spotting scope recommendation...

[dslaughter]

I'm thinking about purchasing a spotting scope this year and would like to hear any suggestions that anyone may want to offer. Also I'd like to hear from people that use spotting scopes frequently what you like and don't like about the scope you have. Besides being clear it needs to be water proof and relatively lightweight. Price is a consideration so don't bring up swarovski.
thanks for you input.
d

 

[muzz]

I would look at getting the Leupold. It has great clarity and is compact enough to put in a pack. I am saving for it myself. good luck.

 

[berto]

golly,

i have a low grade bushnell and it works just fine for me. it's a 12x36 and yeah, if i crank it up to 30+ it's not sharp, especially at dawn or dusk, but all i need to know is whether or not the buck or bull that's out there 1/2 to 1+ miles is big enough for me to spend time on a sneak...

so, don't overlook the less expensive stuff.

 

[OSOK]

My buddy bought the 800 dolla Leui. Nice piece. I'm also happy w/ the Nikon XL I picked up. Don't think you'd go wrong w/ either!

 

[231nontypicalmuledeer]

I use the cabela's pine ridge 20x50x70 scope, it is a great scope, I once had a bushnell discover, but this is a far better scope, for the price you cant beat it!
231

 

[cawinslow]

I have a Bushnell Spacemaster, that I really like it is not a compact but it is suppose to hold up better than a compact it is a 15x-45x-60. I think i paid 299 for it but i don't remember

 

[cabinfever]

dslaughter

I bought the 20-60x80mm Alaskan Guide Spotting Scope from Cabelas for $479 last year and I love it. Its not as compact as I would like, but its worth the quality. Remember the main reason for spotting scopes is to take a closer look at animal you have already spotted with your bino's.

cabinfever

 

[dslaughter]

LAST EDITED ON Dec-29-03 AT 05:37PM (MST)[p]Cabinfever,
I have the cabelas spotting scope myself and I can't argue that it is a good scope. I need to send mine back because of a manufacturing defect (that doesn't affect image quality). Before I have them send me new one I'd like to see if there is a better way to go. I plan on doing more packing this year and would like to shed some weight(the cabelas scope is 52 ounces).
d

 

[MewelDeer]

I have a bushenell...its a great scope. I have used it for the last 8 years with no complaints.

 

[Cactus]

Your choice must depend on how picky you are with glass. My guide showed me his Swarovski spotting scope and I could clearly see a difference in the quality of glass and clarity of image. Maybe you can't tell when you compare Leupold to Swarovski, and if so don;t waste the extra bucks. All depends on how much the glass matters to you.

One thing is for sure.. you will get what you pay for.

Cactus

 

[Triple_BB]

You need to go to a place like Cabela's where you can look at 6 or 7 spotters all on one tripod side by side . Then do comparisons of various objects at different distances. I had intentions of getting a Swaro or whatever spotter felt the best. Went with the Leupold because through my eye it had good or better clarity, eye relief, and field of vision as the higher priced spotters. The difference between the lower priced spotters was as plain as night and day. Buy the best you can afford based on what your eye likes the most.

 

[D13er]

Swarov..............oh, sorry.

JB

 

[dslaughter]

D13er,
very funny...
I appreciate all of the feedback. I wish there was a Cabela's close by. There's a bass-pro down here but I think their spotting scope selection is limited. I will definitely try to find a Leupold to look through before I spend any money. I've got a few months before I'm going to need one so hopefully I'll find a place to do a comparison.
Thanks for the input,
d

 

[HGHCOUNTRY]

Just my 2 cents worth, I purchased the nikon XL spotter. And I am very happy with it. It is tough, and is small enough to carry all day. You really get what you pay for in optics. Spend as much as you can, you wont regret it.

-Hghcountry

 

[mtAl]

I just bought the Weaver Classic Spotter 15x45 60mm because it was on sale. Do what the others say: go to a gunshop, Wildbirds Unlimited, camera shop, etc. and set up several spotters. TAKE THEM OUTSIDE, don't just look at some bird mount on the other side of the store, even if its a huge store, you're not going to get a good comparison of light gathering abilities, etc. The other side of the store is only a few hundred feet away at most. If the store wont send someone out with you and several tripods, shop elsewhere.

I compared the Weaver to the Burris and thought they were about the same, so went with the lower price (need to save up for some sweet binos).

Later, I went to WildBirds and set my Weaver up next to the Nikon XL and several others. The Nikon XL is better, in my opinion. Its phase coated, light and clear. You can get them used on ebay or at www.samplelist.com (full blown outfit with tripod and case on there now for $400, good luck matching that!).

That said, I'm really happy with my Weaver and will use it until I can afford a Leica, which means never.

I went to a used camera shop and found a used lightweight tripod with a light/small ball mount swivel on the top, great for packing.

Good luck.

 

[huntnphool]

d,

I love my Swarovski but I also have a Nikon that has worked great for several years. Rubber coated, water proof and realy not that heavy. If you can find a way to swing it though, I highly recommend the "Ski", no regrets from my end.......................rf