Paper first. And then for elk hunting.
As far as for hunting purposes, my thoughts are that spotting scopes are for guys that want to really really get a close look at animals to more accurately judge trophy quality. Like if guys are determined to get a 360+ bull or a 180+ buck, and they really need a good look. But for locating animals, a good pair of 15x binos on a tripod is way better. Looking through both eyes for longer periods is far more comfortable than using a spotting scope. Youll be able to spend more time behind your glass. Also wider field of view. And you can still tell the difference between a mediocre animal and a good mature animal at quite a long range off. Just my 2 cents, take it or leave it.
Those are good points. I've never used a quality set of binos. I might see if I can borrow a set and see how I like it.
I use 15x56 zeiss conquest on a promaster tripod. Works well. Even with whitetail i can tell whats okay and whats a big shooter out well beyond a thousand yards. Elk would be even easier due to their size. I mostly just use them for off season scouting, except for sometimes ill go out in may and june and glass up bears for folks that draw spring permits.
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