Scope or Binos

You can get a decent scope or set of binos for ~$300-$400 each. I'd be tempted to spend a little more on the binos as you only need 1 set of those, but you need 1 scope on every rifle, although this partially depends on your budget. Personally, my good set of Binos is a Vortex Viper R/T 10x50, and they're a phenomenal value for around $800.
 
I have my Redfield Revolution on my 30-06 and I think its fine. but I have heard so many remarks that I should upgrade to a scope ATLEAST $400 or more. but the reason I am asking is I have a pair of bushnell legend binos and I don't know what to upgrade or if I need to upgrade! an honest answer would be AWSOME
 
Nothing wrong with either of them, if you don't feel you need an upgrade, then stick with what you have. If you do feel the need to upgrade, upgrade the scope before the binos, and make the upgrade worth it (i.e. don't bother upgrading to something like a Bushnell Elite 3500, go straight to a Leupold VX-3, Vortex Viper, etc.).
 
Your Redfield Revolution is a pretty good scope. I have a couple as well and I can't notice a great deal of difference between them and the Leupold VX3 and similar, which are double the price. You won't notice a remarkable difference in clarity on a different scope until you get into that $1000+ category. When you consider how much time you actually spend looking through a scope vs binos, the decision should be easy.

For still hunting and spot and stalk, you don't want a big heavy set of binos. If you can find a used set of Swarovski SLC 8x30's, that would be about all you ever need. You can probably find a used set around $800 or so. There used to be some good deals in the US, but with our dollar tanking, those are gone.
Another good one would be the Zeiss 8x30 or 10x40, the B/GAT models with T* coating. Price is probably a bit less than the Swarovski but clarity will be much better than your Bushnells. They're not quite as clear as the SLC's, but really close.
 
bearkilr said:
Your Redfield Revolution is a pretty good scope. I have a couple as well and I can't notice a great deal of difference between them and the Leupold VX3 and similar, which are double the price. You won't notice a remarkable difference in clarity on a different scope until you get into that $1000+ category. When you consider how much time you actually spend looking through a scope vs binos, the decision should be easy.

For still hunting and spot and stalk, you don't want a big heavy set of binos. If you can find a used set of Swarovski SLC 8x30's, that would be about all you ever need. You can probably find a used set around $800 or so. There used to be some good deals in the US, but with our dollar tanking, those are gone.
Another good one would be the Zeiss 8x30 or 10x40, the B/GAT models with T* coating. Price is probably a bit less than the Swarovski but clarity will be much better than your Bushnells. They're not quite as clear as the SLC's, but really close.
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I was looking at the TALONS from Vortex....Looked super nice in the shop
 
You asked for honest, so here it is. I didn't like it when I was told the same thing at your age, and I don't expect you will either.

The usual pattern with binos is to buy something cheap (usually junk) to get started, progress quickly from there to something in the midrange, then maybe upper midrange then maybe if you're lucky you'll eventually get something very good last. After you use the very good ones for awhile you will wonder how you put up with anything less, and why you paid for two or three sets along the way. That would make you normal. Nearly everyone does it, nobody recognizes it during the process. Its too bad, because it ends up costing more in the end. A lot more. The same process is repeated with rifle scopes, spotting scopes and rangefinders. Low end optics are worth little or nothing used.

You're at stage 1 in riflescopes and binos. If you're going to upgrade, do it right. A quite good, but not great riflescope is going to cost about the same as your M70 would cost today but you stand a very good chance of it being the last one you need. In the meantime use the Redfield until it pukes or you just can't stand it anymore. Binos are a #####. There's some solance in knowing that your grandkids will be looking through the quality binos you buy today, and that you can have something to be proud of the whole time. Sure Leica, Zeiss or Swarovski are going to cost more than your rifle and future scope combined, but when you buy them, you're done.

Good luck. Maybe you'll be the one to break the pattern.
 
Dogleg has it right. I've know so many guys that bought cheap binocs ($80-100) then upgraded to $200, up again to the $300 price tag and it goes on and on. My opinion is to buy something great, you'll have it forever and never regret it. You'll spend far more time looking through binoculars than a scope so I'd put my cash there. Best of luck with your choice.
 
All of the above is true ... but you will have a VERY tough time finding better optical performance in a handy binocular for hunting than a set of Nikon 8x,30E or Ell ... and I have found these used (in like new condition) for $300. They are porroprism and not waterproof BUT sit under a jacket where they can be protected and are as weatherproof as I am! There are many darn good binoculars around that wont break the bank if you do some careful research and wait for the right used deal .. glass doesn't wear out by looking through it. I have the high end Leitz and Swarovski's etc ... but the several sets of Nikon's and an old set of Pentax 6x,30 Marine (IF) always satisfy me when I look through them. So many times I have had guys pass me their expensive Zeiss binoculars with objective or ocular lens filthy with dirt and smudges and expect me to marvel at the view (because of what they paid) ... they might as well have bought Bushnell for all the optical value they are enjoying ... so , dear God, if you do go high end .. at least keep them clean and enjoy the view you paid for.
 
The best bang for the buck is Sightron SII Blue Sky binocular. either 10x32 or 8x32.

I've compared with Leupold WindRiver 10x42. They are pretty close in clarity but way cheaper. I was nervous when I ordered it. Now I love it. Very clear lens. Many good reviews.
 
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