Would you get binoculars or a spotting scope for tracking wolves?
10x50 Action EX (courtesy, Nikon)
I'm going to track and observe wolves in Yellowstone in
March with a group of biologists. Do you recommend
binoculars and/or a spotting scope? What models? My
budget is mid-range, from $250 to $750.
— Kristy Hudson, Illinois
Do you have a question of your own?
That’s an interesting dilemma. On the one hand, binoculars
offer the advantage of being easily handheld, at least up to
the ten-power range. Spotting scopes usually offer more
power, but are much more difficult to handhold and almost
always require a tripod.
So, in my usual Solomonic wisdom, I offer this advice: Both. I’d
get a decent-quality pair of very compact binoculars for
general-purpose viewing (i.e., scanning the Lamar Valley
hillsides for signs of a pack), then purchase a spotting scope
and tripod for extended, detailed viewing over long
distances.
For instance, Steiner’s 8x22 Predator binoculars offer above-
average optics and waterproof construction for about
$150—a very good buy (www.steiner-binoculars.com).
And they fit easily into a pocket. The only time they might let
you down a little is during dawn or dusk viewing, as the lens
diameter is slightly narrow, so less light hits the eye. But
most compact binocs run between 22 and 25 millimeters for
lens diameter, and you don’t gain much by going to a slightly
wider lens. The option is to get a pair of full-sized binoculars
such as Nikon’s 10x50 Action EX binoculars ($180;
www.nikonusa.com). But those might be more than you want
to lug around.
For a scope, the Bushnell Browning 65-millimeter ED scope
offers an eyepiece with 15 to 45x zoom capability and
waterproof construction. And it comes with a tabletop tripod.
Price is $400 (www.bushnell.com), so even if you buy a pair
of binoculars you’re still within your price range. Fujinon’s
Super 60 scope offers fabulous optics and a fixed
magnification of 25 power. And, it’s available in either angled
or straight-through design, depending on your preference
(the angled view lets you tilt your head forward to look
slightly down into the eyepiece—perhaps more
comfortable for extended wolf-watching). Cost is $500
(www.fujinon.com). It’ll need a tripod; Bogen’s 718B is a fine
lightweight tripod for only $90, and comes with a three-way
tilt head (www.bogenimaging.us). Might sound like a lot, but the
Fujinon/Steiners/Bogen goodie bag comes in at about $750,
so you’re right on target!
Readers' Mailbag: The Gear Guy digs into some of your more bizarre, obscure (and let’s face it, downright weird) posts from years gone by to see if he can make sense of it all, or if it’s just time to run up the white flag. Previous column: Beat the Cost of Gear.
The Gear Guy reports from the 2005 Outdoor Retailer summer trade fair, with his rundown of ten products to watch in 2006, plus the inside scoop on what shook down at the bi-annual gearapalooza.
That’s an interesting dilemma. On the one hand, binoculars
offer the advantage of being easily handheld, at least up to
the ten-power range. Spotting scopes usually offer more
power, but are much more difficult to handhold and almost
always require a tripod.
