Looking for Expert Advice on Backpacking spotting scopes

[wilsongideon]

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/Nikon-Products/Fieldscopes/6983/PROSTAFF-3-Fieldscope-Outfit.html



a 60mm spotting scope that wieghs less then my binoculars? 22 oz is light!!! So I am a big fan of the saying you get what you pay for, what is the catch with this spotter? I have to admit I do like Nikons I think their glass is extremely clear and bright, but this lightweight spotter at the price seems to good to be true. What do you guys think? I have been doing alot of research on lightwieght spotters but decided that 60 mm was the smallest light gathering end I would consider. I looked at the vortex and leaupolds, nikons because I like what I hear about those brands and have used them myself (except for vortex but I like what I hear) from what I can gather from those 3: Leaupolds are proven, Nikons are semi-proven in the hunting world and liked by many, Vortexs are the new hot commodity due to price warrenty and service. what am I missing. Swaro would be my number one choice but its out of budget. I really dont wanna go with a brand I havent proven, like pentax, alpen, Minox etc although I am sure there are some great affordable scopes in those lines though.

[JoeE]

I'm interested in knowing what people think about this as well.

[Huntnfolk]

Not sure if all the specs are same, but the scope you show looks very similar to what I used to have called the Nikon XL II.  Same amount of zoom and objective size.  I really liked the scope over all.  The slim line made it easy to put in and take out of a pack, and it was pretty light to carry.

Overall I thought the glass was good.  Depending on distance to target, I did find it was hard to focus sometimes when zoomed all the way to 48x.  The only thing that I think may have fixed that was if the scope had a fine adjustment focus knob like some manufacturers have.  I'm not a trophy hunter, but I used it many times to confirm horns on a buck or a legal bull.

I wish I still had my XL II, but that's another story.

[wilsongideon]

Not sure if all the specs are same, but the scope you show looks very similar to what I used to have called the Nikon XL II.  Same amount of zoom and objective size.  I really liked the scope over all.  The slim line made it easy to put in and take out of a pack, and it was pretty light to carry.

Overall I thought the glass was good.  Depending on distance to target, I did find it was hard to focus sometimes when zoomed all the way to 48x.  The only thing that I think may have fixed that was if the scope had a fine adjustment focus knob like some manufacturers have.  I'm not a trophy hunter, but I used it many times to confirm horns on a buck or a legal bull.

I wish I still had my XL II, but that's another story.

thanks for the input, So with your XL II did you use it to glass for animals or did you find animals with your binos then check them with the scope. I am just wondering if its something you ever used for extended periods of time picking apart hillsides, timber ect. I wouldnt be worried about perfect zoom clarity as I am not trying to score animals with it, but use it to find parts of bedded animals at longer ranges. My 10x binos workawesome out to 500 yards and I have spotted parts of bedded deer at 7-800 yards with binos and I am thinking a scope might improve my odds even more at finding deer in the 5-800 yard range midday when they are bedded for several hours. and also when I do spott them bedded at long distances with binos you cannot make out anything alot of times, so with a scope you might be able to confirm horns or not.

how did you lose your XL?

[teanawayslayer]

they had this spotter on camofire the other day for a killer deal!

[asl20bball]

If you're looking for a scope for backpacking I'd seriously consider the Nikon ED50. I have one, at first i was skeptical due do the size (it seriously almost looks like a kids toy or something) but it packs a punch for size/weight. I started noticing it on hunting shows like Eastmans esp on hunts where they were in the backcountry. I've yet to see a scope of that size/weight that is as quality as the ED50. The downside is the price as you're looking at over 2x the cost of the scope u posted but then again getting an scope that has
the ED or HD rating is worth it IMO. My philosophy was to buy a scope I can live with for a long time so I ponied up and got an expensive one and settled on the ED50.
Good luck.

[Elknut1]

That Nikon, looks like it would be a nice size to pack for sure. I've not used it so not sure about the glass? I have a couple of the New DiamondBack Spotting Scopes coming in that are the 20-60X60 I'll check them out when they show & see how nice the glass is on it. I suspect it will be suitable for the price as a non HD Spotter. I'd say it would do fine up to the two mile range in picking critters out of the not so obvious spots that you could pick up with 10X binos. Personally when I setup in a nice vantage area I rarely use my binos, they are good to under a mile & just for obvious sightings but nothing like a Spotter at 30X-40X - That's my favorite power for glassing for 6-7 hours at a stretch. It's so deadly sometimes I think it should be illegal! (grin)

  One thing to consider is it's tough on the eyes & head to Spot for hours through Spotters that do not have HD glass, just a thought!

  ElkNut1

[Alan K]

Far from an expert, but I just picked up the Leupold 12-40 HD spotter. 

Had been using a Vortex Skyline ED for a couple years, and it has been a great scope, but the size kept me from lugging it around.  It's more of a pickup/landing spotter. 

This new Leupold is nice and compact for packing.  Have several back country hunts planned in the next few years, and it should serve me well! 

Weight/packability/HD, are obviously the major things to look for.

[wilsongideon]

After the thoughts on the HD/ED I thinking thats a must as well I dont want to get eye strain or headaches. I really enjoy glassing for animals and have done all day stints many times. I will check into the ED50, I would be sold on the Leupold except for the wieght, I may end up going with that but only after I look at other glass that weighs less.

[deerslyr]

I have the Minox MD50, arguably the greatest value optic out there. Truly an awesome spotter and I picked up a demo model for $189, having said that, when Im in the high country, the compact scopes just dont cut it any more and the small FOV drives me nuts. I grew out of it. Im on the hunt for a new 65mm scope, I think the new 65mm razor will get the nod. Ill pack a few extra pounds and cut them some where else.

[mountainman]

I carry a set of Vortex Razors. 10 power for glassing, snap their doubler on in less the 2 second and presto, a 20 power spotter! Fits in the shirt pocket too! Much smaller than a full size spotter, yet still count points out at longer range

[T_L_S]

 The Prostaff 3 seems like a good deal considering the 60mm objective, 48x zoom, and 22 oz, but even though I like nikons I still believe you will get what you pay for. If that's all the more someone wants to spend then they will make it work. If I were you I would save a little more and shop around for a 13-30x50. You won't be disappointed. I will admit 30+power would be nice at times, but I question whether the clarity of the prostaff on 48x comes anywhere close to the fieldscope on 30x. If I were forced to compromise I would rather have less zoom and a clearer image than more zoom and poor image. The best of both worlds will cost more. If I could only have one scope the 13-30x50 would be it.

[acnewman55]

Just tagging this.

New to deer hunting and will be in the market for an inexpensive spotter to start out with.  Gotta keep it under $500. 

I can live with a few headaches from spotting through lower-priced glass.

[ShaneTyTrey]

Just tagging this.

New to deer hunting and will be in the market for an inexpensive spotter to start out with.  Gotta keep it under $500. 

I can live with a few headaches from spotting through lower-priced glass.

Spend another $100 and get the Vortex Vipers.

I vote for the Vortex Razors have bothe the binos and spotter bought both from Paul and would say for the money you can't touch them...just my

[haugenna]

If you are having trouble viewing animals past 500 yards with your binocs, look at getting a tripod mount for your binocs.  You will spot a lot more animals with a steady set of binocs versus a spotter.  Use your spotter to field judge.  Looking through a spotter for extended periods is hard on my eyes and gives me fatigue. 

As for the brands you mentioned, I also heard good things about the Nikon Spotter XL II.  I am leupold rifle scope fan but haven't found a good spotting scope in the Leupold line.

Good luck in your quest. 

[ORCA_SIX]

If you're looking for a scope for backpacking I'd seriously consider the Nikon ED50. I have one, at first i was skeptical due do the size (it seriously almost looks like a kids toy or something) but it packs a punch for size/weight. I started noticing it on hunting shows like Eastmans esp on hunts where they were in the backcountry. I've yet to see a scope of that size/weight that is as quality as the ED50. The downside is the price as you're looking at over 2x the cost of the scope u posted but then again getting an scope that has
the ED or HD rating is worth it IMO. My philosophy was to buy a scope I can live with for a long time so I ponied up and got an expensive one and settled on the ED50.
Good luck.

I have the same one and love it

[MtnMuley]

I'd check out jackelope's Leupy Gold Ring 12-40x60 in the classifieds.  Excellent price on what I feel is the best back country spotter out there.

[wilsongideon]

I appreciate the continued input. I looked at the 12-30x-50mm nikons and Vortex has a similar one but I decided I want more glass then a 50mm. I can spot feeding animals at 500 yards plus with binos and have even spotted a few bedded down at that distance which is a awesome. but its really difficult on a bedded animal which isnt moving to field judge and you spend alot of time glassing the animal untill it moves or stands up, I was hopeing with a spotter I can improve my time both on spotting bedded animals and field judging the same animal so I can move on looking for another animal. I also looked at Jackelopes Leupold which Is a excellent deal and I would love the Camera adapters but I like the Idea of HD or ED so that is where I am leaning towards even more. I am looking at the 65mms with High def and doing some comparisons

[mountainman]

Have a Razor HD AND the camera adapter if interested??

[ICEMAN]

I prefer a spotter that is a bit smaller than most guys like. I have an older leupold 20x inline scope that sits on my tripod and i can stuff it into my pack this way...

[6haase6]

May have skipped over this. But what's the effective range on the ED50?

[wilsongideon]

I prefer a spotter that is a bit smaller than most guys like. I have an older leupold 20x inline scope that sits on my tripod and i can stuff it into my pack this way...

So looks like that serves you well Iceman, is that a 60mm? or 40?
I have a twenty power but I dont feel its very effective its the leupold gold ring compact 10-20x 40mm it was a gift and I got some good use out of it but realastically it wasnt enough power to justify packing it with binos, now it is clear enough and light enough you could use it hand held like binos.

[ICEMAN]

I prefer a spotter that is a bit smaller than most guys like. I have an older leupold 20x inline scope that sits on my tripod and i can stuff it into my pack this way...

So looks like that serves you well Iceman, is that a 60mm? or 40?
I have a twenty power but I dont feel its very effective its the leupold gold ring compact 10-20x 40mm it was a gift and I got some good use out of it but realastically it wasnt enough power to justify packing it with binos, now it is clear enough and light enough you could use it hand held like binos.

20x x 50mm

[b23]

I have a set of Vortex Kaibab 15x56 binos that I find myself using more than my spotter.  Especially, if I'm glassing for extended periods because my eyes don't get tired.  But if a compact spotter is what you're set on, that little Nikon 50ED would be at the top of my list.

[wilsongideon]

Well after alot of research and listening to your guys opinions a couple things stood out to me. spending the extra money on a HD and I think I would rather have more glass then less so I think I am going for 80mm Vortex, If it turns out to be to heavy for backpacking I will buy a smaller one in the future. thanks everyone for your input.

[huntnnw]

Id rather pack a high quality pair of Binos than a small spotter

[wilsongideon]

Id rather pack a high quality pair of Binos than a small spotter

I definitly agree with you there....I would like to upgrade my binos but I am happy with my steiners. Last year I spent 3 full days glassing and spotting deer with them and it was a absolute blast. I want to get this spotting scope so that when I do spot a bedded deer I can hopefully get a little closer look without having to change position or have to wait for the deer to move. When a bucks head is in the shade its hard to tell if your looking at one side or bothsides, lots of forked horns sure look bigger from the side.

[huntnnw]

I have the steiner nighthunters and love them..little heavy, but nice on the eyes. The question with owning a pair of nice binos is buying a spotter like the nikon above really going to help much (quality of glass) ?

[JLS]

Well after alot of research and listening to your guys opinions a couple things stood out to me. spending the extra money on a HD and I think I would rather have more glass then less so I think I am going for 80mm Vortex, If it turns out to be to heavy for backpacking I will buy a smaller one in the future. thanks everyone for your input.

Have you already purchased it?  I wouldn't go 80 mm for a backpacking scope, they're big.  Spend your money on high quality lenses, not bigger ones.

[wilsongideon]

I have the steiner nighthunters and love them..little heavy, but nice on the eyes. The question with owning a pair of nice binos is buying a spotter like the nikon above really going to help much (quality of glass) ?

After hashing it out I dont think it will help as much as I would like

[wilsongideon]

Well after alot of research and listening to your guys opinions a couple things stood out to me. spending the extra money on a HD and I think I would rather have more glass then less so I think I am going for 80mm Vortex, If it turns out to be to heavy for backpacking I will buy a smaller one in the future. thanks everyone for your input.

Have you already purchased it?  I wouldn't go 80 mm for a backpacking scope, they're big.  Spend your money on high quality lenses, not bigger ones.

No I havent but wouldnt a 80mm let it more light in low light coniditions and be easier on the eyes all day? its less then a pound heavier then the 65.

[deerslyr]

From what I hear, the guys that pack the 80mms regret it...until they get to there glassing point and can glass for miles and not have to move. I think a 65mm is the best of both worlds though. Not as big and bulky as the 80s and far superior optically to the 50s. Im really bored with my 50 and have said to myself at least once on every outing the last year that I wish I had something more.

[ShaneTyTrey]

From what I hear, the guys that pack the 80mms regret it...until they get to there glassing point and can glass for miles and not have to move. I think a 65mm is the best of both worlds though. Not as big and bulky as the 80s and far superior optically to the 50s. Im really bored with my 50 and have said to myself at least once on every outing the last year that I wish I had something more.

Completely agree had the 80mm vortex and sold it and went to the 65mm and like it better saves 1 pound on the spotter and allows for multiple pounds saved on a smaller tri-pod.  The amount of light you save is very minimal.   Ask anyone who has spent much time glassing on back trips and I bet nearly all would agree for the overall versatility the 65mm is very tough to beat.

[wilsongideon]

Well after a check off list of what I didnt need last year after I came out I found at least 3 lbs I can cut from my pack and I did pretty good getting in there last year, I think I could add 2-3 lbs and still be in the O.K. zone I try and keep my pack under 55 lbs. I would love to glass for miles especially from 10 AM to 4 PM seems really slow as far as movement but changing vantage points and spotting deer bedded was a alot of fun, It would be awesome to be able to really see into the shadows at distance.

[JLS]

Well after alot of research and listening to your guys opinions a couple things stood out to me. spending the extra money on a HD and I think I would rather have more glass then less so I think I am going for 80mm Vortex, If it turns out to be to heavy for backpacking I will buy a smaller one in the future. thanks everyone for your input.

Have you already purchased it?  I wouldn't go 80 mm for a backpacking scope, they're big.  Spend your money on high quality lenses, not bigger ones.

No I havent but wouldnt a 80mm let it more light in low light coniditions and be easier on the eyes all day? its less then a pound heavier then the 65.

I would be more concerned with optical clarity than the amount of light transmission.  I've used a Swaro 65mm and a 80mm.  The 80mm was a whole lot bigger, and I really didn't see a huge increase in glassing ability.

[Paxer]

are these any good?

http://www.opticsplanet.com/barska-20-60x60-blackhawk-spotting-scopes.html

this one looks good

http://www.opticsplanet.com/barska-spotter-pro-22-66x80mm-spotting-scope-ad10352.html

[huntnnw]

I pack my 80mm in if I thing I need it on a hunt

[huntnphool]

My brother has one of those Nikons for packing, it works well.

[wilsongideon]

well as I continue to change my mind I have talked myself out of the 80mm it would just be a beast to carry, So now I ponder the difference between the 50mm Razor and the 65 Razor they both look pretty sweet.

[acnewman55]

well as I continue to change my mind I have talked myself out of the 80mm it would just be a beast to carry, So now I ponder the difference between the 50mm Razor and the 65 Razor they both look pretty sweet.

about time you came back around to this.  your original post was about a lightweight and inexpensive scope that would be most practical for backpacking and then you let all the gear junkies on the forum talk you into an HD model that cost 5X as much and weighs 1.5 lbs more than the original scope you posted.   

so typical of this forum...

why don't you buy that original nikon and take it on a scouting trip and see if you get headaches after a several hours of spotting through "inexpensive" glass.  if you do, then sell it and you're only out maybe $80-$100 tops?

or you could go ahead and drop another $500, pack more weight and never know if the original scope would have worked for you or not 

[deerslyr]

If you have the money, buy the 65mm razor. Best of both worlds and an awesome scope

[ShaneTyTrey]

I have the 65mm razor and absolutely love it.  Go to the store and play with one, you will be hooked.  Better yet play with one outside.

[washelkhunter]

Bi-mart just put the Redfield rampage (by leupold) 20-60x60 on sale for $169.97! $40 bucks off.   

[Elknut1]

There is no doubt no matter who you are or what you hunt the Razor HD series of Spotters is the best bang for the buck, bar none! I have all 3 of them & all have their place!

  ElkNut/Paul

[wilsongideon]

So after all the research done and everyones opinions on here duly noted, I have a new vortex razor HD to add to the pack for the high buck hunt this weekend. Thanks everyone 

[ShaneTyTrey]

Congrats you made a great choice have both the spotter and the Binos and love them and I am sure you will also.

[duramax588]

i am looking at buying a spotting scope for backcountry and was curious if the angled is better or worse, just looking for some input

[JPhelps]

Depends on if you do the majority of glassing from ridgetops or bottoms?

I prefer straight for ease of target acquisition. One advantage to angled is lower tripod height making a more stable platform.  It really boils down to user preference.

[ShaneTyTrey]

Also the natural tendency of the human body is to look down slightly, so the angled provides much less neck stress over continued usage, but I would agree it really is a personal preference.