Free: Contests & Raffles.
Eastmans did a review on spotting scopes a couple of months ago and the Nikon got a very high grade from them. It was almost as high as the swarovski and the leica. I don't remember the model but it was under $700.
Thanks for the help.After much thought and research decided to save up until next year for a swarovski
I'm surprised that everyone is very adiment about buying the Lieca or Swaro spotters when someone talks about a lightweight durable scope. I know these high dollar scopes are very clear and have great morning/evening glassing features but what about that fact that they are big and heavy. It doesnt seem to be a concern to most. Must be doing quite a bit of hunting close to the pickup on the flat land?? You spend most of your time glassing with binos and spotters are used most of the time to zoom in on an animal to see whether it's worthy of a stalk or not. I can tell the difference between a good animal at 1500-2000 yds with a $700 scope, if you can't then he's probably not worth going after. I would say buy the $700 light Nikon or Leupold and spend that extra money you were going to spend on the Leica and put it into your binos since they are pressed against your face 75% of the time your glassing. I have been without a spotting scope all season struggling with which one to buy as well. $2,000 or $700? back and forth I have struggled also and I have no problem spending money on good gear but this just doesn't make all that much sense to me especially being a backpack type hunter where weight and size is a big concern. I would think the Leica or swaro was great also if it's mounted to the window of a pickup or a mule packs it in for you. Just my