$600 to play with, what spotter?

[steeleywhopper]

I need to add a Spotting Scope to the arsenal and I have $600 to play with. Tell me what the best bang for the buck is in that price range, new or used. I'd use it for glassing from the truck window and packing around. I do not have much experience with them other than I know I prefer an angled scope.  Deer, Elk, Bear hunting and I hunt Wyoming Montana and Washington.

[cbond3318]

I am a vortex guy so if it was my money I would pick up a Vortex Viper HD 20-60x80.

[BULLBLASTER]

You might be able to find a used vortex razor 16-48 in that range. (Older style)
Do you need to get a tripod in that budget also?

[highside74]

Cabelas new smaller spotter is really nice and should be taken seriously. It is $699

[steeleywhopper]

Right now I'm not too worried about a tripod until the spotter ends up in my hot little hands.

[JDHasty]

You might be able to find a used vortex razor 16-48 in that range. (Older style)
Do you need to get a tripod in that budget also?

 

That is exactly what I would focus on. 

I have seen 12-40x60 Gold Rings go tor that used too, and they are a great hunting scope.  We have had one for three decades and although not ED/HD it still serves us well.  We also have a Razor 85 and a 20x50 Gold Ring compact.  The 12-40 is surprisingly packable. 

[Wanttohuntmore]

Just bought a Vanguard HD82 and think its pretty much tops in that price range.  I also run a small ED 50 by nikon which is the best 50mm you'll look through.  Another that I haven't looked through which I suspect would be fantastic is the nikon fieldscope at Natchez, on sale for $400.

[opdinkslayer]

The Vanguard's are better optically in that price range than any of the others you will find including the viper hd that is more expensive. I got the endeavor hd65 with a free tripod at the time and it has been great for 500 bucks. If you dont mind the size the 85 gives you a bit more in low light situations. If your patient and save a bit more money a used gold ring hd for packability or razor hd optically would be my other choices.

[steeleywhopper]

Thanks for all the info, I'll save up a few more bucks for a tripod and window mount but it sounds like I should be able to pick up a decent one that's in my budget.

[Jonathan_S]

Right now I'm not too worried about a tripod until the spotter ends up in my hot little hands.

Not to tell you your business but for others in the same boat... a great spotter on a crappy tripod is a crappy setup.

[trophyhunt]

There was an hd vortex for sale on here just the other day. 

[hughjorgan]

Sports men's warehouse has the older vortex razor hd spotter on sale for 799...

[JDHasty]

Sports men's warehouse has the older vortex razor hd spotter on sale for 799...

If I were at $600 already...  If there is a way to swing it this is a skookum deal. 

[rudysts]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276098-REG/Kowa_TSN_601_TSN_601_2_4_60mm_Spotting_Scope.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/374107-REG/Kowa_TE_9Z_TSE_Z9B_20_60x_Zoom_Spotting.html

You cant go wrong with a Kowa made in Japan high quality glass. I can see 7mm bullet holes on paper @ 600 yards if the conditions are good. The price puts you just under 600. This spotter will blow away every thing in the 500-800 price range IMO.

[JDHasty]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276098-REG/Kowa_TSN_601_TSN_601_2_4_60mm_Spotting_Scope.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/374107-REG/Kowa_TE_9Z_TSE_Z9B_20_60x_Zoom_Spotting.html

You cant go wrong with a Kowa made in Japan high quality glass. I can see 7mm bullet holes on paper @ 600 yards if the conditions are good. The price puts you just under 600. This spotter will blow away every thing in the 500-800 price range

And there you are.  Try to look through a Kowa in that price range too.  I have never owned a Kowa, but have looked trough a bunch of Kowa spotters and never found them lacking a dog gone thing.  Don't know they were in your price range though. 

My best advice is:  You are not sure how to maximize your investment.  Put them up side by side in the environment you will use them if you can. 

[Tbar]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276098-REG/Kowa_TSN_601_TSN_601_2_4_60mm_Spotting_Scope.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/374107-REG/Kowa_TE_9Z_TSE_Z9B_20_60x_Zoom_Spotting.html

You cant go wrong with a Kowa made in Japan high quality glass. I can see 7mm bullet holes on paper @ 600 yards if the conditions are good. The price puts you just under 600. This spotter will blow away every thing in the 500-800 price range IMO.

They make great scopes!

[steeleywhopper]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276098-REG/Kowa_TSN_601_TSN_601_2_4_60mm_Spotting_Scope.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/374107-REG/Kowa_TE_9Z_TSE_Z9B_20_60x_Zoom_Spotting.html

You cant go wrong with a Kowa made in Japan high quality glass. I can see 7mm bullet holes on paper @ 600 yards if the conditions are good. The price puts you just under 600. This spotter will blow away every thing in the 500-800 price range IMO.

They make great scopes!

Looks to be a darn good price on great glass!

[andrew_in_idaho]

Another vote for vanguard. The HD82 angled model is selling for $499 on Amazon right now which would leave you about $100 for a tripod


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[Clark33]

I have one and I really like it, check it out.

http://www.rokslide.com/gear/optics/276-vanguard-endeavor-hd-65s-spotting-scope-shocking-performance-value

[steeleywhopper]

I have one and I really like it, check it out.

http://www.rokslide.com/gear/optics/276-vanguard-endeavor-hd-65s-spotting-scope-shocking-performance-value

x

This sounds like a pretty solid review.

[andrew_in_idaho]

I have one and I really like it, check it out.

http://www.rokslide.com/gear/optics/276-vanguard-endeavor-hd-65s-spotting-scope-shocking-performance-value

x

This sounds like a pretty solid review.

If you wait long enough I'm sure Amazon will drop the price to $450 again. That was when I bought. For the 82 mm that is


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[TomT]

Go to opticsplanet.com.  They have both angled models.  Use coupon code Lucky10 (expires today) and you can get the Vanguard Endeavor hd 65A for $360 or the 82A for $450.

I don't have any experience with those spotting scopes, but have ordered from that company with no problems.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Update.  Took the hd82 vanguard out on Sunday and was using it for 1000 meter shots.   Could see bullet impacts fairly easy.  I've looked through standard (non-hd Swarovski 65mm) and I feel this at least compares to that.  I own zeiss and Leica binocs and am no stranger to the get what you pay for verbiage, but I got to say the vanguard more than meets my expectation.  I put this on a $200 tripod, please take that into consideration.  Good tripods are a must have.