Night Vision Hog/Coyote Hunt Optics

[mitigate6]

New guy here. After using some friend's thermals I want to get in the night hunt game. Willing to spend about $10k on optics/helmet/etc., have all the guns. Any suggestions from you experienced guys on a good setup in this price range?

 

[kirsch]

A lot depends on ranges. Most hog hunters want a wider FOV and less mag while many coyote hunters like less FOV and more mag. However, this really depends on terrain. The Bering Optics thermals are hard to beat for the money right now. A Super Hogster makes a great coyote scope, but may be a little limited for FOV on hogs, but it can be used. You could go with a Hogster 35 which can work for both. For a scanner, the Bering Optics Phenom is tough to beat right now. The 35/Phenom combo will run around $5800 while the Super Hogster/Phenom will be around $6400 but there are some Hide discounts and free shipping if you buy them from Night Goggles. I would then suggest a carbon fiber tripod, They range in price dramatically, but the Night Stalker Pro from Night Goggles is the one I use most of the time.

I don't use a helmet or scan with a helmet. Some love it, I do not. I like the mobility of a hand scanner and not having to have it on my head all the time. Others won't even consider hunting without one. The options I mentioned are not designed for helmet usage.