First, you are not going to save much weight with any spotter as compared to a really nice set of binoculars. That is mostly because you aren't going to have a 60x spotter that you can hand-hold and see anything out of it. That means carrying a tripod to support the spotter or some other sort of support.
Second, there is absolutely no need for a 60x spotter for elk hunting. You aren't spotting .30 cal holes in a target 600 yards away...you are spotting something that weighs 700lbs, is 5ft tall at the shoulders and is 8ft long!! Trust me when I say that 60x is WAY overkill for spotting elk.
If your dad is steadfast in wanting a spotter, I would suggest that he call the guide/buddy that is going with them and ask him for a list of gear for the hunt as well as talking to him about a spotter or set of binos.
Having "been there and done that", I can tell you that for $350, you can buy a teriffic set of binos. I would strongly recommend the following:
The Steiner Predator Pro 12x:
Steiner 12x40 Predator Pro Binocular
The Steiner Predator Pro 10x:
Steiner 10x40 Predator Pro Binocular
Both offer unparalled optics very well-suited for hunting/tracking. The 10x is $240 and the 12x is right at $350. Also, both of them weigh right at 1.5lbs.
Second, there is absolutely no need for a 60x spotter for elk hunting. You aren't spotting .30 cal holes in a target 600 yards away...you are spotting something that weighs 700lbs, is 5ft tall at the shoulders and is 8ft long!! Trust me when I say that 60x is WAY overkill for spotting elk.
If your dad is steadfast in wanting a spotter, I would suggest that he call the guide/buddy that is going with them and ask him for a list of gear for the hunt as well as talking to him about a spotter or set of binos.
Having "been there and done that", I can tell you that for $350, you can buy a teriffic set of binos. I would strongly recommend the following:
The Steiner Predator Pro 12x:
Steiner 12x40 Predator Pro Binocular
The Steiner Predator Pro 10x:
Steiner 10x40 Predator Pro Binocular
Both offer unparalled optics very well-suited for hunting/tracking. The 10x is $240 and the 12x is right at $350. Also, both of them weigh right at 1.5lbs.
