Fall is just around the corner and with that comes the time-honored tradition of the hunt. All across the US hunting seasons are already gearing up. Along with that goes the inevitable trip to the range to zero rifles, then on to a special hunting spot to hopefully bag that mule deer, pronghorn or whatever species you’re fortunate enough to draw a tag for.
Along with range time and the hunt comes the need for not just a quality scope, but also for a good binocular and possibly even a spotting scope depending on the terrain you’re hunting. Here in the west, I spend lots of time glassing for mule deer, pronghorn, and elk.
In the not-too-distant past I was fortunate to attend the annual Ballistic Summit sponsored by Lucid Optics at the renowned NRA Whittington Center near Raton New Mexico.
During one of these events, I was able to get my hands on a set of binoculars and a very compact spotting scope from Lucid Optics that are perfect for those hunters wanting to add an edge to their game this upcoming fall.
Lucid offers both the B-10 binocular (10×42) the B-8 (10×8) binocular. The B-10 and B-8 are almost identical in specifications but I spent the most time trying out the B-8 which was first introduced in 2019.
Specs for the Lucid B-8 are as follows:
- Magnification – 8x
- Objective Lens – 42mm
- Ocular Lens Diameter – 22mm
- Length – 6.5 inches
- Tripod Adaptable – Yes
- Weight – 24oz.
- Rubber Armor – Yes
- Construction Material – Polymer Frame
- Prism Material – BaK-4 High Definition Resolution
- Color & Finish – Matte Black
- Waterproof – (IPX8) Yes
- Fogproof – Yes (Nitrogen Purged)
- Lens Coating – (Multi Coated) FBMC
- Prism Coating – Silver
- Light Transmission – 96%
- ED Fluoride Lenses – Yes (High Definition Resolution)
- Eye Relief – 18mm
- Exit Pupil – 14mm
- Field of View – 341ft @ 1000yds
- Close Focus – 5.75 feet
- Warranty – Limited Lifetime
MSRP for the Lucid B-8 $679.99, but you can find the B-8 binocular for around $560 from retailers. The Lucid B-10 binoculars are the 10x version and retail for the same amount.
Another awesome Lucid optic I was able to spend lots of time with is the model SC9 spotting scope.
With a length of just over eight inches and weighing only 21 ounces, you can throw this spotting scope in your cargo pocket or day pack. The SC9 is a variable magnification of 9x-27x making it ideal for the hunting field.
I have now personally used the SC9 spotting scope on a number of big game hunts in the southwest.
Overall specifications of the Lucid SC9 spotting scope are as follows:
- Magnification—9x-27x
- Objective Lens—56mm
- Ocular Lens Diameter—20mm
- Length—8.25 inches
- Mounting—1/4-20
- Weight—21 ounces
- Rubber Armor—Yes
- Construction Material—One piece aluminum
- Prism Material—BaK4
- Color & Finish—Matte Black
- Waterproof—Yes IPX8
- Fogproof—Yes (Nitrogen Purged)
- Lens Coating—FBMC (multi coated)
- Light Transmission—92%
- Ocular Focus—Yes
- Eye Relief—14mm-17mm
- Exit Pupil—7mm
- Field of View—120 feet @1000 yards
- Close Focus—8 feet
- Warranty—Limited lifetime
MSRP for the Lucid SC9 is $599, but as with the B-8 binocular you can find the spotting scope on the retail market for around $440. You may want to consider coupling the SC9 with Lucid’s TP4 aluminum tripod for super stability and that can be used as a traditional tripod or as a monopod, MSRP $230.
I like this spotting scope for field use because it’s so compact and lightweight. I found that the SC9 is very useable without a tripod by just bracing my hands against my chest while holding the optic and looking through the ocular lens.
If you are looking for a great field optic that is high quality and offers a limited lifetime warranty look no further than Lucid Optics. The company’s motto of “On Target-Under Budget” by all appearances hits the mark. Check out all the great products from Lucid at lucidoptics.com.
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