Spptting Scope

Hawkeye · May 15, 2006

I am considering purchasing a new spotting scope this year. I cannot afford to drop $2,000 on a new Zeiss, Leica or Swarovski. I am looking to spend between $300 and $700, and hope that I can get a good scope for that price. So far I have looked at the following brands: Cabelas, Leupold, Nikon and Bausch and Lomb. Does anyone have any suggestions? Do you own any of these brands? Is there another brand that I should consider? Thanks.

Hawkeye

RACKMASTER · May 15, 2006

check out e bay ,,,I just bought leupold 25x50 compact spotter and their are a few around.
rm

huntindudley · May 15, 2006

I would go with the Nikon sky & earth. I have been looking into a new spotting scope and if I had the money right now that's the one I would get. They're not too spendy and I was really impressed with the optics. Just my two cents. Good luck.

Deerlove · May 15, 2006

leupold

sagehnter · May 15, 2006

Just bought a leupold 15-30 compact and love it. Very clear and bright and about half the size of the rest of them so it's easier to pack. Take a look at them

groundhog · May 15, 2006

The 20 power Leopold compact is a very clear, nice little scope. I find myself using it more than the bigger and way more expensive Lieca. The Lieca stay's in the truck and the little Leopold goes on the backpack. Lieca has better optics but for the money it is hard to beat Leopold. By the way my brother scratched the glass on his leopold scope and he sent it in to Leopold. They had it back to him in less than a week!!! No Charge!! Now that is service. I have no experience with the Nikon, I am sure they are great also. Groundhog

NMRaptor · May 15, 2006

I use a 60mm Nikon Fieldscope III w/ 20-60x eye peice. Its not in the same league as a Swaro or Leica but is probably one of the better mid range models.
-Raptor

nontypical250 · May 15, 2006

I have a leupold gold ring. Its wonderful. Its got an adapter for a camera and anything else you can find. I like it because its small enough to pack around with a tripod and it has that tough rubber armour around it with easy to use dials

mickeyelk · May 16, 2006

I had a Nikon 16-47 XL Spotter. It was great. Lightweight and a ease to carry in your backpack. I wish I still had it, but!

1BigDeer · May 16, 2006

RE: Spotting Scope

Hawk - PM me. I have a Nikon Fieldscope III ED 60mm that I would make you a great deal on!

HighDesert · May 17, 2006

RE: Spotting Scope

Hey Hawk Leupold came out with a brand new Wind River this year it is 20-60x80 I think or something like that runs in the 400.00 range but mid range it should be an excellent spotting scope for the money. I have not seen too many of them in the stores yet but. I would look strongly into this particular scope with the budget you are looking at.

Dave

ridgerunner · May 17, 2006

RE: Spotting Scope

I have a B&L 20x60x70, its a good scope and set me back about $430 about 5 years ago.

BuckSnort · May 17, 2006

RE: Spotting Scope

I use a Nikon spotter XL 16-47X It really shines on pack in type hunts where space and weight is limited.

ASUCoues · May 17, 2006

RE: Spotting Scope

Go with the Nikon - WITHOUT A DOUBT!!! If you can afford it, get the 60mm ED scope. I think the eyepiece would zoom from 20X - 60X. I think the 60mm is considered their tactical scope and comes in black. They typically come with a really nice padded case that goes all around the scope with openings for the tripod mount area, focus wheel, etc. I packed around and used this scope for a couple of seasons and loved it. Unfortunately I used and fell in love with the 82mm which has a 75X zoom. This baby is SWEET!!!

songdog · May 18, 2006

Nikon 60mm Fieldscope. The very best glass for the money! Bar None!!!!

Lien2 · May 18, 2006

Leupold, definitely!
I have the Wind River Sequoa (or something like that) and it is great for the $300 price tag!!!

Lien2

Deerlove · May 18, 2006

Go with the Gold Ring series, the windrivers are NOT the same.

GooseHunterJr · May 18, 2006

I just bought the 20x60x80 Burris Landmark scope and I must say that it is very nice for the money spent...Great clarity....came with a hard case, soft case and a table tripod. Bought the full size tripod for shooting the gun.

bohunterm · May 19, 2006

Without a doubt you should go with the pentax 65 mm spotter, they are compact have ED glass and amazing eyepeices. I have one with the 20-60 Zoom Xf eyepiece, great scope for the $$.

Another cool feature with this scope is you can use many of the 1.25" eyepieces out there. Shop around and you can find the scope and zoom eyepiece for $650

cpugsie · May 19, 2006

I have the 12-40x60 Leupold and love it. It has great eye relief if you happen to be an eye glass wearer. It's also fairly compact and light for it's power. Here's one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Leupold-12-40x6...ryZ31715QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Good luck!

muleygrande · May 19, 2006

I had a Leupold 25x50mm for twelve years and liked it alot but the zipper on the case sratched the eyepiece real bad. So I sent it in and they gave me a free 15-30x50mm. I love this new scope.