spotting scope

[grizzlygibbs]

Looking to get a spotting scope, would love to get one for this season, but with other expences probably wont happen, IE new truck, new baby, nah na nah...  

So what i am looking at will be the
leupold gold ring 12-40x60 hd
cabelas big sky 27-80x80 hd
cabelas big sky 20-60x66 hd

and for the price i will consider the leupold 20-60x80 sequoia



i would like some input on these optics as the only set i have laid my eyey in are the leupold golden ring 12-40-60 non Hd  thanks

[Bookworm]

I have the Leupy 12-40x60 non hd. I love it. My friend had the seqoua, said it was junk eventually took it back and got his money back. I never looked thru it. 

[300rum]

I have the Leupold and a buddy has the Sequoia.  I would take the Leupold if you can afford it.  I like the compactness of the Leupold and the Warranty.  They just sent me an eyecup today in the mail as the other one was cracked, no charge, not even shipping.  An  eyecup isn't a big deal but ask some other guys who have had their scopes damaged.  You can't beat Leupold's warranty.   

[grizzlygibbs]

my father in law has the golden ring and love it,


Anybody have experience with the cabelas?

[Red Dawg]

save your money and buy the best you can. I would buy the Leupold hd's for sure. The best glass out of the three and they are made in the USA. cant beat it. Plus like everyone says you cant beat there warranty.

[high country]

cabelas warranty is killer, but leuy spotters are easy to sell if you do not like it.

I had one of the 12-40x60's twas a good scope for the $$. I offed it and got a fixed 30 gold ring and a pf80ed. the pf is way more spotter, the fixed 30 is way lighter and more compact.........the 12-40x60 was an excellent comprimise. if I could only have one scope it would be that, the pf60ed, or the nikon.

[Intruder]

cabelas warranty is killer, but leuy spotters are easy to sell if you do not like it.

I had one of the 12-40x60's twas a good scope for the $$. I offed it and got a fixed 30 gold ring and a pf80ed. the pf is way more spotter, the fixed 30 is way lighter and more compact.........the 12-40x60 was an excellent comprimise. if I could only have one scope it would be that, the pf60ed, or the nikon.

+1

Based on the spotters you listed this is good advice.  My guess is that you'd be dissappointed with the Sequoia.  Check out the Vortex/Stokes spotters both ED and non-ED models if you're looking to save some $$$.   

[grizzlygibbs]

thanks for everyones advice, is there anyone who has 1st hand experience with the Big sky models from Cabelas?

[columbiaman]

I found the Vortex skyline spotter rather heavy to carry in the field. But I only tried their 80mm scope. It is usable up to 37-40x, the image quality becomes unusable at higher mag.

[high country]

I would encourage you to look at a fixed power scope.....30ish power. fixed scopes are waaaaaaay clearer than a vari. and less to go haywire.

[Intruder]

I would encourage you to look at a fixed power scope.....30ish power. fixed scopes are waaaaaaay clearer than a vari. and less to go haywire.

That's funny (not ha ha but ironic).  I think just the opposite.  I do agree with fixed being clearer but I really like the versatility of being able to adjust power to fit the conditions.  Poor light, low light, glare, etc. I can back down and get good clarity.  Under good conditions I can crank it up and see the ticks on their ass.  Well, kinda.... ya get my point. 

30x is a good fixed power though.... I wouldn't want to go much less than that.

Ohh... one other thing.  Regardless of the scope you get, get a decent tripod capable of handling the weight of your scope. 

[grizzlygibbs]

For what i am planning on using the tripod for, i believe am going to go for the leupold 12-40x60 HD, and it comes with a kit, hardside case, digital cam adapter and tripod.  any experience with these "kit" deals or are the tripods pretty much garbage?

[Intruder]

For what i am planning on using the tripod for, i believe am going to go for the leupold 12-40x60 HD, and it comes with a kit, hardside case, digital cam adapter and tripod.  any experience with these "kit" deals or are the tripods pretty much garbage?

Often, yes... the tripods are crap.  I'm not familiar with that particular kit but it has the Leu tripod w/ the little ball adjustment, that's a pretty decent tripod.

[ZRS-8x42]

I would encourage you to look at a fixed power scope.....30ish power. fixed scopes are waaaaaaay clearer than a vari. and less to go haywire.

That's funny (not ha ha but ironic).  I think just the opposite.  I do agree with fixed being clearer but I really like the versatility of being able to adjust power to fit the conditions.  Poor light, low light, glare, etc. I can back down and get good clarity.  Under good conditions I can crank it up and see the ticks on their ass.  Well, kinda.... ya get my point. 

30x is a good fixed power though.... I wouldn't want to go much less than that.

Ohh... one other thing.  Regardless of the scope you get, get a decent tripod capable of handling the weight of your scope. 

I agree with you, on almost all aspects. One benefit of prime power (fixed power) spotting scope is to provide larger apparent FOV (AFOV). Almost all zoom scopes has AFOV less than 60 degree, while wide angle fixed zoom can provide 60 to 65 degree viewing angle. It is a compromise someone has to decide: wider angle, better overall picture vs versatility of zooming power.

For obversation, most of the kit tripods are sufficient. But when we try to take digiscoping pictures through the scope, the quality of tripod becomes an important issue.  I now use manfrotto 055XB tripod with 3130 head.

[shag]

I returned a Bushnell elite 15x45x60.  I found the Alpen in the 18x36x60  much better.   It was very close to the leupold sequoia in comparison except the Alpen has better eye relief and costs $100 dollars less on average.  The Alpen is Fogfroof and waterproof and has sunshade.  I'm very impressed with the quality and the price.

[Bean Counter]

Shameless plug: If you're still looking, my scope and tripod are still for sale. BTW, its one of the best tripods you can get.  I'm not impartial so I wont offer advice to this thread.  Best luck with the search.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,10761.0.html

[grizzlygibbs]

i like it and would consider it, however the money issue is the problem as i am in the process of saving to get one for next season.  maybe when i get the money saved and you still have it i will look into it!

[Bean Counter]

GrizzlyGibs,

Good for you. Whether I still have it then or not you've got a good plan.  I myself saved for mine and I don't regret it. 

I wouldn't tell anyone that the must spend $2,000+ on the scope alone in order for it to be worth it, but after using this one, there's no way I could buy a $200-600 scope.  HD (aka ED) is helpful for binos, but an absolute must for a spotting scope 

Best luck!

[grizzlygibbs]

Thanks Bean Counter!

and good luck on the sale.

[Jamieb]

If your not in a hurry to get one, watch Craigslist. Thats where I got my goldring and I see one listed every now and then.

[grizzlygibbs]

all ready on top of it!

[high country]

GrizzlyGibs,

Good for you. Whether I still have it then or not you've got a good plan.  I myself saved for mine and I don't regret it. 

I wouldn't tell anyone that the must spend $2,000+ on the scope alone in order for it to be worth it, but after using this one, there's no way I could buy a $200-600 scope.  HD (aka ED) is helpful for binos, but an absolute must for a spotting scope 

Best luck!

ding ding ding...........we have a winner!

pertty much its either ed or keep saving for a big power spotter

[grizzlygibbs]

So after thinking alot, if i save up about the 1200 for a decent scope, i might as well just save up the additional 500 for a swaro.  and then worry about a decent tripod later as long as i have the nice spotter i will probably have it for at the very least 15 years before i would be thinking about replacing it (hopefully  ) and get the nice tripod later!  This will put me in the running of having it ordered around next september or october, depending on x-mas bonus and so far and so forth!  Thanks for every ones input.   Now i will have 12 months for coming up with a good excuse for the wife to buy a 1800 dollar spotter!   

[Intruder]

Do you already have good binos?  IMO having a 1500$ spotter and a 200$ pair of binos is kinda backasswards.  In respect to budget and priority the binos and your rifle scope would take precedent with the binos getting the lions share of the coin. 

For example.... a total budget for hunting optics being say 2K: it might break down something like this:

1a. 900-1300 Binos
2b. 250-400 Rifle scope
3.  500-1000 Spotter

Kills me to see guys do this:
1. 600 Rifle scope
2. 1200 Spotter
3. 200 Binos

Obviously, just examples but you get the idea.  A guys particular budget and specific hunting styles will play a role in the final breakdown. 

 

[huntnphool]

Here is a good deal on a pair of binos, http://cgi.ebay.com/SWAROVSKI-EL-10-X-42-BINOCULARS-NICE_W0QQitemZ110296505347QQihZ001QQcategoryZ31711QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and here is a great deal on a spotter, http://cgi.ebay.com/Swarovski-Optik-ATS-65-HD-Spotting-Scope-Cabelas-Case_W0QQitemZ160290300154QQihZ006QQcategoryZ31715QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[grizzlygibbs]

i have a good pair of Leupold Tactical series 10x50s that outperformed the nikons, and other green ring models like the cascade 10x42's and olympics and all the nikon series atb,monarch...etc

I just got em last year and they perform great!  Thats why i am going for the spotter!

I have another question as well, is there any hipe between the angled and straight.  i was thinking straight at first but then i think angled would be better to look down into rather then brining the scope higher to eye level...  Im sure its to each his own just curious towards peoples opinion!

[Intruder]

Straight is easier to sight in on your target.  I personally prefer the angled... easier to use at the range and more versitile in respect to positioning during hunting scenarios.  More comfortable for me too.  Draw back on angled is carrying it... straight fits in a pack better. 

[huntnphool]

is there any hipe between the angled and straight.  i was thinking straight at first but then i think angled would be better to look down into rather then brining the scope higher to eye level...

I have the straight 65 and have never wished I had gone with the angled, it is just a personal preference. I use mine the most mounted to a window mount, the angled version may be a bit difficult to use in this situation but I'm not sure Either way you are going to love them, no regrets here.

[Bean Counter]

1a. 900-1300 Binos
2b. 250-400 Rifle scope
3.  500-1000 Spotter

Kills me to see guys do this:
1. 600 Rifle scope
2. 1200 Spotter
3. 200 Binos

Intruder,
While I commend your recommendation that people examine their overall budget, I question the methodology in your generalization. 

While most hunters (myself included) wind up using thier binos more than their spotting scope, I believe it is an err to determine that more money should be spent on the binos than the scope.  I contend that a cheaper quality spotting scope is worthless for two reasons:
1. the size of the objective lens dictates that HD glass should be used. 
2. the power of magnification also demands a quality-made instrument.

While my binoculars (Monarch ATB) aren't HD, they do have fully multi-coated lenses and do the job for being 8 power and having 42mm objective lenses.  That just wont cut it with an 80mm scope that you want to use to judge an animal 1+ mile away. 

In any case, Grizzlygibs has decided to save up $$$ for better glass than cheaper glass and I think that's something we can all come together and commend him on that

[WDFW-SUX]

Im thinking about getting a angled 65.  Does anyone have anything bad to say about the 65 vs the 80

any info about HD vs regular would be awesome!

[Bean Counter]

Will you use from down in a valley to up at hills or from atop hills down into a valley? If you spend more time looking down than up, you may want to go with the straight scope.  PIcture trying to maintain a low profile on a high ridge and leaning forward to look through the angled eyepiece 

Angled is also nice if you're going to be using with a hunting partner. If you're relatively close in heigth you wont have to adjust from user to user, while you will have to for a straight scope.

Further, if you have a partner, I would go with an 80 over a 65 because of both the wider FOV and that it will gather more light at dawn/dusk.  The 80 will be heavier than the 65 but since you'll have a partner, one can carry the tripod, and the other, the scope.

[Intruder]

Intruder,
While I commend your recommendation that people examine their overall budget, I question the methodology in your generalization. 

In any case, Grizzlygibs has decided to save up $$$ for better glass than cheaper glass and I think that's something we can all come together and commend him on that

I think you make a good point.  Yes.... this is a certainly a generalization.  

My point is that with a budget a guy needs to make choices and IMO that for hunting scenarios a guy is going to get way more milaeage spending the majority of his budget on binos rather than spotters or rifle scopes.  There are decent ED glass spotters out there in the 600-900$ range.  Not as good as a Swaro but usable.  I guess I look at it based on time behind the eye pieces.  I spend sometimes hours a day behind my binos.  There are days on end I never look through my scope and/or spotter.  I look at binos a "essential" and spotters a lil more as a luxary.  Again just  my

[Bean Counter]

Time behind the glass: I can respect that perspective, as well.

In the interest of full disclosure I will admit that while I'm proud of my lower-mid range binos, I've been censoring myself from the $900+ pairs as I am afraid I wont be able to go back!!!

   Run and hide! ITS A TRAP!!!!!

[grizzlygibbs]

for where i will be hunting a spotting scope is essential.  I have had the luxury of hunting with family that has a budget spotter and it has paid off big time being an old school Bushnell.  its spot and stalk for me and looking from long distances and glassing with the spotter.  i never thought of the scenarios beancounter suggested and everyone's input is important to me to see everyone's point of view that i may have not thought of!  

Keep em coming.


Oh and beancounter, once you go to the dark side i am a firm believer that no you will never go back, and you wont want too either, and hopefully the warranty would keep you from going back!

[Intruder]

Will you use from down in a valley to up at hills or from atop hills down into a valley? If you spend more time looking down than up, you may want to go with the straight scope.  PIcture trying to maintain a low profile on a high ridge and leaning forward to look through the angled eyepiece

You don't necessarily have to have the eyepiece angled up so that your head is above the scope looking down into it.  I routinely have mine angled so it points to the side so I can be laying prone and simply turn my head to look into it.  That's very similar to how I'd use it at the range on a bench.  I can have the eye piece turned toward me so I can shoot and simply turn and look into it without getting up and getting behind it.

Best thing would be to see if you can try both styles out in the field... just mess around and see which 1 you like.  It's really more of a preference over performance kind of decission.  

[Intruder]

Time behind the glass: I can respect that perspective, as well.

In the interest of full disclosure I will admit that while I'm proud of my lower-mid range binos, I've been censoring myself from the $900+ pairs as I am afraid I wont be able to go back!!!

   Run and hide! ITS A TRAP!!!!!

That's funny.... 

[BIGBULLBALLS]

Here is a little theory of mine "let your optics do the hiking for you".  What I mean by this is if you see a buck 1 mile out with a cheap spotting scope he always looks better than he really is (image distortion).  With a spotter like the Swarovski HD you can accurately field judge the buck (within several inches) and decide wether or not he is a shooter.  A spot we hunt in Oregon we are glassing bulls at over a mile across a huge canyon.  You don't want to make a mistake and charge down the mountain and up the other side for a bull that isn't what you thought he was.  Save your money and buy the best.  Swarovski HD optics are the best

[scoyoc5]

does any have any experience with vortex spotting scopes? I've been checking them out online and they look like a decent scope.

[columbiaman]

does any have any experience with vortex spotting scopes? I've been checking them out online and they look like a decent scope.

they are ok, but very heavy. They are identical to Alpen scope in every way. (edit: I am referring to their skyline 80mm scope)

[Intruder]

does any have any experience with vortex spotting scopes? I've been checking them out online and they look like a decent scope.

I have one of the non-ED glass models.  It is the Stokes 15-45 x 65.  Paid $330ish for it. It compares favorably to the Nikon ProStaff spotter. One of the best value proposition out there.  Haven't looked through their higher end stuff.  Great warranty and customer service too.

[7mag.]

I bought a Sworo this year and was very concerned that I would have buyers remorse($2,800 is an s-load of money for me). My only comfort was that I purchased the very best. My concerns where put to rest when I took it to the field, it is worth every penny. Every time I use it, I am thankful that I spent the money when I had it. I have spotted more game that I would have otherwise not been able to see. Spend the money, you won't regret it.

[Red Dawg]

I am chiming in a little late but I will say that I own the lieca 62mm angled televid and I love it. It came with a 32 power eyepiece and it is money. I bought a cheap lightweight nikon tripod and it all fits in my pack just perfect. I can pick apart any animal at just about any distance. there just happens to be some great deals on ebay right now And I think you can pick one of these up for about 800 to 1000 bucks. great deal as far as I am concerned. Best bucks I have ever spent so far on optics.

[grizzlygibbs]

thanks for the tip i will look into that!

[high country]

have you given much thought to tripod mounted bino's? I just sold my pf 80 ed and fixed 30 leuy, it seems that my 12x50 leica's and 15x56 swaro's are considerably more friendly for long range and lengthy glassing sessions.

IMO, this is the catsass

[jjhunter]

I am with HC on the tripod mounted bino's.  I use my 10x and 15x Swaro's a majority of the time.  I also pack the 20-60 x 65 HD Swaro spotter.  There are many times when I have spotted big framed deer with the binos and put the Spotter on him to find that he was a 3x4, had a weak fork, etc. and saved me some serious miles.

[high country]

if I can't count tines with my setup it is either dark, or better then 5 miles away

[jjhunter]

You have better eyes than me HC   Like a hawk

[grizzlygibbs]

to be honest i have not put much thought about a pair of Binocs, but you get the right set im sure it would be just as good, if not better especially for fatigue!  I think i would lean more toward the spotter just for the fact that i am gonna use my binos primarily, and the scope to size up the animal!