Spotting Scopes

Dodger · Oct 17, 2002

This is my first post here, but I've reading the threads here for about 2 months. I can tell you might be able to help me out a little bit. I've been hunting coues for about 10 years and have been able to harvest 2. Both in the last couple of years. I'm starting figure the little guys out. Heck it took me 8 years just to get a shot at one! I thing that have learned about is glassing. A couple of years ago I bought a good pair of 10x42 binoculars that have increased the number of deer that I'm seeing know. However, I still think that I could be seeing more if I had a spotting scope. I have a couple of questions:
1. Do you think a spotting scope is necessary? I hunt in canyon country. A lot of up and down and both of the deer I have shot I glassed up and then had to take 200-250yard shots.
2. What do you look for in a spotting scope?
3. What spotting scopes do you recommend? I can't afford a Swarovski, Zeiss, etc. I'll need to take out a 2nd mortage on my house for and divorce my wife!
4. Back to price...I looked at a Winchester ($200). It was a 15-60, small and compact (packable). Does anyone have any experience with this model?
Sorry I'm so wordy! I'm just trying to gather as much information as I can before I buy. Thanks for helping out a newcomer and good luck this fall!
Dodger

crazyaboutcoues · Oct 18, 2002

My recommendation is to get a second mortgage

. Buy some 15-60 Zeiss, or 15-56 Swavorskis. Comeon son don't be afraid, you won't be the first one to be in the dog house over this. Just ask Scott(sniper),Allen (bura nut) hell I think Allen hasn't slept in his own bed since July. But I bet it was worth it. Scott has about $5000.00 invested in glasses. And to this day my wife still won't talk to him because he got me into glassing. $1450.00 dollars later i'm glassing deer a mile away. Just my .02

Later

Bura Nut · Oct 18, 2002

Dodger: I will try to answer this the way you want it. I would not get a spotting scope yet. Scopes are not what you need to locate the animals, they are more for scoring after you find the deer. I would go get an inexpensive tripod that you can pack in your day pack. The stability you get from the tripod will consistently help you find more deer even with 10x bino's. After this, your next step needs to be a pair of 15X bino's. These are absolutely necessary for long range glassing over 800 yards etc.... You must use your tripod with either set of bino's to hold completely still and not get tired as quickly. Sell one of your guns or something and get a good pair of 15X when you can. The tripod can be cheap like a Slik (about 40.00) or around 150.00 from Jim White out of Williams AZ. Get the tripod and use your existing bino's and save the money you were spending on a spotter for a future purchase of 15x bino's. Later on, you will want a spotter to score deer, but dont get one to glass through, they are too hard on your eyes.. Thanks, Allen Taylor......

ghost hunter · Oct 18, 2002

Dodger,
Glad to see that you have jumped in..., welcome.

I have pondered those same questions as well. I have used a scope for about 20 years and have seen things that I couldn't see, or see very well, with my 10X. So, you will see more deer. Problem is, the scope WILL make you and your eyes tired and it is heavy. I am going to try using my 10X's on a tripod this year and see if I like that better. I got a tripod adapter from Jim White since my 10X's weren't made with a tripod mount. If you need his number, just ask.

Ghost Hunter

fuentestm · Oct 18, 2002

bura nut, that is an excellent response to dodger. Will I would like to have a swarovski spotting scope at this time it is out of my budget. I was able to purchase the docter 15x60 binos which are much more affordable. They have made a world of difference in my last couple of scouting trips.

crazyaboutcoues · Oct 18, 2002

Hey Dodger,

Sorry if I sounded like an smart a** in my first post, my taste for humor sucks early in the morning.

I'd go with what Allen said about a tripod for your nocks. Using a spotting scope to locate animals can give you a major headache. As far as types of spotting scopes I would go with the best brand I could afford.

Later

PotatoWhisperer · Oct 18, 2002

LAST EDITED ON Oct-18-02 AT 01:12PM (MST)[p]Dodger,

I have battled unsuccessfully with "cheap" spotting scopes and binos. A good pair of 10x binos is better the cheap spotting scope. This year in Wyoming, I was hutning with Allen (Bura). I have a good pair of 10x binos, and I do see deer. He has Swarovksi 10x and he sees MORE deer. I have the Winchester spotting scope you're talking about...use the $200 as a down payment on your loan for the better glass. I'm learning the HARD way...spend the money now...you'll never have to invest in another pair EVER! They will pay for themselves...ask Allen (Bura) about where to purchase them. You can get top quailty optics with great prices. Let him talk to you about it.

By next summer I'll have upgraded my Nikons to Swarvoski 10x and 15 x...you MUST need them for successful hunting. PERIOD! I too have to take out a loan, but you know what...I pay it off and I'm set for life. Pay now or pay more later. I'm paying more later...cause I took the "easy" way out that cost me more money. The $1000 in inexpensive optics I've gone thru, could have paid for my top quailty 10x. See the point. And yes there is a difference.

I'm learning as I go, but you could save some money and get a good pair of Docter, Leicas, and other good brands. But I want the best, so I'm going to clear the credit card these next few months and but the best, Swarvoski.

Sorry for being long winded, but I'm learing, as we all are. Hopefully I can spare you the difficulties I've gone thru...go for the gold. She'll get over it sooner or later. Besides, if she divorces you over some binos...well you know! Good luck and good hunting!

P-DUB

AZNative · Oct 18, 2002

Well Dodger, I feel like I have a pretty good all around set up. When I pack in on a hunt I have a pair of the 10x42 Leica's that I use on a Tripod. I also have the new Kowa 20x40x50 that I absolutly LOVE. It is only 10" long and only weighs 14 oz's. YES that is correct less than one pound. I take this with me in my pack everywhere! @ just $200 it is very affordable. I also have a pair of the 20x80's from Cabela's. They are a little big but I only use them from locations that I need to glass not far from the truck since they weight 5.5 lbs.

One factor is that the Leica's are the ticket!! They never leave my neck!!

Dodger · Oct 19, 2002

Thanks everyone for the advise. I now have a much clearer view of what I need to do. I thank I will start with the tripod and work my way up to a better quality optic. I have a friend in Flagstaff that knows Jim White so I will get in touch with him to get an adapter. AZNative, what is the Kowa? I've never heard of it. Thanks again for your advise. I hope I can return the favor some time. Only a couple of more weeks, Good Luck to everyone!
Matt

Bura Nut · Oct 20, 2002

Matt: one more thing. I was talking to PW yesterday, and we came up with a thought about him buying 15x Swarovski's first instead of 10x. He then has his big glass and can use his 10x Nikons for around his neck. Any way you go will cost you a few bucks, but maybe you can still use your existing binos for still hunting etc... and get a tripod and the more expensive big bino's that can serve both as a spotter and bino's...... Allen Taylor......

Dodger · Oct 20, 2002

Bura,

I think that is what I will end up doing. I figure I can get the tripod and use it with my 10x until I can afford the bigger glasses. I was planning on using the bigger binoculars only to locate the deer at longer distances and then use the 10x once I got closer. That way I can cover more country. I'll just start saving now until I can afford some better glasses.
Thanks for your help
Matt

Bura Nut · Oct 20, 2002

Dodger: I think that is a good idea. PW is getting the 15x's first and I agree, get the big ones and locate the game out past a mile, then the 10x's you have should be just fine. I hope you have a good season this year. Allen......

AZNative · Oct 21, 2002

Dodger, - Kowa is a name brand of a spotting scope. I would consider them one of the best that are out there for the money! Here is a link to their web page.

http://www.kowascope.com/top.html

Hope it helps. Good luck!

Kent