Spotting scopes

[Dayton Elk]

What is the best spotting scope a person can get and why?  I need a new one and I am not sure what to get.  Thanks

[GoPlayOutside]

I'm in the same boat.  I need to buy a new spotting scope.  My old giant National Geographic scope my Dad gave me is way too big.  In your opinion what is the best spotting scope and tripod for the money?

[GoPlayOutside]

Still looking for some advice.

[Bean Counter]

Get something with ED/HD glass. If that means saving for a whole nother year before you can afford one, then do it. The size of the objective lens and the sheer magnification of the scope over binos doesn't make 'em worth using if its going to be a blurry image. 

You need to consider whether you're going to use it near a truck or cart it around on a horse/ATV, or if you're going to backpack it in 5+ miles. If the former, go with an 80-85mm scope with a nice tripod. If the latter go with a 60-65 with a nice monopod. My pics for the former would be a Zeiss Diascope 85, Swarovski 80 HD, or Nikon ED 82mm. For the latter I would go with either a Pentax PF65-II or a Leupold Gold Ring HD.

My Nikon ED 82mm is an angled scope. I thought this would be really handy for glassing a hill looking up and sharing the scope with other hunters of different heights (and it is), but the reality is that I find myself more often hiking up a hill and looking down (for which a straight scope is better). I would skip the angled if I had it to do over again.

Most education I've ever had on the subject of glass was when I became a forum member at birdforum.net.  Sorry hunters, but those bird watchers have our @$$#$ kicked when it comes to glass knowledge. BTW, I wouldn't wear the fact that you're a hunter on your sleeve.  I took up a mild case of birdwatching in order to fit in over there.

Best wishes for your search. Blessings. 

[BIGBULLBALLS]

Swarovski HD glass is the best you can buy.  Light gathering capabilities in Swarovski is unmatched by cheaper optics.  When looking through the scope the objective is crystal clear all the way to the edge.  If you look in cheaper scopes the center is clear by the edges are hazy and it becomes worse as light fades. 
Disclamer: I own a Swarovski HD 80 ATS and spent a *censored*load of money on it but it has been well worth the coin.

[Intruder]

You're only limited by your budget.  Realize for top end spotter you're talking thousand$ not hundreds. 

[MtnMuley]

I've used both the Swarovski HD and the Zeiss HD.  After a few trips in the field I stuck with the Zeiss.  Zeiss has an 85mm objective.  The Swaro an 80mm.  Swarovski seemed less bulky though.  Zeiss seemed a little brighter.  Also, Zeiss is considerably less money.  Both top end.

[Bean Counter]

It seems as though Swaro has better  customer service than Zeiss so if I were going to go that high end I'd opt for the  Swaro.

[BC CHASER]

Swaro is what I run but you do not need HD unless you plan to take pictures through it.  Your eye cannot tell the difference between HD and non.   It will also save you a few hundred so you can spend the savings on the body armor for it.

[GoPlayOutside]

Thanks for the info.

[jjhunter]

Swaro is what I run but you do not need HD unless you plan to take pictures through it.  Your eye cannot tell the difference between HD and non.   It will also save you a few hundred so you can spend the savings on the body armor for it.

Agree 100% on above.......I own a Swaro spotter and love it, but from reviews and personal use, I think that Zeiss makes the best spotter.   

[Bean Counter]

Agree 100% on above.......I own a Swaro spotter and love it, but from reviews and personal use, I think that Zeiss makes the best spotter.   

Hey! I ordered you to buy the Swaro!!!

Or I'm going to execute the cat tonight.

[denali]

I have a Leopold 10-20 power compact w/ 40mm objective lens, paid 320.00 +-   it's nice and small but if i had to do it over again I would heed the advice above = larger objective lens and the highest end glass you can afford.   

[BIGBULLBALLS]

Swaro is what I run but you do not need HD unless you plan to take pictures through it.  Your eye cannot tell the difference between HD and non.   It will also save you a few hundred so you can spend the savings on the body armor for it.

I strongly dissagree with this statement.  You most definitly can tell the difference between the HD and non HD versions but only in the first 15 minutes of available light and the last 15 minutes. For me the extra $400-$500 is worth 30 minutes more glassing time.

[BC CHASER]

Swaro is what I run but you do not need HD unless you plan to take pictures through it.  Your eye cannot tell the difference between HD and non.   It will also save you a few hundred so you can spend the savings on the body armor for it.

I strongly dissagree with this statement.  You most definitly can tell the difference between the HD and non HD versions but only in the first 15 minutes of available light and the last 15 minutes. For me the extra $400-$500 is worth 30 minutes more glassing time.

Research it and you will find that that is the case.  I talked to Swarovski and was told this by them direct.

[jjhunter]

BC Chaser is right - the 15 minutes talk with the HD is BS.   Ask the experts, use both in the field and you can see for yourself.   Buy the "regular" Swaro spotter and put the difference towards the best tripod and fluid head money can buy...you will get much more utlility out of that than a HD sticker on the focus ring of your scope.

[GoPlayOutside]

Where's the best places to shop and price swarovski and zeiss spotting scopes?