By Mark Skousen

hunting glassing optics guide

With scouting season in full swing and hunting season right around the corner, it’s a great time to take inventory of what you will be using for optics this fall.  I’ve often been asked the questions 'What binoculars should I get?' and I usually answer with another question 'What is your budget?' The easy answer is not all optics are created equal so the general rule is buy as much as you can afford. There is a lot of excellent glass on the market and if you make an investment in good glass, with a good warranty, whatever you choose, should last you a long time. 

I took mine own advice 20 years ago and I’m still using some of the high-end glass I bought back then.  This article is going to highlight what I use for all types of scouting and hunting but specifically what I use for elk hunting.  I make this clarification because I would choose a slightly different setup if I were hunting say Cous deer in Mexico.

Binoculars

My baseline optics are Swarovski 10x42 SLC’s.  I know that dates me because they don’t even make this model anymore, but I think a 10x magnification is perfect for glassing up larger game such as elk.  The newer models of SLC’s have a 56mm objective lens which in my opinion will only help make it brighter in low light situations.  You can also get the Swarovski SLC’s in 8, 10, and 15x magnification.  Like I mentioned a moment ago, the 10’s will probably be the most versatile with a forgiving field of view.

The SLC’s will also be a little more affordable at under $2,500 bucks compared to some of Swarovski’s higher end offerings, such as the NL Pure 10x42’s, that will run you a $1,000 more. 

Spotting Scopes

In addition to a good pair of binoculars, I like to use a spotting scope to zoom in and do some digiscoping.  My scope of choice is the Swarovski ATS 65 20-60X.  I utilize the angled ATS eye piece, but this is a matter of preference verses a straight eye piece.

I pair this with the Ollin digiscope adapter and have had great success capturing cool footage through my spotting scope.

Tripod for Optics

standing tripod for hunting

For stability I use the BlackOvis Pro Master XCS25C Carbon legs. This model has 4 extension legs which allow me to stand up and glass without having to crouch down.  I’m 5’10 and this works perfect for me.  These legs have since been replaced by the BlackOvis Plateau Carbon Fiber Standing Tripod. 

This new design only has two extension legs instead of four which will make deployment that much quicker for the same amount of height.  For ultimate stability with my glassing optics, I run the tall Outdoorsman binocular adapter.  Both the adapter and my spotting scope have the same mounting post to my tripod so I can easily interchange them from glassing to spotting.

Hope this quick guide helps you get the right optic for your budget and wish you the best of luck hunting this fall!