to make Leupold my second purchase in rifle scopes. When you add up how much I spent in mistakes trying to save some money, I would've been way ahead by buying the best on a credit card and paying it off over time. Good optics will last decades and make your hunts much more enjoyable.

 

[leftyhunter]

I think your right Sagebrush. Not saying my old lady would agree but you make a strong argument!

Leftyhunter

 

[BigSurArcher]

I agree too... if possible in any way, shape, or form... do it once and don't look back. I did the same thing as sagebrush. Bought a nice new pair of Zeiss for $999 (which were awesome in their own right), but eventually ended up buying Swaro's later on. Yes, they are that much better. I don't care what anyone says about "almost" this or "comparable" that.

As far as a spotting scope, don't skimp on that either. I have a Kowa TSN-663 ED. Love it, same class as the Swaro 65. If you will be packing a lot and are concerned with weight, you can't go wrong with the Nikon ED50. I'm actually debating selling my Kowa for the ED50, but it's hard to let go of top of the line glass.

 

[cjack]

Is 13x30 sufficiant? and do you prefer angle or straight view?

 

[Bubblehide]

Is 13x30 sufficiant? and do you prefer angle or straight view?

IMNSHO, 13x30 would work in binoculars for blacktail hunting, as the country they're in is generally thick with brush, thus limiting distances glassed. But, from the sounds of it, your talking about a spotting scope, as such, IMNSHO, not only is 13 power not enough, the 30mm objective is not large enough. A 30mm objective simply wont gather enough light to produce a good image, let alone a great one. IMO, you need at least a 20 power spotter with at least a 60-65mm objective. From there, you can begin comparing the quality of glass/the quality of the image produced (which should be done in low light conditions).

 

[BigSurArcher]

He was talking about the zoom offered on the Nikon ED50. Many guys swear by the 13-30x eyepiece. I would most likely upgrade to the 13-40x one though. Read some reviews on this scope, and it won't take long to realize that you DON'T need 60mm+ objectives any more (although this is the only scope under 60mm that I would consider). Extra-Low Dispertion glass has come a long way, and with 50mm lenses like the ED50, you can get some extreme performance.

 

[cjack]

He was talking about the zoom offered on the Nikon ED50. Many guys swear by the 13-30x eyepiece. I would most likely upgrade to the 13-40x one though. Read some reviews on this scope, and it won't take long to realize that you DON'T need 60mm+ objectives any more (although this is the only scope under 60mm that I would consider). Extra-Low Dispertion glass has come a long way, and with 50mm lenses like the ED50, you can get some extreme performance.

Looks very appealing @ 16.6oz. I didn't see the 13-40x option but I would definetly opt for that! Thx BSA.

 

[BigSurArcher]

For the 13-40x, you need to buy the scope body and eyepiece separately. The 40x end isn't real practical in low light, but could be real useful during midday glassing.

 

[sagebrush]

I prefer a straight scope over angled. It's easier on my neck after hours behind the glass.

Camera Land has a Swarovski STS 80 demo body for $1,249.99 and a 20-60 demo eyepiece for $479.99. That is a great price for great glass.


http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/swarovski.pl?page=demo-swarovski80

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/swarovski.pl?page=demo-swarovski20-60

Cabela's has the same scope on sale for $2,249.

 

[leftyhunter]

Great replies and first hand knowledge:JHO rocks: I wish I had an extra plus k for for the Swaro glass maybe in few month for next elk seasonrayin :

Leftyhunter

 

[Bubblehide]

He was talking about the zoom offered on the Nikon ED50. Many guys swear by the 13-30x eyepiece. I would most likely upgrade to the 13-40x one though. Read some reviews on this scope, and it won't take long to realize that you DON'T need 60mm+ objectives any more (although this is the only scope under 60mm that I would consider). Extra-Low Dispertion glass has come a long way, and with 50mm lenses like the ED50, you can get some extreme performance.

Damn innovations, I just can't keep up anymore. Actually it's been a few years since I shopped for a spotting scope, back then the latest thing was the Nikon ED60, and it was sweeeeeet; I'm sure the 50 is of the same quality.