Packable Spotting Scope

[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.