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Author Topic: spotting scope reviews and input  (Read 5310 times)

Offline shootnrun

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spotting scope reviews and input
« on: November 13, 2012, 06:25:21 PM »
So I am looking at upgrading my spotting scope, and am looking at some input on models. Unfortunately, looking through the glass at the store just doesn't tell you how it will perform in the field. I plan on using this scope for the high hunt and chasing muley's during regular season. However, being 23, weight doesn't so much bother me if I get the performance I am after.
The models I am currently eyeing are;

Leupold gold ring 12-40x60

Vortex razor 20-60x80

Zeiss dialyt 18-45x65

I am open to suggestions of other models as well, these are just within my price range and will hopefully preform as I wish.

Thanks!

Online jrebel

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2012, 06:49:05 PM »
I coldn't afford the razor but I just bought the vortex nomad and absolutely love it.  Can't believe I have been without a spotter for so long.  They are amazing.

Offline Bean Counter

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2012, 07:07:34 PM »
I've always liked the looks of that Leupold for how compact it is.

I have a Nikon ED fieldscope and I  love it. A few weeks ago I was at the.range  and compared it to a Vortex. I don't recall the model so this may not be fair comparison if the Vortex is a non-HD/ED. The Vortex couldn't hold a candle to the Nikon; color fringing / chromatic aberration was obvious on the Vortex  :(

Offline Wacenturion

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2012, 07:09:57 PM »
I have a camo Nikon Prostaff 20x60x82.  Fits in a dedicated pouch in my Badlands Hypervent Pack.  Great scope....in the 6-700 range.  It was the easiest of the spotters I looked through for my eyes.  Great in the field, especially early a.m and dusk...near dark.
"About the time you realize that your father was a smart man, you have a teenager telling you just how stupid you are."

Offline coop2424

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2012, 07:11:57 PM »
I have the Leupold HD in the power above.  I really like the size and the quality.  I picked it up used for $700 with tripod.  If you look you can find some good deals out there especially with hunting seasons ending.

Offline Deep Forks

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #5 on: November 13, 2012, 07:40:44 PM »
I have the vortex razor HD and my son has the vortex viper HD.  My razor is awesome and the best out of the 5 I've owned:  two leo's, one a goldring, bosch & lomb, nikon prostaff.  The only spotter i've looked through I thought was better was a sworovski.  My son's viper is right up with the razor, just a little less at dawn and dusk.  For the money that viper is awesome.  The razor is the last spotter I'll ever buy. :twocents:   

Offline shootnrun

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2012, 06:23:11 PM »
Thanks for the input guys! The one thing that pulls me to the vortex is the angled eye piece... I am sure much toil will come before I pick one..

Offline Jamieb

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #7 on: November 23, 2012, 10:08:53 PM »
For the price the leupold is hard to beat.

Offline SemperFidelis97

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #8 on: November 23, 2012, 10:16:33 PM »
Leupold gold ring all the way they have great glass, and the design is flawless for hunting. 

Offline ZRS-8x42

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Re: spotting scope reviews and input
« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2012, 10:04:11 AM »
So I am looking at upgrading my spotting scope, and am looking at some input on models. Unfortunately, looking through the glass at the store just doesn't tell you how it will perform in the field. I plan on using this scope for the high hunt and chasing muley's during regular season. However, being 23, weight doesn't so much bother me if I get the performance I am after.
The models I am currently eyeing are;

Leupold gold ring 12-40x60

Vortex razor 20-60x80

Zeiss dialyt 18-45x65

I am open to suggestions of other models as well, these are just within my price range and will hopefully preform as I wish.

Thanks!

Please take a look of ZEN ED2 20-60x82 spotting scope.  Although I may be biased, I truly believe it will do well against any of the spotter above. 

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/zenspotter82-angled.html

It has been awarded with Editor's Choice Award by Outdoor Life Magazine in 2012

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/gear/optics/2012/05/new-spotting-scope-best-spotting-scopes-hunting-spotting-scope-re?photo=1#1001355449


Here is their video review
Optics Review: Zen-Ray ED2 20-60x82 Spotting Scope

The current retail price is $1199.  With $200 coupon code (BFLRH), the net is $999.  It also comes with Lifetime No Fault warranty.

 


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