hog optics, what do you use?

[Fugaloo]

I use a pair of 8x40 binos I got from REI. I had a dividend check and a 20% coupon when I bought them. I looked at the Nikon monarchs and they were definitely better, just not $150 better. I like the 8x binos because of the field of view, but I recently hunted a big ranch and the guide had a pair of 12x. He said he liked them because they were almost like a spotting scope. Most of the hunting I do never presents me with over a 400 yard line of sight. But at this ranch you could see for miles. I also have a 20 - 60x by 80mm spotting scope but I rarely use that for hunting. I know the leica/swarafski/zeiss...etc are great optics but i just can't justify spending that much on something I know I'll break eventually. And people who I've seen with Swaro's complain that they're really heavy. So what do you use and if you were to do it all over what would you buy and why.

 

[#1Predator]

Cabela's 10x42 camo armored binos.

 

[Shmave23]

Bushnell Trophy Bino's 10x42

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

Currently, Leupold Olympic 12x50's...Good glass and pretty light weight. Think of switching to Vortex this year. Heard great things about the company!

 

[myfriendis410]

10 X 42 Leupold Green Rings. Great image, enough magnification and really works into the dark stuff in dim light. We also carry and use spotting scopes to judge whether it's worth a hike and I've been using a set of Alpen Optics that gives a good image.

 

[J.O.]

10x42 Monarch ATB. Absolutely satisfied.

 

[w8_liftr]

Steiner Predator C5. 10X40. Low light vis and good color contrast, especially at distance.

 

[Caninelaw]

Zen Ray Vista 10x42...

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/vista10x42.html

$150 right now and IMHO as good as any Swarafski or Zeiss you could buy. Very satisfied.

 

[ltdann]

swaro 10x42's. You can count the nose hairs....

 

[michaelp]

8x42 Kahles, wished I would have gone with the 10x42's

 

[TonyS]

I use a crappy set of Tasco 10x50 that someone gave me. I spent money on a leupold rangefinder so I can hit what I aim at.

 

[Stonepointer]

I obtained some BAK coated 10x42 Alpens a while back, then the price went down. I like them, but I saw Vangaurd had some good ones too, so I'm curious about those.

I wish I could afford a good set of Swaros.

Scopes are Leupolds, dated but no skimp in quality.

 

[Pro953]

Luopold green ring 10-42. Overall solid and crisp although i do not like the way the (I think they call it the Dioptometer) adjustment is setup. It gets bumped a lot and throws them out of adjustment. I wish it had some sort of locking mechanisms. Overall solid for the money although I did like the Nikon Monarchs i tried later just could not get myself to pony up the extra cash.

 

[bisonic]

Nikon Monarch X 10.5x45. I like 'em a lot except that the eyepieces get fogged up a lot. Not sure if that's normal.

 

[TackyDriver]

While scouting or in spot mode, I'm using a pair of Simmons Redline 20x50 binoculars. They're tough to use without a tripod because the exit pupil is pretty narrow. They are easier to carry and set up than my spotting scope. When away from my vehicle or getting into place for a stalk, I use a pair of Nikon 10x25 compacts that work well for me out of proportion to their size.

 

[BigSurArcher]

Wouldn't trade them for anything, or change a thing about them.

 

[asaxon]

I've got the best "Optics", better than the best swaro.

I use "Tom Willoughby 0ptics" 69 inch x 200 lb, - no matter what I use as binos, the Willoughby's sees them way before I do... I was thinking of investing in a Predator Drone then I could spot for hogs from the comfort of my home and turn them into sausage with the touch of a button but my wife nixed that idea.

 

[LuckyGunner]

I've been using 10x42 Leupold green rings. I've found it's just enough that in the area I'm hunting I don't have to carry a spotting scope also.

I don't have large open areas to worry about so I could get by with something a bit less expensive but I like the overall quality of Leupold products.

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reloading supplies

 

[bohunter3]

Swaro 10x42 EL. Took me a year to save for them, but worth it.