Spotting Scope or Field scope?

[Star882]

I am looking at getting some better optics. I plan on buying the razor vortex 10 x 42 binoculars soon. I was also looking at getting a spotting scope. I hunt in eastern Washington and am looking into getting into doing backpacking and higher  backcountry hunts on the westside for bear and dear.I have been looking at getting a vortex razor or viper spotting scope but I have also been considering a fieldscope by Nikon instead due to how much lighter they are. What would you guys recommend. Don't want to spend more than 1500 on the spotting scope.

[huntnphool]

I am looking at getting some better optics. I plan on buying the razor vortex 10 x 42 binoculars soon. I was also looking at getting a spotting scope. I hunt in eastern Washington and am looking into getting into doing backpacking and higher  backcountry hunts on the westside for bear and dear.I have been looking at getting a vortex razor or viper spotting scope but I have also been considering a fieldscope by Nikon instead due to how much lighter they are. What would you guys recommend. Don't want to spend more than 1500 on the spotting scope.

For $1500 I would be looking for a used Swarovski STS65 or STM65.

[Bob33]

Nikon's high end glass is very good. They do have a wide range of quality in their optics (from just above "junk" to alpha class) so you need to be sure what you're getting.

"Fieldscope" is just another name for spotting scope.

[Star882]

Someone told me the field scope was small and more compact than spotting scopes. Not sure if thats true or not. Just trying to decide if its worth having the extra weight of a spotting scope or if its necessary in the back country.

[huntnphool]

Someone told me the field scope was small and more compact than spotting scopes. Not sure if thats true or not. Just trying to decide if its worth having the extra weight of a spotting scope or if its necessary in the back country.

 I wouldn't purchase it based solely on weight, you will likely be using it all over and not just in the back country once you own one. And yes, the little extra weight will not be a factor in the long run.

[BULLBLASTER]

In your price rqnge i would go with the 65 mm razor hd spotter. Or as mentioned above a nice used swaro. I currently have a viper hd 15-45 x65 spotter amd like it well. Wish i had the cash to spring for a razor but i got what i could afford at the time.

[Star882]

In your price rqnge i would go with the 65 mm razor hd spotter. Or as mentioned above a nice used swaro. I currently have a viper hd 15-45 x65 spotter amd like it well. Wish i had the cash to spring for a razor but i got what i could afford at the time.

I was thinking of going with the viper spotting scope as well because I was thinking of springing for the razor binoculars. Still haven't decided 100% though.

[huntnphool]

 I might add that you should not be worried about buying used Swaro products, you can contact them with the serial number and ask if the warranty is transferable, they will tell you before you buy. Vortex has a good customer service as well so I don't think you can go wrong with either. http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,143206.msg1900531.html#msg1900531 Here is a link to some here who have experience with Swarovski customer service.