Looking for Expert Advice on Backpacking spotting scopes

[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