Optics

  Regarding optics, a good pair of binoculars is one of your best investments. Leica & Swarovski are the best.  Nikon makes the best Japanese glass.  I feel that the new 8.5 or 10 x 42 Swarovski EL’s and the Leica Ultravids or Giovids are the best all around binoculars, period.  Zeiss, Leupold, Brunton, Pentax, Burris, Minox, Kahles, Nikon and Bushnell also make decent glass. Good sizes are the8x30s, 8x32s, 8x42s, 8.5x42s, 10x42s and 10x50s.

  Compacts (20 - 25 mm objectives) are light and will work, but they are not as good as a mid or full size.  The new Duovids by Leica (8-12xand 10-15x) might be a good choice for all situations, but they are heavy.

  If you want to save weight, leave your spotting scope at home as your guide will have one. If you have a really nice one, you may want to bring it and let the guide use it. Good, lighter weight spotting scopes include the Zeiss 15-45x65, Swarovski 20-60x65 HD, Leupold 12-40x60, Leica 20-45x62, the B&L Elite and the Nikon 20-60x60 ED Field Scope III (this is my favorite for the money).

  The new Zeiss 65 is the very best mid-sized scope for brightness.  The 77 to 85-mm Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Swarovski products are great but a little heavy. If you bring a spotting scope, a good light weight (under 3-lbs.), aluminum or carbon fiber tripod is a necessity; ones with quick detach heads are even better. Gitzo makes a great one for $200-250.  Bogen makes a couple great models for around $125-150.  Cullman makes an inexpensive one for $50-70.  Gitzo makes some really great, very lightweight, but expensive carbon tripods also. Adventure Outfitters & Kauffman Knives & Optics (Dave Kauffman) are the best places to get optical products. Jeff Janssens, owner of Adventure Outfitters is especially helpful in answering technical questions and he has excellent service and prices.  Dave also sells a line of Custom, handmade knives that are some of the best anywhere, period.