Thread: Newbie: Suggestions for first binoculars?

Another idea:

If you're starting out and you've got 2-3k to spend, I'd say just splurge as much as you can on a pair of second-hand top tier binos (Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski). Even if it eats up most of your budget. You can still 'hunt' (albeit not kill) with optics, and you'll be able to scout areas, glass them, and learn about your quarry. This will pay devidends in the longrun. Your binos will last forever, so they're a piece of gear you'd do well not to skimp on.

Then when your budget allows for it, pick up a rifle of your choosing. And by then, you would have done so much scouting and glassing that you'll have a good idea where all the animals are.

This approach may take some dicipline. I know that it's super tempting to run out and get a rifle once you've obtained your FAL...but to cut corners on your optics, just to spend extra on an overpriced rifle - it's back to front in my opinion.

At least this way you'll be able to save for quality kit but still get out and observe/stalk animals in the meantime.