spotting scope ?

hilltop

Member
Messages
95
what power spotting scope should i buy, i want to be able to zoom in good, with out it being to big, any suggestions would be great thanks.
 
I bought a swarovski a year ago. Best investment ever! There is nothing like it. I'll throw rocks at any other scope. They are a big chunk of change but it you can afford it thats what i would recommend. The angled eyepiece is the sh$t too. saves the strain on your neck. Its not that much bulkier than the other scopes either.
 
I use the Swarovski ATS65 with a 20x60 eye piece. It's fairly compact and I have been very happy with it.
 
i think the wife would have a stroke if i told her i was going to spend that much, i know you should buy the best you can, so what do you recomend for low dollar scopes.
thanks.
 
Hilltop: For the money, Leopold's Gold Ring series is a pretty serviceable scope. It doesn't have the clarity/brightness of the Swaro's, but it's a quarter the cost. Fairly compact design, reasonably light weight, and if you wear eyeglasses, it's eye relief beats the hell out of everything else out there, including Swaro and Leica.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-04-06 AT 01:27AM (MST)[p]I just bought a MEOPTA 20x60x80 and it is has worked well for me so far. At the 60 power it still is not as clear as a Swarovski. If I had to do it again I would go with a Swarovski and spend a the money. Just don't tell your wife.

DUGAN
 
There is no doubt that the more you spend on a scope the better. I used a Sightron this year 20X50 with an 80mm lens. Spotting is kind of a new thing for me. I learned that I rarely need higher than a 30x. 20x is typically good enough to see the smallest antlers even past 1/2 mile. My scope starts getting dark after 30x. I'd like to go into the field with a higher quality glass and compare the diff. Certainly can't tell in a warehouse. The 80mm is bulky. I have no complaint about Sightron, but if I could find a glass that is just as clear without having to go 80mm, I'd pursue it. Good luck.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-05-06 AT 01:55PM (MST)[p]Hilltop, you might let us know how much you want to spend or can afford.
Everybody should remember that not everyone on this board can afford those expensive scopes like Swarovski. Sure they are one of the best out there but for some they are out of reach... unless that little plastic card comes into play.
I would agree with Sneak. I bought a Leupold gold ring in a compact armored fixed 25x and that was what my budget could handle. I think at the time it was a little over $400.
I use it from antelope to elk and along with a small tripod can be carried in a small pack with no bulky feel.
The reason I got the fixed power is I don't care for the zoom option and don't like to wide scan for game using a scope. I use my bino for a wide scan then the scope for up close.
 
WHAT Pronghornhunter said is good enough!
My Swarovskis HD cost $2200. (and bought in AUSTRIA when our maint guy went home for the holiday two years ago.the Euro is killing the Dollar however I got a few freebies extras worth about a extra grand!).
I can now say since I have the woman and great glass threeways(spotter,binos,riflescopes)buy the best skimp on other things
like dating, and anything else that has nothing to do with hunting!
Rm
 
I wouldnt look past Nikon for quality and price. I have been very pleased with the monarch 10x42 binos. I recently bought the sky and earth 20x60x80 as well. It was around $550, which wasnt bad for what it is. It is a bit bulky, but Nikon has alot of other spotters with less bulk. Look at the spotter XL, it is around $350 or something, I cant exaclty remember. You will not be dissapointed, plus you can face your wife!
Dan
 
hey guys thank you very much, i think i will go with the leupold
or nikon something in that range. thanks again for all your input.
 
I just bought the NIKON team realtree, 20-45x60
Got the scop, window mount, tripod, case/cover all for $325 new in box on E bay, I like it its a very clear scope.
 
I am happy with my Burris Landmark 15-45x in 60 mm. It is compact enough for a backpack, and fots well with a Nikon Compact tripod. I get more distortion from vibration from the wind than any difference in glass quality. When I drop my pack wrong, or have a horse roll over on it, I will look at the leopold compact scope. but it was what I can afford, and is serviceable. At this point in my life, I can replace boot leather easier than my glass. Sitting at my house, i can tell the eartag (Color not #) of the heifers 1/2-3/4 mile away.
 
I recently bought the Alpen 15X45X60 spotting scope with the angled eyepiece. First morning I took it out we glassed deer before the sun came out at about a mile away. I was dissapointed with the light gathering at the higher zoom. Once the sun came up there was no problem and everything was very clear. But when it really counted I was dissapointed. But then again I only paid $150 for it so you can't expect too much. I figured that I would spend less on the spotting scope and spend the big money on the binoculars.
 
Hilltop - I have a 2 year old Nikon Fieldscope ED 60mm with a straight eyepiece 20 - 60 X. It has covers (both ends) and a soft case. It has NEVER been in the field. I got it to use with my Nikon 35mm SLR camera and have switched to all digital photography and don't see using it. I would like to sell it and would make you or someone a great deal. I have almost $1000 into this scope. PM me for details
 
big deer im not sure how to pm yet im kinda new to this forum stuff maybe you could send me one im interested but again ill have to check with the boss on funds thanks
 
I've used the Leica 20X60X77 for the last five years. It's a great scope. It was stolen along with a bunch of other hunting gear this past December. I bought another one but I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it. I'm heading to Cabelas right now to compare some other scopes and maybe exchange my Leica. I'll let you know what I decided on tonight.
Wes
 
I got the wind river leopuld and took it back after 1 guide trip, picked up a baush and lomb scope very clear light weight, for the money dont think you can go wrong with the nikon. or the scope i bought. good luck
 
I spent a few hours last night at Cabelas comparing scopes. The three contenders were Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss. I liked the Zeiss for low light but the edges of the filed of view were blurry. It came down to the Leica or Swarovski. It was close but in the end I purcahsed the Swarovski STS80 20X60. I felt it had a little more low light definition. I liked the HD also but couldn't justify the additional $500. Hope this helps.
Wes
 
Personally, I'd go with the Swarovski HD 65 if money wasn't a HUGE issue.

I have a ST 80 and wish now I had the smaller scope. Can't beat the clarity, and if you're serious about looking for critters over a mile away, you need it.

If the big is an issue ( and to most of us it is), here's how to get around it... Take a hundred and put it aside each month and out of sight of the wife. When you get enough to buy the scope, go to one of the conservation banquets and bring it home. Tell her you won it in a drawing and you have no grief!

I know this works as a buddy did it...

Don
 

Click-a-Pic ... Details & Bigger Photos
Back
Top Bottom