Recommend a good spotting scope

[sdnative13]

So I am looking at buying a spotting scope for somewhere between $500-800. This will be used for spotting elk and deer mainly but possibly sheep in the future. Models, brands, powers would all be nice to know. Also is an angle or straight view better.

 

[inchr48]

Here's a recent thread from the Gear forums:

http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums...ng-scope-recomendations?p=2389996#post2389996

I've got both a straight and an angled. At different times, one is easier (more comfortable) to use than the other. It's a toss up for me.

 

[ambush1]

Cant go wrong with Minox Optics.

 

[CA Karen]

check out http://www.bhphotovideo.com they have some good prices.

 

[easymoney]

I have both a Nikon spotter II which is very light, clear and cost about 500 bucks when I bought it new years a go, and a pair of Steiner 20x80 binos which are heavier but much more comfortable to glass with all day long.
You can spend a fortune on euro glass and in a year they will be obsolete or get just as scratched as the Japanese ones. Look on ebay and you can find some good deals...

 

[sagebrush]

I think you should just bite the bullet and buy a Swarovski spotter. I bought three spotters before I finally admitted to myself I was not getting the job done. I would have been money ahead to just do it right the first time. I take good care of my equipment and my Swarovski will still be in excellent condition when I can no longer hunt. My spotter is 8 years old and has been on many hunts into rough country including Alaska, the desert, the Rockies and Sierras and the glass still looks the same as the day I took it out of the box. Pay $800 cash, put the rest on a credit card and pay it off over time. Shop around for a deal, they are out there to be had. I would also stay with the 65mm objective just because its easier to pack. I prefer a straight scope over angled. My neck gets tired looking down all day.

 

[sancho]

buy Vortex Viper HD's. that dude Elknut over in AT will sell you a brandnew pair cheap. i got a pair from him a few bucks cheaper than used ones i was finding over in the classifieds.

viper has a no questions asked warranty. if you scratch them, send them in. done! there was a thread where some guy let a grizzly chew on his and Vortex apologized for letting their scope get in the way of the bear and sent a new pair. (i exaggerate).

why vortex? besides the warranty..the scope is super clear! vortex now has a new line of smaller bodies scopes out. simply AWESOME...if my wife wouldnt send me to the couch, i would sell mine and get the new small stuff. i find "way out yonder", those radiating heat waves equalizes all scopes anyways. i chose the Viper HD's for the micro focus. i hate spotting scopes with just a single "Rough" focus..hate them. i like the fine tune focus knob alot.

i got a straight scope. if i could do it again, i would get an angled. they are more comfy when the tripod is down low. especially if you are sitting down low, looking up at a mountain range. and it is super easy for a hunting partner to lean in and take a peek. the ONLY advantage of a straight scope would be a tall tripod you are standing behind. some say a straight is easier to aim at a far away object..maybe.

 

[CaliforniaKid]

I second the MINOX brand spotters, especially the MD 50. It's compact, light, and works great for backpacking trips. Plus, it's got a great price tag.

 

[Land Cruiser]

http://www.amazon.com/Carl-Zeiss-Optical-Spotter-Spotting/dp/B004KVBO32

If you look hard enough, you can get one for under $900. I've been happy with mine for two years now. Done elk hunting with it and guide used my spotter