spotting scope

[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!