I have been in the market for a new spotting scope. I think I have it narrowed down to 2. One of them is the Leupold 12x40 - 60. The other is a 20x60 - 60. Those of you that glass a lot for muleys from a half mile or more, is the 12x40 not enough power to see tine length and all the extras on a buck? Should I go with the higher powered scope? Thanks.
Question for mule deer glassers...
- Thread starter ELKLOVER
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supersider34
Guest
Alot of the times the higher will be bad because glassing mid day heat waves will kill you.
I know this is not the case, but I am pretending there are no such thing as heat waves. I'm picturing myself glassing a possible great buck at 1 mile under perfect glassing conditions. Is that 40 power going to make me have to hike closer to get a better look. I guess maybe I'm being a little picky about this.
cabinfever
Very Active Member
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I use an 80mm and can't bring myself to down size to a 60mm. I spot a lot of animals at 1-2 miles away and at that distance you need ever advantage working for you.I'd say a minumum of 60mm.
Mike
Mike
I have a 12-40 x 60mm, Leupold Gold Ring. I really like it and it has served me well. One thing you need to remember: When going to a power above 45 or so you need to step up to the 77-82mm objective. A 60mm at 60 power will be horrible in light transmission and clarity.
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LAST EDITED ON Jul-30-08 AT 03:05PM (MST)[p]If the quality of the optics is the same, I'd go with the higher power. If you get a lower quality, large power objective, vs. a top quality, smaller power spotting scope, you'll be sorry. The larger objective is what I'd recommend also, as already stated. The more you magnify the light, the larger the objective should be to let in more light, especially near sunrise and sunset when you'll be doing most of your glassing. Good luck finding the right one.
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dleonard3
Guest
spotting scopes give me eye strain, so I use 20x80mm binoculars for my spotting. They have 4mm exit pupils and really let me see details in low light. They fit into my day pack along with my tripod and stool - both of which you'll need for long term glassing.
blazingsaddle
Active Member
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Go with the one that is clearer. I have a 20x60-60 and I rarley if ever use 60 power. You really do need a 80mm for 60 power. Even at 40 power you can tell if its a worthy animal. Unless of corse you need to pick him apart inch by inch. Clarity is more important than 40-60 debate. Heat waves are a mother.
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d13r
Guest
Even with good glass....my sts80 swarovski...above 50 is hardly usable. If swarovski made a 12-48 eyepiece for it I would replace the 20x60 in a second.
JB
JB
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Lenderdave
Guest
Personally I like my small Leica APO Televid with the variable eyepiece (17X-48X). The objective end is only 62MM (I think), but with the high quality Leica APO glass, the light transmission and clarity are good. This is a great packable spotting scope that compliments my Duovid 10-15X50 on a tripod when I am far from the roads.
If I am by the roads and the distance demands more than my 15X duovids can supply, then I use the 40X Docter binos on a big tripod. You can see the future with those things!!!
If I am by the roads and the distance demands more than my 15X duovids can supply, then I use the 40X Docter binos on a big tripod. You can see the future with those things!!!
slamdunk
Moderator
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+1 for D13 & Ram.
I use a Leica 77 also, absolutely love the scope, but it very rarely goes above 50.
And when it does, i turn it back down so i can see the detail better, even though it's not as close.
Always by the best you can, don't cut corners on optics....use "layaway" if ya have to to get the very best.
I use a Leica scope, both Zeiss and Swaro bino's.
I used layaway to get the Zeiss and Leica and was fortunate enough to receive my Swaro's as a tip.
I use a Leica 77 also, absolutely love the scope, but it very rarely goes above 50.
And when it does, i turn it back down so i can see the detail better, even though it's not as close.
Always by the best you can, don't cut corners on optics....use "layaway" if ya have to to get the very best.
I use a Leica scope, both Zeiss and Swaro bino's.
I used layaway to get the Zeiss and Leica and was fortunate enough to receive my Swaro's as a tip.
yep, I definately would go with the more powerful lense, but make sure you get the wider lense also. It will do you absolutely no good to get a high powered scope but only have 60mm width. At the higher powers you will not be able to gather enough light to get a clear look. You will no doubt have to spend some real cash to get the more powerful AND wider lensed scopes, but believe me they are worth the money. Go right the first time and you'll never regret it.
