Packable Spotting Scope

[WilliamWallace]

I am looking at getting the Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50 Its small and compact. Only sticky point is the $699 price tag.

What does everyone else use for the backcountry?

Does anyone have any experiences with this specific optic?

[brocka]

I run a Vortex Razor HD 20-60 x 85mm. In my opinion there are lots of other places to cut weight for the backcountry instead of your optics.

[skagitsteel]

Just bought that spotting scope, smaller field of vision, sufficient for what I will be using it for.  Really clear even at 33x.  I matched it up with a vortex high country tripod. well worth the price tag

[jackelope]

I have a Minox md50 which I like a lot and it's tiny. 15-30x50 and the size of a 12oz. pop bottle, but you do suffer in the FOV department. I especially have issues with eye relief, which I've heard is an issue with the little Vortex too. With that said, the Minox usually sits at home as I'm with brocka and am taking my big Vortex spotter. Just plain works better and is more user friendly.
 

[coachcw]

I run a Vortex Razor HD 20-60 x 85mm. In my opinion there are lots of other places to cut weight for the backcountry instead of your optics.

I agree . my Nikon is lightweight but the window blows it  around , I went with a heavier tripod but it still isn't great. Go swaro and don't look back !

[Craig]

Have a Swarovski 80mm. Wish I had a 60mm. A little smaller and could use a smaller tripod with it.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I run an 80 mm Swaro.

See Brock's comment.


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[fillthefreezer]

one of the things i value most in hunting partners, good optics. 

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

one of the things i value most in hunting partners, good optics. 

You put up with a lot of BS for that Swaro...


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[highcountryhunter]

I just purchased this along with the vortex tripod, and I am pleased with it. Lightweight, compact, rugged, the lifetime warranty and good optics. Great for the back country.

[sirmissalot]

I run a Vortex Razor HD 20-60 x 85mm. In my opinion there are lots of other places to cut weight for the backcountry instead of your optics.

This. Although I use a 65mm Swarovski. Dont skimp on a tripod or fluid head either.

[klickman]

You'll save a lot more energy packing a nice spotter in the back country than you will shaving a few ounces.  Being able to determine if the animal is legal, big enough, etc  from a long ways a way will save you a ton of energy and time.  Nothing more frustrating than hiking across a nasty canyon just to see the buck is not legal or the bear is all rubbed. 

[bowhunterty]

The small Vortex spotter is worth it. Snall and compact. Clear view. Call Paul at Elknut, good prices thru him.

[Vortectoy]

I'm torn between the vortex razor 50mm vs 65mm spotter. Can't decide what i want for my backcountry hunt this year.  Any one else have opinions?

[MtnMuley]

Leopold 12-40x60mm HD.  Best backcountry spotter imo.

[Maverick]

Just ordered a 20-60x80 vortex diamondback

[buglebuster]

My 20-60x80 vortex viper is very packable 

[Todd_ID]

I always seem to leave my spotting scope at home if it's over 4 miles for the hike.  I finally got a small one that I won't leave at home.  I got the cheap little Alpen 20x50 fixed ($70).  It's tiny and light (as in it fits in 3/4 of your hand), and a tiny little Gorrilla Tripod holds it fine after disassembling to tighten it up some.  It isn't a Vortex, Swaro, or whatever as far as quality glass..., but I will have it with me when I am hunting, and that is paramount.

I'd love to have the better glass of all the above mentioned stuff with me when I'm hunting, but unless I hire someone to pack it for me, then it won't be in my pack when I need to use it; half-ounces count as you get older/wiser.  I'll take lower quality if it means I'll have it to use.

[cvandervort]

Alpen 20x50 got surprisingly good reviews...at least from what I saw.

[C-Money]

I use a Burris 20x50 compact. Sometimes I would like to zoom in for a closer look, but it is always clear and easy to carry. I've found many a deer with this little glass.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I run a Nikon ED 50, very nice.  Just need a good tripod for it, my cheap vanguard is too sticky.  Looking for an old fieldscope body in 65 or 77 with Ed glass that is compatible with my eyepieces.

[Todd_ID]

Alpen 20x50 got surprisingly good reviews...at least from what I saw.

I've got no complaints.  I've used it at first light, last light, midday, and after a 6 mile hike into the Wenaha bear hunting.  It's done well throughout.  I know what the differences of good glass versus cheap are, but this little guy is worth it for me.

[liljozie495]

Got the 16-48x65 razor hd and it's not too big not too small and great clarity. I'm excited to use it up high this year.

[calib]

I think i may get the razor 11-33 for packing and hunting, i think it will work well with shooting steel and all.

Is there some cheap options for a light weight tripod

[fillthefreezer]

I think i may get the razor 11-33 for packing and hunting, i think it will work well with shooting steel and all.

Is there some cheap options for a light weight tripod

with a light scope like that, id get the slik sprint mini unless glassing while standing is mandatory. replace the head with manfrotto 700rc2. about $150 total..

[KFhunter]

Due to this thread I just picked up an Alpen compact 20x50   #711
http://www.amazon.com/Alpen-Spotting-Scope-711-20X50/dp/B00013Q35W/ref=pd_sim_sg_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=11WKSJF2GT1055WT8B7J


So far,  I'm impressed.  Haven't had but a few minutes to look through it - but I suspect it'll be getting used a lot.


I also picked up a Bushnell Advanced Tripod
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-784030-Advanced-Tripod/dp/B0002IKQP4/ref=pd_sim_sg_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=11WKSJF2GT1055WT8B7J

It's freaking heavy,  won't be going in my backpack for a long walk I can tell you that!   But it seems solid and well built.  Not sure I like the screw stops to hold the leg extensions....got to get them pretty tight

[Heredoggydoggy]

I have 2 spotting scopes--a Burris 12x-24x that I got for free with a scope deal, and a bigger Sightron that I use at the range, and on a window mount in my hunting rig.  I've had the Burris mounted on a light weight camera tripod that I bought years ago, and use it to copy license plate numbers at the drug house across the street.    I keep it on 12x all the time, because it can be hard to find things at higher magnifications.  I can always "zoom in" if I want a closer look.  (Same goes for scopes on my rifles). 

[calib]

I got the razor 11-33 and it is a good scope, depending on how far you are wanting to go with it, wo may want to look at the 48 power if much over 1000 yards for any detail. I was out watching deer and they were probably 1000-1100 yards and i could count pounts on the top buck, but they were definitely not in great detail

I may be looking to upgrade to the next size real soon, going to montana this weekend we will see how it does

[calib]

I got the razor 11-33 and it is a good scope, depending on how far you are wanting to go with it, wo may want to look at the 48 power if much over 1000 yards for any detail. I was out watching deer and they were probably 1000-1100 yards and i could count pounts on the top buck, but they were definitely not in great detail

I may be looking to upgrade to the next size real soon, going to montana this weekend we will see how it does

[hooker]

The Alpen 20x50 is a mind-blowing optic for the price.  Goes with me everywhere.