Which spotting scope ?

[AZ Jim]

I am looking to by the best quality spotting scope in the $500.00 range - any suggestions or advice when purchasing a spotting scope ? - and which tripods or window mounts to use.

I hunt a combination of rifle and archery hunts sometimes in very open areas to more dense cover. I cover alot of ground in rough 4x4 areas as well as on my feet / sometimes hiking into more remote areas so weight, durability, shock proof, water proof, fog proof, clarity, and brightness in low light conditions is important.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

AZ Jim

 

[JNDEER]

Jim,

I know this is the correct forum for the topic, but if you search the Backpacking forum this topic has been covered a lot.

best quality IMO really breaks down to what you are going to use it for...you seem to hunt an many different ways. for $500 i would recommend the Vortex spotters if you don't mind the weight, if you want lighter i love my leupold 10-20x40.

 

[westcoastr]

the nikon 50mm field scope is the ultralight pick. with ED glass about $500-600 I think. at about 19 oz you won't even know you are carrying it. it is bright enough for everything but the first/last 5 minutes of light, when you should be on your bino's anyways