Need a spotting scope

[hntndux]

I think it's time to get my own spotting scope and quit borrowing pop's scope.  He has the Bushnell scope and it has always worked fine, but i'm just curious what experience any of you have with other makes.  I'm most interested in the Cabela spotting scopes.  I'd like to keep the cost below $500.

 

[lintongb]

I have a Leupold 12-40X60 and I am very happy with it.  I honestly can't remember what I paid for it though.  However, Leupold makes a great product and they have a great warranty.  Just my 2 cents.  Hope it helps.

 

[lintongb]

Just found this.  Here is a link you might find interesting.
http://www.snipercountry.com/LeupoldVSS.html

 

[BuckSnort]

The leupold is an exelent scope however,it cost a little above $700.I just bought a nikon spotter xl,it cost right at $500.It also has a lifetime Warranty.It is also light and easy to pack,and the optical clarity is great.

 

[AughtSix]

Here's a reply that someone posted to a similar question at a bench rest web site.  Might not be exactly what you're looking for, but there might be some useful information here...

Regards,

AughtSix

"Like everything we purchase you get what you pay for it. Spotting scopes are no exception to the rule. I myself have been looking into spotting scopes for use in HBR. Application from 100-300 yards. My standard was to be able to see a 30 cal bullet hole and know what ring it was touching.

(deleted some irrelavant stuff here...)

If you can only afford a certain amount get the best scope in that price range. However, more than likely after some use you will want something better. This is where the buy once mentality pays off. The money and time spent on buying 2-3 scopes could have been spent buy 1 that will fit your needs and last a life time.

In my research, in the $300-$400 range the Sightron spotters and the Nikon Field and Sky scopes seem to be the best.

As you step up in price: The Nikon 60mm Fieldscope, Leupold 12-45 Zoom, Fujinon 80mm and the Kowa 60mm's

At the top end: you have the Leica Televid 77, Swarovski 80, Kowa 821/822, Nikon 78mm and Pentax 80 mm.

All of these scope are excellent it is just a matter of what you'll be satisfied with. My scope choices were narrowed to the Nikon 60MM Fieldscope ED, the Pentax 80mm, Kowa 821 and the Leica Televid 77. I bought the Televid 77.

Best advice I can give is look thru as many scopes as possible and determine what you want out of the spotter.

Here is a website that will give you some great insight: http://betterviewdesired.com/"

 

[gizz]

hntndux - I can't help you much on the selection but I do know a good place for comparing prices to help narrow it a bit. As the others stated buy as much as you can afford cause if not you'll probably buy it again. I have optics from Leupold, Nikon, and Sightron and in my opinion they're all "good" glass.
I noticed that some of their products you must call about to get a price. Don't be afraid to call them, I bought my Rangefinder from this company and they were pleasant to talk to on the phone (NOT PUSHY AT ALL). If of course you get different results - just hang up!
http://www.eagleoptics.com
Here are a couple samples a little more than your price range?:
NK Spotter XL 16-47x | SPT-NK-7900   $418
NK Spotter XL Outfit/16-47x | SPT-NK-6901 $468.00

 

[hntndux]

Thanks for the info guys.  I think I'm going to give the Nikon a hard look since the reviews seem to favor them in the 60mm class.  Good thing my birthday is only a few weeks away...  I can count this as a b-day present to myself!  I wonder if my wife will catch on that I've been buying b-day presents to myself all year???

 

[spectr17]

hntdx,

Get one that is waterPROOF! The better the glass the less eye strain. Treat yourself and look through a Kowa if you can find a camera shop or someone that has some. Swarovski is the best glass I've looked through but the price is steep. I've glassed a ton through the Leupolds and like them , especially their lifetime no questions asked warranty.

If you are going to be glassing for extended periods, the best glass you can get will save your eyes. A lot of people have switched to glassing with 10 x 42 or bigger binos and then just using spotters to zero in for closeups. All day or even several hours behind a spotter is pure torture.

 

[burgerman]

Spend the extra money and buy the best. A Swarovski AT-80 is the best money can buy! It cost a little more than twice what you wanted to pay. But, you won't be sorry you did it! Just go to a store and compare. You will find there is no comparison! If you hunt in the wide open west, don't skimp on your optics!

 

[hronk]

As I have said before.  My spotting scope is probably the most important piece of equip. that I carry, whether for big game waterfowl or chukar and my new Leopold 15x40 is a steal at $700.00+  I traded a Brand new Rugar #1 in .270 with a 3x9 Leopld site for this new in the box scope and I truely believe that I got the best end of the deal.  I just spent the last 4 days on one end of it while bow hunting here in A-16 and never a strained eye or a headache.  Oh yeah,  I got a fairly nice Forky yesterday.   .....hronk

 

[jackrabbit]

Has anybody had any experience with the Burris Signature spotting scope 18-45x by 60 mm.  I see it's $570 in the Bass Pro Shop's Redhead catalog.  It is nitrogen filled, 100% waterproof.  I had a Leupold 30x spotter which was lost/stolen in Colorado.  It was good, but the glass didn't seem better than my Burris glass in my rifle scopes (Signature).  I have Leupold, Nikon, and Burris scopes, and the Burris glass is sharpest of all, I'm impressed.  I don't expect a Burris optic to be as sturdy as a Leupold, but I sure like the glass!  The spotters in the $800 range and above are a bit too much for me, I could really use a pair of good binoculars in that price range first.  Appreciate any feedback on Burris spotters.

 

[paulc]

i have the nikon sporter xl also same as bucksnort.. its in your price range and it works well... 16x47... packs nicely.. go ahead and get the soft carrying case also.. it straps nicely on my pack..i think this is a very practical scope to own...