Best spotting scope for under / around $1500??

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Whoa that is a smoking deal!  Whats the difference between that and the new one?  I bet its light years ahead of the windriver spotting scope I had.

[Tjv28]

I was in the same boat last year. I went Swarovski. Couldn't be happier. Vortex is made in china.

[bobcat]

Leupold 12-40x60. $1300

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362277299/leupold-golden-ring-hd-spotting-scope-12-40x-60mm-shadow-gray

[bajeep93]

Meopta
https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/940208/meopta-meopro-hd-80-spotting-scope-20-60x-80mm-angled-green?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Optics+-+Spotting+Scopes-_-Meopta-_-940208&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgrSN7JWI1gIVKb7tCh10WQF5EAQYAiABEgJdcPD_BwE


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[jrebel]

I ended up buying a used Swarovski....... absolutely love it.  Thanks for the recommendations  everyone.   :tup:u

[Stein]

I had a similar budget and ended up purchasing a closeout Razor HD 65mm from Sportman Warehouse for $799. My eyes couldn't tell a big difference between the Razor and a pre-HD Swarovski. Long term plan is for better glass but the price difference paid for an elk tag.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/mobile/Vortex-Razor-HD-16-48-65-Angled-Body-Spotting-Scope/productDetail/Angled-Body-Spotting-Scopes/prod999901366046/cat130500

Bummer, they are gone.  Anyone else know where they are being closed out?

[fishsticks]

I had a similar budget and ended up purchasing a closeout Razor HD 65mm from Sportman Warehouse for $799. My eyes couldn't tell a big difference between the Razor and a pre-HD Swarovski. Long term plan is for better glass but the price difference paid for an elk tag.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/mobile/Vortex-Razor-HD-16-48-65-Angled-Body-Spotting-Scope/productDetail/Angled-Body-Spotting-Scopes/prod999901366046/cat130500

Bummer, they are gone.  Anyone else know where they are being closed out?

Ive purchased from www.cameralandny.com in the past and they have good prices.  They have an open box 22-48x65 for $1040 right now.

Www.eurooptic.com is $1056 for NIB

Also keep an eye on www.swfa.com "sample list" they get open box, trade and used stuff that is often a good deal.  Currently running 10% off and free shipping >$50

I'm super happy with my 11-33x50.  I have swaro binos, and while it isn't apples to apples, the razor spotter is top flight glass.

[Stein]

I was in the same boat last year. I went Swarovski. Couldn't be happier. Vortex is made in china.

I believe the Razor line is made in Japan.

[Batwatcher]

Cabela's Meopta-made Instinct scope is on sale now, $500 of plus an extra 10% off. This is an alpha quality scope very close to your price range.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/optics/spotting-scopes|/pc/104792580/c/104752080/sc/104600880/cabelas-instinct-euro-hd-spotting-scope/1575211.uts?slotId=12

[Crunchy]

I did the spotter shopping a few years ago.  I narrowed it down between the Vortex Razor and Swaros.  Swaros were better glass, and that is what I went with.  The only Vortex you should consider is the Razor line.  You will be disappointed in anything else in Vortex.  Where you will find the difference is in the 500 plus yard range.  Clarity in glass at the longer distance is where you spend the money.  The difference in seeing a deer, and having enough clarity to know not only its a deer but being able to count antler points.  The Vortex line is heavier than Swaros but I cannot recall by how much.  Spend a little extra and be happy for the life of your hunting career no matter which spotter you go with.  Spend once, cry once.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I had a similar budget and ended up purchasing a closeout Razor HD 65mm from Sportman Warehouse for $799. My eyes couldn't tell a big difference between the Razor and a pre-HD Swarovski. Long term plan is for better glass but the price difference paid for an elk tag.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/mobile/Vortex-Razor-HD-16-48-65-Angled-Body-Spotting-Scope/productDetail/Angled-Body-Spotting-Scopes/prod999901366046/cat130500

Bummer, they are gone.  Anyone else know where they are being closed out?

There are two in stock the Spokane store right now, check your local store, they may have a few in stock still.