Mid Range Spotting Scope

[MattS]

I am currently thinking of upgrading my spotting scope. I have a Bushnell Sentry 18-36x50. I have had it for 10+ years and it has not been a bad scope. It tends to loose its light at the upper magnification (due to the 50mm lense). I am currently looking at the Leupold Win River Sequoia and the Nikon Earth and Sky among others. I can't bring myself to spend the money for a Lieca or Swavarski.
Can anyone recommend a good mid priced scope (200-500 dollars). I will be using it from the truck and also backpacking it, so weight is a factor. I have read a few past reviews on these scopes, but am looking for some more input. I am currently leaning toward the Leupold as I have had their binoculars and rifle scopes, and have been very pleased. i am planning to use this for wilderness deer hunts as well as late season javelina hunts in New mexico. Any advice or reviews would be helpful.
Here is a picture from my current scope. I took it with a 35mm pressed up to the eye piece at around 30 power. The deer are about a mile or so away. Just click the picture for a large view.

 

[jej]

Matt


I have a Nikon Fieldscope III. Its waterproof and pretty sharp. You can pick your eyepiece - fixed, or zoom. I got it online from B and H photo. Good prices and service. They list their used and demo stuff on their web site, too. I have also been happy with SWFA for optics, though they did not carry this particular model. Ck out their "samplelist." I got my Leupold rifle scopes and binos from them. Like you, I like Leupold stuff a lot.

If you are interested in using the scope for photography, of course you'll want something compatible with your camera. I use a Nikon, so stuck with their scope. google "digiscope" or "digiscoping" to read up on this. I'd say more, but I am a year or two out of date on this.

I see you are from Red Bluff. I am in Socal, but grew up in Norcal and still pass through Red Bluff and fish Mill Creek, in Lassen NF every chance I get. Going to hunt C zone this year, too.