Spotting scope questions....Vortex Optics Rocks!

[Coasthunterjay]

OK...so the last couple years I have been expanding my optics and went and got a Vortex ranger 1000 last year to replace my old leupold rangefinder and am again glad I did. Have I said that I like Vortex yet, I really seriously have never dealt with a company with as many awesome top notch sales people and customer service! So scopes to binos ive gone Vortex...just thought ide give a quick shout out to there gear!

So recently I ordered a Razor HD spotting scope and my buddy at the store said it came in on shipping so im gonna get it soon. WOOOOT!   

Ok so I have a couple serious spotting scope related questions to ask..

1)Anyone have any experience with using the iphone/camera adaptor that attaches to your spotting scope...?

2)Recommendations for the lightest weight tripod used for back country. Carbon fiber? full length, or compact? cheap or spend the money, or no name brands(ebay) ok?

3)Any of you guys shoot off your spotting scopes on tripod or is that a no-no?

Thanks guys...! 

[jackelope]

I'm using the Vortex High Country tripod. Love it, especially for the price.

[C-Money]

My wife and I have been drooling over some Vortex 10x42 binos. They are sure clear and seem to be well made. They are on our list for next hunting season.   

I am interested in an attachment for my phone & spotting scope, thats a great idea. Wonder how spendy they will be?

[Coasthunterjay]

Sportsmanship has one for about $70 bucks but I have no idea of its quality and it doesn't allow for keeping the phone in its protective case so every time you would have to use it you'd have to pull your phone out of its case. Kind of lame!?

[jackelope]

I bought the universal fit Phone Skope the other day for my iphone. It's the iphone 4s kit with a universal fit to the spotting scope. I returned it. It's a PITA to have to remove the phone from the case and the universal aspect of it does not work so good with my spotter. It did take some ok pictures and I will probably look and see if they make one that is a more specific fit. The universal one has a collar that turns with 3 little jaws that tighten down around the eye piece of the scope as you turn the collar. The problem is, in my opinion, the phone is too heavy and the fit is too loose. When you attach it, the wieght of the phone causes it to sag which causes a halo effect on the top of what would be the picture. It was $84.99 and for that price, it needed to work perfectly for me. It did not. I will look for one with a more specific fit and if there is one that they make, I'll buy it.

[Coasthunterjay]

I'm using the Vortex High Country tripod. Love it, especially for the price.

Yah I saw there tripods at sportco a couple weeks ago. Guess ill have to do more searching. I saw one on ebay( no name) that looked really nice but not sure of its worth it.

[mountainman]

Vortex are the best optics for the price out there!

[wastickslinger]

My wife and I have been drooling over some Vortex 10x42 binos. They are sure clear and seem to be well made. They are on our list for next hunting season.   

I am interested in an attachment for my phone & spotting scope, thats a great idea. Wonder how spendy they will be?

I bought the Meopta Meopix Iphone adapter on blowout Cabelas bargain cave for less than $10. Got one for the spotter and one for the binos. They work great.

[mountainman]

Have just what you need! $149.99

[jackelope]

That's not for a phone though...is it?

Dewey-
Check these out. They're way cool, and now I see they make a specific one for my scope and phone.
https://www.phoneskope.com/store/add_to_cart

[Coasthunterjay]

My wife and I have been drooling over some Vortex 10x42 binos. They are sure clear and seem to be well made. They are on our list for next hunting season.   

I am interested in an attachment for my phone & spotting scope, thats a great idea. Wonder how spendy they will be?

I bought the Meopta Meopix Iphone adapter on blowout Cabelas bargain cave for less than $10. Got one for the spotter and one for the binos. They work great.

Wastickslinger I'll have to look into the meopta adaptor...sportsmans probably has one.

[wastickslinger]

There are still some in bargain cave online, 49mm for $9. Check meopta website they have a chart that lists most common spotters with size you need..

[mountainman]

That's not for a phone though...is it?

Dewey-
Check these out. They're way cool, and now I see they make a specific one for my scope and phone.
https://www.phoneskope.com/store/add_to_cart

have been looking at one of theses for my Razor binos..you try one yet?

[jackelope]

Yeah see my post above.

[Maverick]

What vortex spotting scope are you guys using and what are they running for? I need to buy one.

[jackelope]

What vortex spotting scope are you guys using and what are they running for? I need to buy one.

Mine is just a Nomad. 20-60x60
I think around $300 or so.

[NRA4LIFE]

I bought the Viper for this season and so far I love it.  I found it new for $650 I think.

[Coasthunterjay]

I got the small razor HD from recommendation of vortex buddy. It's about $1000.

[Maverick]

I'm thinking I want a 20-80x?

[jackelope]

I'm thinking I want a 20-80x?

Not sure I've ever seen 80x. I've seen a 80mm objective lens. I haven't seen everything though either. I hardly ever use 60x....not sure when I'd ever need 80x. Maybe to look at something that is 5 miles away.

[Maverick]

Good point

[Holg3107]

Get a hold of Elknut1 on here. He's the HuntWa vortex guy and is extremely easy to work with. Also extremely knowledgeable and can help point you in the right direction of which scope will suit your hunting style and needs. His prices are competitive and your keeping your business with the HuntWa family. I just purchased a pair of Vortex Binos from him about 6 weeks ago. They were in my hands 3 days later.

Just a note on power. you are probably thinking of a 20-60x80 scope. One thing to think about is weight and size. If you are like me and put a lot of miles on the boots and weight is a factor then a full size 20-60 is really not worth it especially as Jack said you rarely use it at the higher powers. If you are looking at a scope to keep in your rig or you don't veer far from the road then weight isn't a factor and your options change. Like I said, talk with Elknut1 and he will help you out.

Holg3107

[jackelope]

A 20-60x spotter with an 80MM objective lense is enormous.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

For your tripod check out the sliks....they are super light, relatively cheap, and very functional.

[Coasthunterjay]

Yah I saw the silk. I like the carbon fiber I think more so than the aluminum. I'll try to find someone that has one spin can look at it.

Anyone shoot off there mounted spotting scopes(for a rest?)

[lastmk8]

Picked up the 10 X 42 Vortex Viper HD's before hunting season this year.  I couldn't be more happy, so bright and clear, adding time to both the morning and evening hunting times.  Been researching spotting scopes also, and I'm going to be going with the Razor HD in the mid size.  Gearing up for the Alaska Moose Float Hunt.  As for tripods, I haven't researched yet, but I sure like the looks of the vortex brands, Steven Rinella, aka the Meateater, seems to like them just fine,... yea, I'm sure he isn't paying for his though!!

[jackelope]

Anyone shoot off there mounted spotting scopes(for a rest?)

With a quick release head, I'm not sure I'd want to take the chance of damaging the scope.
 

[Slimdog350]

Picked up the 10 X 42 Vortex Viper HD's before hunting season this year.  I couldn't be more happy, so bright and clear, adding time to both the morning and evening hunting times.  Been researching spotting scopes also, and I'm going to be going with the Razor HD in the mid size.  Gearing up for the Alaska Moose Float Hunt.  As for tripods, I haven't researched yet, but I sure like the looks of the vortex brands, Steven Rinella, aka the Meateater, seems to like them just fine,... yea, I'm sure he isn't paying for his though!!
I've been looking at the viper hd 's in 10x50. I've heard they are pretty awesome and the warranty is great too. I get a discount through vortex too so now I just gotta sell my leupolds mojave's. 

[Coasthunterjay]

Yah the quick release head was a thought. I shoot a 270 so not an ungodly amount of kick...that's another reason why I want a lil heavier duty tripod. Could serve multi purpose if I could keep it short and shoot off it.

[jackelope]

Both the Vortex tripods have quick releases on them.

[Coasthunterjay]

Hey thanks for the picture!

I'll keep the question up for those that might have done with/ or without success but  I think I'll ask the techs at vortex and see what there opinion is. Still Vortex is top notch. Probably just going to persuade me into getting there tripod also. 

[whacker1]

once upon a time, there existed a v attachment that quick released into some of the quick release tripod heads specifically for use as a rest to make it that much more stable

[Coasthunterjay]

A V mounted bracket would be nice but it's one more piece of equipment to carry in the back country. I'll have to look into it.

[BULLBLASTER]

I have a viper hd 15-45x 60 spotter on a vanguard tripod. I would have no worries about setting my rifle across it and shooting. The scope and tripod both have a warranty. And if it can't hold up to that it isn't too tough anyhow. My spotter fell out of my truck when I opened the door once and landed on the objective lens bell... it smacked hard. Still works great with no ill affects. It does wear the neoprene cover fulltime.

[Coasthunterjay]

That's good to hear bullblaster...you are correct. I figure if it can't take the kick it probably isn't heavy duty enough. I'm pretty sure it shouldn't have a problem though. Maybe once I get my tripod of choice I'll go shoot my gun off it. Ill post pics.

Oh that was my other question.....

Do all of you guys use a scope cover. Those that have em would yah recommend em?

Bull blaster how much was your spotter cover and do you like it?

[BULLBLASTER]

The neopren cover came with my spotter. It was a pain to put on but I love it. Protects the scope well and has attached lens covers. They are attached with elastic bands. Just stretch them on or off.