Spotting Scope Question??

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63
What do you guys recommend for under $350. I found that Leupold Sequoia for around $350. What other brands are out there that are decent. Thanks!!
 
In your price range I would recommend looking at the Vortex line. You could get a Nomad or a used Skyline in that range. I have owned them both and really liked them both.
 
I have been looking a lot lately and for that price range the vortex nomad and bushnell elite 15-45x 60 are good and I think better than the leupold. I have been looking at the 50mm leupold.
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-07-09 AT 11:48AM (MST)[p]Dude, if you can't tell any difference between the Vortex CS and a premium spotter, I'd suggest you get your eyes checked! And yes, I owned one!
 
I recently bought my first one and went with the Burris Landmark 20-60X80. It was right at the $350 mark. I had that scope up and also a Winchester scope just like it on the tripods at the store. The Winchester had the rubber casing on it and a lens cover you could pull out a bit when looking into the sun. The Winchester was $20 more.
I went with the Burris because it's clarity and light blew the Winchester away. I'm no optics expert, so I don't fancy myself to have a keen eye necessarily, but there was no doubt on this one.

I've had it up on the hill a couple times since and it's done the job. Did great in low light.

That's my experience. Good luck!!

p.s. At that price, which is common, it came with a hard carrying case, tripod and soft case with a shoulder strap.

>>>---->
For the love of the game
 
I felt my 1977 model Bushnell Spacemaster S. Scope needed replacing for this seasons hunts and didn't have the coin to drop on what i felt would be a substantial upgrade so i bought another within the last month. I got it on a E-bay Auction at the last second w/tri-pod and case for less than $180. shipped.

These newer Bushnell Spacemasters usually run between 3-$400., fit easily in a small day bag and seem to have way better optics than the one i bought in '77. Can't say they are better than others in that price range but for what, and the way, i use a Spotting Scope, they're plenty good enough!

Joey
 
It has been an absolute hoot, over the years, to have some Nimrod show up here with $10k worth of Euro optics.

A spotter, a pair of 15 power binos and a pair of 8 power binos. Two tripods, one with a ball mount that costs more than a good rifle.......and a matching scope on their shooter.

It happens several times a season.

They scan the area with the 15's on their tripod, then switch back and forth with the spotter.

Usually spend 20 or 30 minutes on the glass and want to move somewhere else and do it all over again.

When I show them something I found with my "semi-domestic Leuy", they get all huffy and have 9 excuses why they missed seeing it.

2 hours later, they start bragging about, "paying for quality."

When they actually do have a shot, they miss the first one at 80 yds, or hit a foot.

11 shots later, they proudly pose with their $6000 Lazzeroni rifle and a deer with more holes in it than an OJ Simpson court document.

It don't matter what it cost, if you aren't smart enough to use it, or smart enough to know what you are looking at

Hunting is pretty much 90% desire, skill and experience....and 10% checkbook.
 
I would stay away from the Leupold. I have that scope and it works okay in good light, but in low light it is terrible. I used it for 4 years, but right after I bought it I started saving my pennies.

I agree that many people have more money than ability to spot deer, but there is still no substitute for the best. Swarovski, Leica,Ziess, Meopta ect. I have all swarovski gear now and I love it.

I have look through one Vortex, it was their largest one and it was pretty nice and I have heard many good things about the nomad as well.

If it we me on a budget I would look for something used in a Euro brand. Just my 2 cents.
 
I own and use swarovski optics exclusively. Having said that, I looked through my brothers skyline vortex and got the shock of my life. It was as clear as my swarovski. I have had no experience with the nomad, but if the quality is as good as the skyline, that is the scope I'd get. The skyline is a monster scope!
 
I agree with you Nick..

I spent many years hunting the East Humbolts in Nevada with hours spent behind my Leupold spotter and bino's and if you know what your looking for and have half an eye for deer parts you can spot just as much as the guy with the spotter that costs somewhere around a mortgage payment.

I'm not saying Leupolds are better but if you know what your looking for and spend the time looking you will find what your after. It's worked for me time and time again.
 
As many have said, Vortex is a great product for the cost. Save up a little more money and get the Skyline, I love mine.

The Vortex VIP warranty gives me great peace of mind. They will replace or fix any of their products, no questions asked. I had a problem with a pair of their Binos, they had me a new pair within 5 days of my call!
 
I ordered the Vortex from camera land on wednesday and just got it today. I am very happy with the quality of the scope and the delivery from camera land. For 200 dollars you can't beat the price. I first wanted the 60mm nomad, then saw the price for the 80mm and couldn't pass it up.

Louie
 
Is this scope basically the skyline non ED? If so, anyone know why the special purchase scope is only 44 oz's compared to the skyline at 60 oz's?
 
Mine came in a box that said Vortex Nomad on it. I talked to Vortex before I bought it and they said it is the 80mm Nomad scope that has a all black body on it. I guess they messed up with the color of the molds so they are getting rid of them at a special price. Everything except the color is the Nomad.
 

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