leupold spotting scopes

[Red Dawg]

just wondering if anyone owns some gold rings. thinking about making them my nest purchase. they seem like they are preatty good buy. i also loike the nikon too but i would rather have leupold.

[high country]

I have the fixed 30x 60 and had the 12-45. both are good rigs. I sold my 12-45 to get a bigger scope and settled on the pentax pf-80ed but the weigt is too much for backpacking so I added a fixed 30 to my fleet. the pentax trumps them both in clarity and brightness, but the weight and warranty are big time selling points for leupold.

nikon has a solid produst in their med spotters, if you choose them you will end up with a good rig for the money.....just like if you go leuy.

luey has the size, weight and warranty and service, I think nikon gets a slight nod for performance.

[Red Dawg]

thaks for the advice i will take that all into consideration. i have gold ring on my rifles and i would not replace them for anything. so i figure that the spotting scopes would not be any different. i guess its all in what you see out of your own eyes anyway. i guess what ever fits better i will buy.

[Bookworm]

I bought mine off E-bay. You can usually find some of the spotting scopes on there. Just make sure you know what the new price is before buying a used one. I got mine for 500.00 bucks with a couple of extras.

[NORRISKI]

I have had leupold 15x30x50, and wind river 15x45x60,both ok. There gone and now have nikon 16x48x60 spotter, much better scope good pack scope also they discontinued the black model i got that for $379.00 that was a good buy they sell the camo for $499.00 maybe there are still some black ones left for cheap.

[Elknut1]

  2 days ago we were doing a Spotting scope test on various brands, one was the Leupold 15x45x50 it was a nice Scope & would work just fine. We compared them to the Nomad Vortex Spotting Scope in 20x60x60, the Nomad was noticeably clearer at every distance & definitely brighter for those early/late viewing times because of the 60MM lens, it lets in more light! The thing is the Scope is 13" long & weighs 34oz. It's very easy to pack & cost 329.00 it has a built in tripod adapter & a Scope cover that can be left on when in use for those rainy days, the ends unzip for use & focusing. I used this scope last year on our Deer hunts scanning country 2 miles out with ease, we also used it at 300-400 yds with no issues. These Spotting Scopes have a transferable lifetime warranty no matter what!

  I mention this Scope & info because it looks like you guys are looking for a packable optic with good quality at under 500.00--Thanks!

  ElkNut/Paul

[ICEMAN]

  Ok, I get it, you sell Vortex, and it is better than anyone else's stuff.

Running a test on gear, when you are the salesman for one of the items is rediculous. Give me a break. You seem like a great guy, with tons and tons of experience, generous, you got it all. But, you lose credibility with statements like "I mention this Scope & info because it looks like you guys are looking for a packable optic with good quality at under 500.00--Thanks!" You failed to mention how much you make on the sale.

Let someone else test your gear and report on it, or provide a link to  a testing group with no ties to either product line.  It may very well be better, I don't know. What I do know, is not to trust what someone says when they have a vested interest in one of the products. Other folks here who sell gear simply post what they have for sale, and let others decide. They speak to the quality of their gear, but seldom compare.

Sorry for my rant.

[MountainWalk]

iceman, i am in total agreement.. yeah, ok... we all know u sell vortex.. we know where to find you. cool.. if i want them. i'll call you. how about letting me test them in montana this hunting season? i'll even let clients look thru them.

[Elknut1]

  I can understand where you guys are coming from, doesn't mean I have to agree though! (grin) I had no intentions of offending anyone, I was pointing out real life tests that we happened to do the other day & here's a subject where the testing could help some out, period! I'm not a liar & I don't tend to exaggerate things in my favor, I may be enthused about a product yes, but that's only because of the findings everytime I do a test with equally priced items. If the Vortex failed with a comparable unit I'd say that in a heartbeat & not recommend it all to try & save someone the money & trial & error. In this case these were the findings with the Leupold Spotting Scopes, you can accept it as truth & save your self the money of experimenting with various units yourself or you can go ahead be the guinea pig & report all your personal findings as I did.
  If I'm the one forking out the 300-600 bucks for Optics I sure like knowing I spent my money on the best in that price range. If someone has some info out there to help me out when I was ready to buy I'd sure as heck like to hear it.

  Iceman, Mountain Walker 338, let's hear about some personal tests of yours that may benefit any who may read threads like these & are looking to purchase some sort of Optics in the near future! Fact is there aren't many guys out there that have the luxury of getting 6 different Optics together & then testing their abilities separately in various price ranges. I also tested the Vortex Razors , Swarovski EL, Leicas, Leupolds that same day all in 10x42 their price range varied from 2400.00--770.00 interesting to say the least in what order which were best & why?

  Bottom line is if I had saved just enough money to purchase a particular Optic I want it going for the best equipment available for the price, I was sharing such info.

  But your point is well taken & I'll do my best to pull the reigns in a bit & not be pain in the rear! Thanks!

  ElkNut1/Paul

[MountainWalk]

personally.. i freeze my optics tehn dunk them in lukewarm water,, check for bubbles"leaks" and for fogging......i know my burris has passed this test,, and the horse test too...you never offended me... but it was getting a little crazy

[Coasthunterjay]

what about the leupold mesa spotting scope? cheeper.

[Red Dawg]

elknut thanks for the info. i have looked though vortex optics before and was not all that impressed but maybe i was looking through there bottom line optics i dont know but i would be willing to take your word for it. you seem like an honest individual trying to supply your fellow hunters with a quality product. i will never fault anyone for trying to industrious. that is the american way after all. so anyway if you could give me a little more info on them i might be interested. I am looking for something to put in my pack and what you described sounded perfect.

[Elknut1]

 Hmm, never heard of a Leupold Mesa before? How old is it & what power is it?

  Red Dawg, The one I had mentioned is called the Nomad, it's a 20x60x60 & it's a hair over 2lbs at 13 1/4" long. We packed that thing along with a tripod all over tarnation last year with no wt. problems at all. We were wearing a Badlands Superday pack (no we don't sell them) & it fit easily into the main compartment. It sells for 329.00 in straight angle. We were looking 2 miles out with no issues at all. Theres another that I have coming in Monday that's called the Impact 70MM, it's only 10 1/2" long & 2 1/4 lb I've never looked through it yet but will as soon as it comes in. It sells for 199.99 This one because of it's size really interest me, I'm all about wt. on some pack in hunts!
  If you do a lot of driving around & like spotting from your rig you need a window mount & you'll never have to get out.  http://www.audubonbinoculars.com/spotting_scopes    Check out the link.

  ElkNut1

[Coasthunterjay]

my bad i ment the sequoia, i think it is a wind river. regardless it is a green ring spotting scope.

i only ask because i dont have coin to drop like all you big money making players.

[Elknut1]

 coasthunterjay, ahh hah!  Now that one I've heard of!! (grin)

  Not exactly sure on what the prices are for that particular one, but I'd estimate in the 180.00-250.00 range??

  The Impact 70MM MODEL is the one we carry that would compete with it's pricing!  It's a 25x75x70MM Scope that is 10" long, awesome for packing or from the vehicle or road! It comes with a a nice sturdy carrying case & table top  tripod. It goes for 199.99  I have not looked through this one as of yet but will tomorrow as we have a new shipment of them coming in. I'm personally interested in this one myself! I'm always looking for ways to shave wt. & size in my pack! Thanks!

  Paul

[wastickslinger]

I have the Winde River Sequoia. Not a bad scope but in hind sight I would have saved some coin for one more season and bought the gold ring. It is like night and day difference.

[Red Dawg]

So I am now ready to buy a leupold HD spotting scope. Does anyone know where a guy can look and find a good deal on one. Trying to save a few bucks since i will be hunting out of state this year.

[bobcat]

You could try this:  http://www.bearbasin.com/spotting.htm#leup_spot

Or check ebay. You might find your best deal on there.

[Hunter4Life]

I own a Leupold Gold Ring compact spotting scope and it is fantastic.  Very bright and clear.  Well worth the money.  Plus you can't beat Leupold's warranty.   I will be the first to say I am biased toward Leupold products.  I own eight rifles and all have gold ring scopes, plus I own a Leupold RX-IV Digital Laser Rangefinder and the Gold Ring 10x42 HD binoculars.  I have never had to take advantage of Leupold's warranty since I have never had a problem with any of their products.  All are extremely well-made.

[wannahunt]

I have used the Leopold 15-30 goldring for the last three years and it's been great. It's light enough to back in and as clear has anything I have looked thru except maybe a Swarovski 20-60 power that I got a chance to use in Yellowstone park a few years ago. It was really nice but I wouldn't want to pack it around or pay for it ($2000.00 I think). I bought my Leopold down in Oregon and saved the sales tax any way.

[Intruder]

elknut thanks for the info. i have looked though vortex optics before and was not all that impressed but maybe i was looking through there bottom line optics i dont know .

I can give you an unbiased take on the Vortex products I've looked through.  Price point to price point they compete extremely well with other manufacturers.  In general my experience is that they are often superior in optical quality to the competition while costing less.  Their spotting scopes and binos IMO are some of the best values on the market.  In the full size bino the Razor and the Viper are reeaaaally nice.  I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better value in binos than the Viper.  I've looked through the Diamondbacks and they're OK.  Never looked through any of the small framed binos.  The rifle scopes are nice too but they don't distinguish themselves as well in the price ranges they sell.  They are competitive but not necessarily better.  I wouldn't hesitate to put 1 on a rifle but I think there are as good or better value propositions out there. 

I know a lot of folks are Leopold fans and I mean no disrespect.  They are a fine product (I own 3), however in just about every price point that they sell a product(bino/scope/sprotter) there are better quality products available from other manufacturers.... often for less $ even.

My point here is not to disway anyone from buying Leopold or to bash Leopold, or to try to convince anyone to buy Vortex but rather try to offer some objective perspectives to the mix. 

[groundhog]

I think the leopold gold ring is hard to beat for the money. I have a small fixed 20 power that I love for backpacking. I have a friend that has several wind river products and there is no comparison. Personally I would highly reccomend the gold ring. You won't be disapointed.
We did an interesting test on Kodiak last year. I have a pair of 10x42 Leicas and my buddy has a pair of 8x? Leicas. We were glassing Blacktail deer that were close to a mile away. Without a rest we both agreed that we could see better through his 8x Leicas. They were both just as clear but there was less "shake" realized with less magification. With a rest the ten power were better. Considering the fact that the 8x wiegh considerably less I think if I had it to do over I would buy the 8x. I usually have a spotting scope with me for a better look so I probally don't need to be packing the heavy 10x all day. Just an observation. good luck

[Intruder]

I think the leopold gold ring is hard to beat for the money.

I would respectfully disagree.  "For the money" there are better scopes.

Personally I would highly reccomend the gold ring. You won't be disapointed.

I would agree with this however.  They are still a quality product that you can rely heavily on.

[Jamieb]

Some of my hunting pards have a larger gear budget then I do and their using Leica or Sworo's. I use a leupold goldring 12x40. I've had their spotters set up along side of mine. The leica and Sworo are better but I don't feel there's enough of a difference to justify paying that much more. I've had many mid priced spotters, Burris, Bushnell, and Nikon, I think the gold ring is better then any of the others I've had. I got mine off Craigslist, spotter, soft case, and Leupold tripod for $500. and have seen a couple of others come up but they have been sold when I called. I know I'm biased and freely admit that I'm a Leupold slut. Leupold is about the only rifle scope that I'll put on a big game rifle, I've been using them for along time and their about as reliable as it gets, And when I have sent scopes in for work the service has been better then great.

[Jamieb]

While were talkeing spotters. I picked up a addapter to conect a camera to a spotter. So far I've forgoten to bring it alont when I've been in the woods so I havent realy gotten to use it yet but I think it will work fine as long as the light is good.
Heres a picture.

[Jeremiah P]

Elknut, just wondering what you thought of the compact spotter, I am currently in the market for a light weight but efficient spotting scope. Let me know, right  now its between that and a leupold gold ring 15-30 compact, but I like the price of yours, let me know.

[Elknut1]

 Jeremiah P, I've compared the Impact Spotter to the Gold Ring Sequoia as well, only because a good friend has the 15-45, the Impact tops it both for clarity & light gathering, this was also his conclusion as well, it took less than 10 seconds to see the difference, both were on tripods when viewed. PM me if interested & I will take care of you with the best price!

  ElkNut1

[Vek]

Went to the range about a month ago.  Partner had the Vortex Nomad 20-60x60, and I had the pentax PF-65EDA scope body with the pentax XW-14 eyepiece. 

The pentax scope/eyepiece combo yields a fixed 28x. 

We both agreed that the view through my pentax absolutely blew the Vortex out of the water, and the vortex was his scope. 

I got my scope body for $400, and horsetraded for a used eyepiece at $200.  New, the eyepieces are about $340 full retail. 

If you do a little research, you'll learn that for a given objective lens size (60mm, 65mm, or whatever), there is a level of magnification above which resolution does not improve (as a matter of physics).  In the case of a 60-65mm lens, that is just over 30x.

If you do some more research, you'll learn that it's easier to make a fixed power eyepiece than a variable power eyepiece, and the fixed eyepiece will have greater field of view and greater eye relief.  the obvious tradeoff is that you can't crank the scope to 60x.  In reality, though, my scope at 28x gives near-limit resolution, and a huge field of view.  Additional magnification at that point would only give a bigger, blurrier-looking image.  Kind of like blowing up a low-resolution digital photo.