Do I Really Need Binoculars?

[Happy Myles]

Binos add to the pleasure of any trip in my opinion. I have found myself reaching for them when they were not there

 

[Rare Breed]

An ocean of perplexity...

This is the king of post that plunges me into an ocean of perplexity.

We all know Rare Breed, he is no fool and no fake. Seeing a question like that come from him truly makes me wonder...

Because I would sooner go hunting without a rifle rather than without binoculars...

This would probably be an evening-long campfire discussion, but I will try to summarize:

• The binoculars are for hunting.
• The rifle is for shooting.

Whether it be at 500 yards on the opposite ridge to decide whether the animal is worth a stalk, or at 150 yards to decide whether the trophy is what you want, or at 10 yards to sort out which exact part of the animal you are looking at through the bush, binoculars are CRITICAL.

I cannot even conceive of not being part of these decisions, and my interaction with the PH is a constant dialog about these decisions as we are both glued to our binoculars.

Without this, I would think that I am not hunting, just strolling around and shooting on command. In addition, I cannot tell you how much I have learned from these whispered dialogs........

Other threads deal with what binoculars to use, but Rule #1 is "the highest quality you can afford", and although the 10x40 pioneered by Zeiss' truly revolutionary 10x40 BGA approaches "universal binocular" status, specialized glass can be really useful:
-- Light 7x or 8x is great on DG in dense Jesse where measuring distance is irrelevant.
-- Best quality 15x is worth its weight in gold resolving a Klipspringer or Vaal Rhebuck on the next ridge of the Karoo.
-- Integrated laser rangefinder 10x is perfect for typical plains game from the Moyowosi plain of Tanzania to the high plateaus of Eastern Cape.

Rare Breed, Friend, start glassing the instant your PH does, and make any and all decisions with him, it will change your African hunting life

View attachment 701714
Top row: today (2020's). From the left, Swarovski SLC 15x56, best-in-class for long range glassing. Leica Geovid 10x42 HD-B3000, best-in-class modern "universal" with integrated laser range finder. Leica Trinovid 8x32 HD, ideal for DG hunts on a long strap over the hip.

Bottom row: yesterday (1980's). From the left Zeiss 10x40 BGA, the penultimate, to this day, light and small "universal" binoculars. Zeiss 8x30B "mini", better than nothing but limited ... but they fit in the shirt pocket! Steiner 20x80, too much of a good thing as binoculars, but great as a binocular spotting scope.

My own idea of ideal binoculars would be today's Leica Geovid 10x42 HD-B3000 glass and functions in the size and weight of the old (1980's) Zeiss 10x40 BGA

Thanks my friend! I so appreciate everyone’s input. All of you have convinced me to take a larger part in my hunts not distrusting my PH but more enjoying the moments and an extra set of eyes and confidence of distance for myself are standing out. I am leaning now towards the Leica 10-42 HD with a range finder if it comes in one

 

[Brian]

I always carried binoculars until I got into cape buffalo hunting. For me they are just another unnecessary thing when I am buffalo hunting.

 

[Troubleshooter]

• The binoculars are for hunting.
• The rifle is for shooting.

Without this, I would think that I am not hunting, just strolling around and shooting on command.

Agreed. That captures the essence of the matter rather succinctly.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’ve used my binos on every single Safari I’ve been on and most of them I use the regularly each day. I like to have a good look at most animals before taking the shot. I use either a pair of Swaro SLC 10x42’s or a pair of Swaro SLC 8x30’s (lighter for DG tracking hunts). Many times my binos allow me to see later into the night than I could with my naked eye.

This past trip to Zambia I used my binos to spot a giant Chobe Bushbuck (16.5”) at last light that my hunting companion took. Also used them many times looking at different Sable to look at secondary growth. Ironically, the only Sable I didn’t look at with them was the one I shot since it happened so fast and I trusted my PH’s call since we were trying to spot and stalk with the bow.

Personally I’d never go on a hunt in Africa without binos, but can see how lesser quality binos might feel like a handicap.

 

[One Day...]

Thanks my friend! I so appreciate everyone’s input. All of you have convinced me to take a larger part in my hunts not distrusting my PH but more enjoying the moments and an extra set of eyes and confidence of distance for myself are standing out. I am leaning now towards the Leica 10-42 HD with a range finder if it comes in one

Yes they do

Leica Geovid 10x42 HD B 3000. Best glasses I ever owned (although the Swarovski SLC 15x56 are also quite something, but for a different purpose).

 

[BeeMaa]

Bryan, my friend, this may be one of the most profound statements I ever read on AH.com. I will quote it for ever

I've already done it once.

 

[trperk1]

I didn't bring binos on my first safari the first few days and regretted it. The reason is when hunting, we would run across other animals that I wanted to look at. Even if it was from the truck. I also try visit a park while there, if I tag out in time. Definitely worth bringing.

 

[Sideshow]

Thanks my friend! I so appreciate everyone’s input. All of you have convinced me to take a larger part in my hunts not distrusting my PH but more enjoying the moments and an extra set of eyes and confidence of distance for myself are standing out. I am leaning now towards the Leica 10-42 HD with a range finder if it comes in one

@Rare Breed ive just finished reading this entire thread.
I have something that I would like to add that I observed clients doing when I was an overland guide. A lot of them where glued to there cameras. Even though I had some binoculars in me as well as my cameras I always made sure I’d put them down to take in and observe all my surroundings and going on’s when looking at game. So I do understand your original question. I would tell them just put down your gear and just take it all in, it’s surprising what you miss out off to the side. Obviously not to be done in the closing stages of a DG hunt. But I can see your point of view.
Even whilst looking for some new 10x30 bins.

 

[RLP]

Only one safari (more to come)
- could you go with out one? sure
- when my ph is glassing I will sometimes glass where he is not looking
- when he spots a target, I then glass to verify the animal he is referring to (very important when hunting herd animals)
- the ph may also spot a trophy animal you were not hunting, you will want to glass to decide if you want to pursue.

 

[CBH Australia]

Yes they do

Leica Geovid 10x42 HD B 3000. Best glasses I ever owned (although the Swarovski SLC 15x56 are also quite something, but for a different purpose).

View attachment 701920

@Rare Breed my PH had Lieca range finding Binos in 2020.

I have researched a lot and it seems that the front runners are Leica and Swarovski and that seems obvious to say the least.
Both brands would run at around 5k or more in Australia making them pretty pricey.

From memory it they use different software. I think Leica has Bluetooth compatibility to the Applied Ballistics app for those who would use it. Swarovski have a spot and go feature to direct you to where that animal went down.

Then you could get caught up in weights and dimensions.

I would like some great glass and can probably get into those brands for a lot less in a lower model without a rangefinder. For the most part I would not need the range finder but would put it to use if I had it.

I know I’m not good at estimating range but I also hardly shoot past 200 in the field but when the PH. confirmed a 235m target in SA and said hold on the same as it was downhill I took the shot and cleanly took my first African game. An Impala at 235m

 

[Tbitty]

Thanks my friend! I so appreciate everyone’s input. All of you have convinced me to take a larger part in my hunts not distrusting my PH but more enjoying the moments and an extra set of eyes and confidence of distance for myself are standing out. I am leaning now towards the Leica 10-42 HD with a range finder if it comes in one

If you decide to donate that pair after your next hunt, Ill send you my address LOL

 

[Buffalo1]

I have carried 7x power on all of my bowhunts in Africa and have used them every trip. I have found them to be very helpful even when sitting in a hide, blind or tree stand.

I do not see the need for a higher powered binocular in Africa because of the dense bush. The terrain I have hunted in Africa is not like hunting the western U.S. or Alaska.

 

[Rare Breed]

Thanks my friend! I so appreciate everyone’s input. All of you have convinced me to take a larger part in my hunts not distrusting my PH but more enjoying the moments and an extra set of eyes and confidence of distance for myself are standing out. I am leaning now towards the Leica 10-42 HD with a range finder if it comes in one

Just got my Steiner 10x42 binos and love them! One of my cousins was a SEAL and he told me they used Steiner. In my research I chose the hunters version not the military type. I so appreciate all my friends on AH’s feedback to me. I am looking forward to enjoying my hunts more by taking the time to use my binos on my hunt versus being lazy and not doing so. All your feed back has convinced me and no I will not leave my new binos as a tip in addition to a nice cash tip!!!

 

[SplitHoof]

All your feed back has convinced me and no I will not leave my new binos as a tip in addition to a nice cash tip!!!

I simply added a tip as part of the wire transfer to the outfitter/guide on the night before departing, thus greatly reducing the cash I brought. He was able to distribute among staff as he saw fit.

 

[MarkB]

Now that's what this site is all about. Great question and post @Rare Breed, and now hoping that your new found and keeping bino's will enhance your next safari.

I'm in the crowd that never leaves home without a pair, weather in truck, boat on quad or safari.

MB

 

[franzfmdavis]

24 months ago I couldn’t tell and eland from a blesbok. Now that I have some rudimentary knowledge, I want to improve being able to pick out the best animal from a herd and binos certainly help me in that endeavor.

 

[BeeMaa]

My wife and I just got back from a buffalo hunt and we each took a set of binoculars. I wouldn’t even consider a hunting trip where we didn’t both have binos and at least one of us have range finding capability.

I’m considering selling my Leica Ultravid 8x32 Pro HD’s for a set of Leica 8x32’s that include a RF. Such a big advantage.

 

[SplitHoof]

24 months ago I couldn’t tell and eland from a blesbok. Now that I have some rudimentary knowledge, I want to improve being able to pick out the best animal from a herd and binos certainly help me in that endeavor.

Yes they most certainly will.
DO NOT GO CHEAPO. Your eyes deserve better. The difference in higher quality binos and low cost options can make or brake your experience.
Looking through lesser binos for hours gives me eye strain, headaches, and missed detail, especially in fading light. A good set can easily cost as much or more $$ than your rifle scope, and will be used much more most of the time.

 

[Rimbaud]

I’ve gotten to the point where i bring my binos with me on almost every trip - hunting or non-hunting. I enjoy the added detail and have found them to be enhance the experience wherever we go - into the country, at the beach, and sometimes even in the city. I have a few pairs, but tote around Leica 10x32 Geovids with a range finder. I like to test my distance estimating with the range finder, and think it helps me when I am sizing up shots.