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How-To Glass the West with a Tripod and TORIC Binoculars
Insights from Zane Ketch, Third-Generation Hunter & Guide | Powered by TRACT Optics
In the rugged terrain of the Rockies, success often hinges on what you can see—and how well you can see it. Whether you’re scanning timber for a bull elk or dissecting a distant hillside for a bedded buck, having a good set of binoculars is worth its weight in gold. But as seasoned hunter Zane Ketch reminds us, the real secret weapon isn’t just the optics—it’s the tripod.
The Power of Stability in the Rockies
[0:02–0:21]
Zane opens with a truth every Western hunter knows: “Having a good set of binos is worth its weight in gold.” Spotting elk moving through shadows or timber requires more than sharp eyes—it demands sharp glass. And in the southern Rockies of Southwest Colorado, where Zane hunts, glassing is a way of life.
[0:34–0:52]
One of the most overlooked tools? The tripod. Whether you’re perched on a ridge for six hours glassing for sheep or scanning dark timber for a bull, fatigue sets in fast. A tripod not only eliminates hand shake—it allows you to stay locked in, focused, and efficient.
Grid Glassing: A Systematic Approach
[1:25–2:00]
Zane’s technique is simple but powerful: grid glassing. Start at the top of a hillside, glass across, drop down, and glass back. This method ensures full coverage without missing key details. Mounted on a tripod, your binos become an extension of your eyes—smooth, steady, and precise.
He emphasizes comfort: set the tripod handle in front, get into a relaxed position, and pan with minimal effort. This setup lets you scan under trees, into shadows, and across terrain where animals hide—not in the open, but in the “dark thick nasty.”
Look for Pieces, Not the Whole
[2:00–2:30]
Zane’s advice is gold: don’t look for the whole animal—look for pieces. A leg in sunlight. A rack turning in the shadows. These subtle cues are what reveal game that’s expertly camouflaged. “Their survival is based around being able to hide from lions and bears and people,” he says. That’s why precision glassing matters.
Why the TORIC 10×50 and 12.5×50 UHD Binoculars Are Built for Tripods
When it comes to tripod-mounted glassing, TRACT’s TORIC 10×50 and 12.5×50 UHD binoculars are elite performers. Here’s why:
| Feature | TORIC 10×50 UHD | TORIC 12.5×50 UHD |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x | 12.5x |
| Objective Lens | 50mm | 50mm |
| Weight | ~32 oz | ~32 oz |
| Glass Type | SCHOTT High Transmission | SCHOTT High Transmission |
| Field of View | Wide (304ft) | Narrower, more detailed (272ft) |
| Best Use | Scanning large areas | Long-range Detail |
| Exit Pupil | 5mm | 4mm |
- TORIC 10×50: Ideal for wide-area scanning with a generous field of view. Perfect for picking apart terrain quickly while maintaining clarity. The 5mm exit pupil will provide better light gathtering ability during those critial times at dawn and dusk.
- TORIC 12.5×50: Built for long-range glassing. Its higher magnification lets you dissect distant ridges and timber pockets with surgical precision while maintaing a 4mm exit pupil for low light performance.
Both models feature TRACT’s Ultra High Definition (UHD) optical system, flat multi-coating, and rugged construction—making them perfect for the demands of Western hunting.
Final Thoughts: Pick It Apart
[2:53–3:02]
Zane closes with a reminder: “You go set up on a hillside, pick it apart, and you will be amazed at the amount of life that you will see.” With a tripod and the right binos, the landscape comes alive. Coyotes, elk, deer—hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered.
So next time you head out West, don’t just bring your binos. Bring your tripod. Bring your TORICs. And bring the mindset of a hunter who knows that success starts with seeing what others miss.
