Spotting Scope Opinions

[Onxhntr]

Hey guys I am fortunate enough to be purchasing a new spotter for this fall but wanted some of your guys opinions/what you guys use. It will mostly be used on back pack type hunts or something that I will be caring with me every day out in the field. May use it at the range or out of the truck but I'm not taking that into much consideration. I know you can't have the best of both worlds when it comes to weight and performance so I have narrowed it down or at least I think to either a 20-60x60 or a 15-45x65. Which would you choose, am I on the right track, or would you be looking at something else?

 

[grizzly_]

Its impossible for a scope to be all things to all people so you'll have to compromise somewhere. For example, I carry an ATM 80 HD (it weighs less than 6oz more than an ATS 65 HD but with much more light) because I am not willing to give up the performance to save a few ounces.

If I was looking for a true lightweight backpacking scope, I would probably go after the new KOWA 553 with Fluorite lenses.

 

[u1299]

20 x 60 for me. I'm a Kowa guy too!

 

[std7mag]

I'm saving up for a Celestron C70. Not much weight, short.
It is not listed as water resistant, but i figure i'm not using a spotter in the rain.

I say saving up for because of a rifle build that i'm in the process of, just bought the scope.

 

[6mm Remington]

My next purchase is going to be a Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm compact. I really like them and think it will work great for me.

 

[Bigjav]

Do you have your mind set on a particular brand? If so start from there and if you can, go a few sporting goods stores and check them out in person because unfortunately not all glass is created equal and you may find yourself willing to put up with a little extra weight for the added benefits

 

[Keeptrying]

My opinion is that 50mm is too small. Dark during the critical times.

Love the size and weight of my Gold Ring 25X50. Not so much dawn/dusk performance.

 

[Hatchie Dawg]

I like my Nikon ED 50. Excellent performance at that weight. Ounces are important to me though.
HD

 

[JohnCushman]

I love my Theron Saker! You don't have to break the bank for quality performance. Schmalts is a member here and Predator Optics is his store.

 

[brymoore]

I owned an Nikon ED50. It underperformed on mule deer at 800 yards. I always wanted more power. I ran a Vortex low level for a few years and recently upgraded to a Swaro 65mm (couldn't find an ATM 80).

I should have just started with a Swaro.

 

[Onxhntr]

Thanks guys for all the responses. I am definitely looking at the lower price range spotting scopes. I have narrowed it down between the Vortex diamond back 20-60x60 and the Vortex viper 15-45x65. For a newbie like myself I don't think I will be able to tell the difference just trying to decide if I want the nicer glass and more weight with the viper or the larger magnification with the diamond back.

 

[MN Public Hunter]

Look at the Vanguard Endeavor as well.
http://www.vanguardworld.us/hunting_us/products/spotting-scopes.html

 

[beagle001]

I have a Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60 and I like it quite a bit, but in all honesty, I wish we would have bought some Vulture 15x56 binoculars. The scope is cool, but for our style of hunting, just picking out animals has more merit than seeing great distances

 

[7mm08mo]

I love my Theron Saker! You don't have to break the bank for quality performance. Schmalts is a member here and Predator Optics is his store.

I like the Theron that I bought from Schmalts also. Very good customer service and great pricing. I have bought several optics from him.

 

[AggieOutlaw]

Sportsmans Warehouse has a killer deal on the Razor HD 65mm right now. Almost as cheap as the Viper.

If I had the money I'd buy it.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/...dy-Spotting-Scopes/prod999901366046/cat130500

 

[307]

Quality image>magnification of image