Best Optics Value For Hunting

[Coolhand_Luke]

Hi all, I have been trying to read up on some quality optics and I think I am ready to start saving up for something good. What I am wondering is where I would get the most value/use out of my first quality optics purchase. I think the budget for me would have to be about $1000 maybe up to $1200 if it really got me something good. The way I see it I have 3 options:

1. Upgrade my main rifle scope. It is a Tikka 30-06 with a Leopold M8 4X. I like the scope, but do sometimes wish for more power (mostly while shooting paper). That Leopold could go onto my 7-08 (which has a pretty bad scope right now) if I got a new scope for the Tikka.

2. Upgrade my binoculars. I have 2 sets, Nikon marine 7x50 which are pretty bright but big and bulky and a set of Alpen 8x42 which are okay, but not anything special.

3. Buy a spotting scope. I don't have one and I have wished more than once I had one. Not just shooting paper, but also out hunting for counting points during 4 pt Mulie season (I hunt in BC).

So assuming the budget, where do you think you would spend your first $1000 on some decent optics??

Thanks in advance.

 

[Silverado]

I'd spend $6-700 on a compact spotting scope, and the balance on a better set of 8X40 binoculars.

My range/hunting spotter is a compact 50mm Vortex Razor that's just excellent. Was right around $700.

 

[AP]

1. Upgrade my main rifle scope. It is a Tikka 30-06 with a Leopold M8 4X. I like the scope, but do sometimes wish for more power (mostly while shooting paper). That Leopold could go onto my 7-08 (which has a pretty bad scope right now) if I got a new scope for the Tikka. There is a Swarovski Nova 6x,42 used for $400 on EE right now... if clean that would be a very good option for your rifle if you can find some 26mm rings ....

2. Upgrade my binoculars. I have 2 sets, Nikon marine 7x50 which are pretty bright but big and bulky and a set of Alpen 8x42 which are okay, but not anything special.
If your Nikon is a "Tropical" or better yet a "Prostar" you wont find anything much better optically ... just lighter. The smaller Nikon LX are very good and available in a compact version. Id look for a set of used though.

3. Buy a spotting scope. I don't have one and I have wished more than once I had one. Not just shooting paper, but also out hunting for counting points during 4 pt Mulie season (I hunt in BC). I've seen excellent deals on the (now discontinued) little 20x Leupold compact spotter. Small enough that you might even carry it with you in the field and adequate for target shooting with your Tikka.

A careful shopper may acquire all three for about $1200 (or better?) IMHO


(edit to add ...and there is a set of 8x,20c Ultravid Leitz on EE right now as well for a decent price)