Optics Question

[Cro13]

So a quick question about optics to the experienced stalkers:
I’ve been busy getting out and about in Warwickshire(UK) (&have a trip to Scotland planned)with only basic kit:
A pocket sized tiny pair of binos 8-21(think they were free from the National Trust)
And my scope is a lisenfeld 4-12x56
To be fair it’s been quite successful and my freezer is full but would like to improve my success rate to better than 1 in 3 stalks. I know I’ll get blank days but I also know I’ve bumped the occasional deer on and blown chances.
Was thinking of upgrading to a second hand thermal spotter and a bigger pair of binos, something fairly cheap like the Vortex range with chest harness.
Then later hope to get a Hic Micro Alpex scope and that can double up for when I go foxing (currently borrow a rifle with this scope)
Unfortunately on a tight budget, would you say Im on the right track?
I think I am but I keep getting drawn to the multispectral bino that do everything (thermal, night vision, range finding) pricy but look great
Sorry to ramble, thoughts on what to prioritise first anyone?

 

[takbok]

How much do you want to spend? A simple 2nd hand thermal imager and some vortex binoculars would be good.

 

[Scuffy]

I would up the quality of your binoculars. When funds allow get a thermal.

 

[Cyres]

Bins will last for ever and don't need batteries. Thermals will eventually die or be superseded.
Saying that I don't take bins out stalking or foxing. Thermal and if on unfamiliar ground a Leica ranger finding monocular.
D

 

[Cro13]

How much do you want to spend? A simple 2nd hand thermal imager and some vortex binoculars would be good.

I was looking at the:

VORTEX TRIUMPH HD 10X42 BINOCULAR WITH GLASS PAK​

And maybe spending £400 on a spotter (either lucky with 2nd hand or maybe the:

HIKMICRO Lynx 3.0 10mm LE103.0​

But wondering if the stated 500m is enough

Then that’s it for budget stuff as it should be enough for now and start saving for something like the Habrok & Alpex setup (in a couple of years)

 

[Leec6.5]

So a quick question about optics to the experienced stalkers:
I’ve been busy getting out and about in Warwickshire(UK) (&have a trip to Scotland planned)with only basic kit:
A pocket sized tiny pair of binos 8-21(think they were free from the National Trust)
And my scope is a lisenfeld 4-12x56
To be fair it’s been quite successful and my freezer is full but would like to improve my success rate to better than 1 in 3 stalks. I know I’ll get blank days but I also know I’ve bumped the occasional deer on and blown chances.
Was thinking of upgrading to a second hand thermal spotter and a bigger pair of binos, something fairly cheap like the Vortex range with chest harness.
Then later hope to get a Hic Micro Alpex scope and that can double up for when I go foxing (currently borrow a rifle with this scope)
Unfortunately on a tight budget, would you say Im on the right track?
I think I am but I keep getting drawn to the multispectral bino that do everything (thermal, night vision, range finding) pricy but look great
Sorry to ramble, thoughts on what to prioritise first anyone?

1 in 3 stalks isn’t too shabby, that’s about average even with guides!

The scope will serve you well for years, get yourself a set on vortex binos their pretty bomb proof!

As for digital scopes, each to their own I personally hate them.

Thermal again each to their own, personally can’t wait for mine to die I won’t replace it.

 

[Cro13]

It surprised me the vortex are fixed magnification
I didn’t realise there were binos that did that

 

[Leec6.5]

It surprised me the vortex are fixed magnification
I didn’t realise there were binos that did that

All binos are fixed mag, scopes are both fixed and variable

 

[takbok]

I was looking at the:

VORTEX TRIUMPH HD 10X42 BINOCULAR WITH GLASS PAK​

And maybe spending £400 on a spotter (either lucky with 2nd hand or maybe the:

HIKMICRO Lynx 3.0 10mm LE103.0​

But wondering if the stated 500m is enough

Then that’s it for budget stuff as it should be enough for now and start saving for something like the Habrok & Alpex setup (in a couple of years)

Not sure how good those binoculars are. I'd be looking at vortex Diamondback at least and maybe 2nd hand pulsar axiom key XM30, or hik/Nocpix/infiray equivalent.

 

[Cro13]

All binos are fixed mag, scopes are both fixed and variable

???
Really, most people I see on YouTube or wherever are using fixed magnification?
Is that what everyone uses stalking?
The tiny ones I’ve been using zoom in and out and I’m sure they were free, is there something about fixed that makes them clearer?
Or am I missing something?
(not meaning to be rude)

 

[Leec6.5]

???
Really, most people I see on YouTube or wherever are using fixed magnification?
Is that what everyone uses stalking?
The tiny ones I’ve been using zoom in and out and I’m sure they were free, is there something about fixed that makes them clearer?
Or am I missing something?
(not meaning to be rude)

Yep all fixed mag binos

The only zoom versions that I know of are digital /thermal not glass

 

[GBR66]

I think a thermal monocular is a game changer, particularly if you are colour blind like me. I'd be cautious on a Habrok's or similar as a two eye view will kill your night vision for FL/LL. I use a Hik Condor on my left eye and keep my right eye for the scope.

 

[west_scotland]

FWIW I recently picked up a pair of the Vortex Triumphs you were looking at - I was out on the hills today and had no problem spotting Reds out to 800m+, lots of light and good image clarity for c.£100. Comfy chest pack and decent weatherproofing too. No doubt there are many better options available and lots of good advice on balancing equipment needs in this thread already, but if you are committed to buying a pair of binos around that price point I can definitely recommend them after today.