Best spotting scope for $400- $500?

[Dan-o]

OK, I admit it......    I am not made out of money.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the best spotting scope out there in my price range.

Thanks in advance.

[bobcat]

A used Leupold 12-40x60 on eBay. They're going for right at $500.
Made in the USA. I don't believe that can be said for any other spotting scope.

I don't think you can do any better for $500. Some will suggest Vortex, BUT... They're made in China!   

[Bean Counter]

I haven't seen one that I would find worth carrying at that price. If that's all the no y you have, spend it on a nice set of binos. 

[Dan-o]

Thank you, sirs.

I did get what I consider to be  a really sweet set of Binos earlier this year (Vortex).

I like the idea of a used Leopold.

[lghtnquik]

Dan check your PM's

[Holg3107]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,134427.0.html

here you go!!! Handed to you on a HuntWA silver platter.

[washelkhunter]

Check out the pawn shops; you can dicker with them.

[Bigshooter]

Vortex

[Bigshooter]

A used Leupold 12-40x60 on eBay. They're going for right at $500.
Made in the USA. I don't believe that can be said for any other spotting scope.

I don't think you can do any better for $500. Some will suggest Vortex, BUT... They're made in China!   

The cheaper model's are made in china.  But the razor and viper are made in japan.  The razor and viper model's are high quality.

[MtnMuley]

I haven't seen one that I would find worth carrying at that price. If that's all the no y you have, spend it on a nice set of binos. 

LOL, I have two other high dollar HD spotters that sit in the truck or get left at home......all for the simple reason that I (Just me) believe the Leupy 12-40x60 is the best overall spotting scope ever built.  To buy one for $500 would be a "no brainer" decision for me if I was in the market.

[croomdog]

Just checked out the Leupold, vortex diamondback and vortex viper side by side. Leuplold are NOT all made in the USA anylonger BTW (I love Leupold optics!) Anyway, I went with the Vortex Viper. It has the 80mm forn lens and was MUCH brighter and as clear and sharp as the Leupold. It is regularly priced at $799.00 but is on sale online at cabelas for $490.00. Great price. Vortex warranty is absolutely unconditional as well. Good Luck!!

[Morrison4375]

I have the viper hd and or is a great spotter for the money

[Wanttohuntmore]

Curious on the difference between the hd vs non-hd viper.  Dad has the HD.  $490 has me thinking about one.  We also have the ED 50 by Nikon, a little more than 500, but unbelievable for a small spotter. 

[The100Road]

Curious on the difference between the hd vs non-hd viper.  Dad has the HD.  $490 has me thinking about one.  We also have the ED 50 by Nikon, a little more than 500, but unbelievable for a small spotter.

I just went with the non HD Viper because of the sale Cabelas is having on them. They seem to be great but only a few weeks old so far. I did look through the HD & non HD Viper binos and could definitely tell the difference. Would go with the HD if i had the extra money.