Another Poll: the cost of spotting scopes

[ZRS-8x42]

feel free to name your brand and models. Thanks again for participating.

[7mag.]

I found that with spotter's, you definately get what you pay for. Hopefully Zen-Ray will change that.

[grousetracker]

i have a leupold sequia i bought from a friend for $75 and only use it for target practice.

[tony04]

i've been thinking about purchasing the sedona. ive heard lots of good things about the zen-ray binocs. if the spotters are of same quality, im sold

[ZRS-8x42]

i've been thinking about purchasing the sedona. ive heard lots of good things about the zen-ray binocs. if the spotters are of same quality, im sold

Tony, the optical performance of SEDONA spotting scope is equivalent to a level between VISTA and SUMMIT binoculars.  It is light weight and waterproof.

[DOUBLELUNG]

I currently pack an 18x36x60 Alpen, it only weighs 24oz; good enough to get me by for the time being.  However, some day I will purchase a Swarovski ATS 65 with a 20-60x eyepiece or the current equivalent at that time.  Having had an ST80HD and 10x42SLCs for several years for work, I am painfully aware how inferior my optics are to the Swaros.

[MtnMuley]

Damn DBLLUNG!  Your employer must have funded all the money for optics to the bios, not the enforcers!

[Wacenturion]

I've got a Nikon Pro Staff 20x60x82mm in camo, which retails around $700.  I got a sweet deal one one for under $500..........nice scope.   Anxious to see what the new Zen Ray ED spotter is like.  Love my 10x43 ED2's.........why would anyone buy any bino else under a grand except these?   

[Jamieb]

I'll admit that I'm a Leupold slut, My spotter is a gold ring 12x40x60. For a grand new its good spotter. I bought mine used with a tripod and case for $500.

[MtnMuley]

I feel the same jamieb.  Purchased the same setup years ago for around $500 and use it 95% of the time instead of my much higher priced Zeiss 20-60x80 HD.  Not saying the Zeiss isn't clearer, as it definately is, but there's just something about that Leupold that makes scanning the hills unbeatable.

[bod]

$ 200-500 on price I bought a leupold 10-20x40 compact real handi focus is finicky though, this year i used the ZR 10x43 ed2 the leupld stayed in the truck the ed2s are awesome, so charles a compact 20 power would be great for my type of hunting.

[ZRS-8x42]

$ 200-500 on price I bought a leupold 10-20x40 compact real handi focus is finicky though, this year i used the ZR 10x43 ed2 the leupld stayed in the truck the ed2s are awesome, so charles a compact 20 power would be great for my type of hunting.

compact and portable spotters will be very useful in the field. We will try to get it done without sacrificing the image quality.

[ZRS-8x42]

I am curious how often people get both zoom eyepiece and wide angle eyepiece at the same time for their spotter (which allows interchangeable eyepiece)

[Red Dawg]

I love my leica 60mm with a 30x eye piece. Very light weight and very clear. I think I ended up paying about 800 for it although it retails for around 1500 or so when they were still selling it. I have always been curious as to where these zen ray bino's and such are manufactured. Maybe even some company background. Everybody that has used them seems to have been very happy with them so the Zen ray has sparked a bit of an interest with me.

[whacker1]

I bought the windriver sequoia 15-45 x  60 for $300 a few years ago.  I hate it.  blurry once  you get over about 30power.  I have been spending some time looking through a buddy's Swaro & Nikon.  Nikon was great from the truck as it was big and bulky at 80mm.  Swaro is amazing, but $$$$$$$$.   

I would be willing to spend $500-1000 if Zen-Ray can come up with something similar to the ED binocs. 

[ZRS-8x42]

I would be willing to spend $500-1000 if Zen-Ray can come up with something similar to the ED binocs. 

working on it..

[columbiaman]

If you keep it below $1000, I will get one.

[Huntbear]

Do not own one,  never needed one.  I do have a pair of 20x binos that I put on a tripod though, when I  am at the range.

[ZRS-8x42]

For those of you who haven't casted your vote, your opinion is very much appreciated.

[bowtech721]

I just have a cheap one as i only use it at the range for the most part... I think i would give in and get a decent one ( prolly still under a grand) if i hunted more where i though it would be useful. Most of the time its just me and my nikon binos

[couesbitten]

Had a Swaro, sold it because I didn't use it as much as I thought I would. Currently own an Alpen, but intend to "upgrade" to one of the better known, lesser brands, such as Vortex, Zen-Ray, etc. I think that there are some really good scopes out there in the $500-$1000 range, both new and used, depending on which manufacturer you're talking about.

[boneaddict]

The problem is, where I generally need one, I am fighting ounces, let alone pounds.  I step dad has a nice leopold that I think would work. 

[ZRS-8x42]

Just spent $2000 on a set of spotting scope. It is very nice. Not that I wanted to spend that much. I did that so our customers do not have to in a few months...  

[coop2424]

Just spent $2000 on a set of spotting scope. It is very nice. Not that I wanted to spend that much. I did that so our customers do not have to in a few months...  

Good to know..  Can not wait to see what you guys come out with.  I am already saving...

[C-Money]

I use a fixed 25x Burris right now. When I can, I want a nice Leupold! The 25x is just not enough sometimes. I have no complaints about the quality/clarity of the Burris, just not enough power!

[Young Buck]

I am currently looking at the Cabela's Alpha spotting scope which sells for $449 (I have seen it on sale for $400). I am seriously considering waiting for the new Zen-Ray spotting scope based on the reviews I have seen on their binocs. Charles how far into summer are we talking about? Are you familiar with the Alpha?

[ZRS-8x42]

We are looking at late summer.  No, I haven't looked through the Cabela Alpha to make any comment.

[whacker1]

Since you are making comparisons against the Swaro spotting scope.  The only other one I would consider is the leupold 12-40 x 60 gold ring as it kind of fits that middle ground price range at $1200 for the HD line.

[tpcollins]

I started out last year getting the so called famous birding spotter "Stokes Sandpiper". Nice spotter but since I've been spoiled by Swarovski binoculars, this spotter by Vortex wasn't that impressive. I tried the Bushnell Excursion and really liked the FLP design and sold the Sandpiper. The Bushnell does have some amount blur around the outer edges. Then I found the Leupold Gold Ring 15-45x60 online for $799 shipped - no tax. Now that's a spotter! The difference in the HD series is in reference only to color enhancement - nothing to do with visual quality supposedly so I'm a happy camper for 800 bucks.

[AWS]

I bought my first spotter, a very nice Japanese piece of glass in 1966 for about $20 in Taiwan while I was stationed there and shooting with the Chinese army.  It worked very well for me as range glass until about three years ago when a lens let loose in it.  The repair shop said it would be $80./hr to open it up and see if it could be repaired, they didn't even know if they could get parts because of it's age.  So I talked to Doug at Cameraland and he put me on a Bushnell Legend 20x60x60mm With Rainguard, soft cover and bench tripod for $259.  It has very clear glass and I have no problem checking 22 cal groups at 300yrds.  It stays in my range box.

I picked up a Burris Landmark fixed 20x with a scope I bought(sold the scope for what I paid for both so the spotter was free) it stays in the truck on a stand-up tripod and us it for glassing coyotes, ducks and just checking areas before we set up in them.  This one sucks at the range but does just fine for what I use it for.

AWS

[Pathfinder101]

I have an Alpen that I have used for the last 5 years.  I like it a lot and never had a complaint until I hunted Montana last year.  Here in WA, I hunt the general season for deer, and all I need to know is if a deer is legal or not before I start a stalk.
In MT though, I was trying to field judge bucks for size, often from over a mile away, and the clarity of my Alpen was driving me nuts.  I never thought it looked "grainy" before, but before I was 3 days into the hunt, I swore that by the 2010 hunting season I would upgrade my spotter.  My Leupold binos were 10X clearer, so I will probably upgrade to the Sequoia sometime this summer.
The problem I have with buying a scope out of a store, is that there is no way to really test out the optic under the conditions that matter, namely for distance and detail.  Pointing the scope out into the parking lot or accross the store just doesn't tell the whole story.  That's why I will likely go with the Leupold.  If it's got the L on it, I know it's good.

[Bigshooter]

I have an Alpen that I have used for the last 5 years.  I like it a lot and never had a complaint until I hunted Montana last year.  Here in WA, I hunt the general season for deer, and all I need to know is if a deer is legal or not before I start a stalk.
In MT though, I was trying to field judge bucks for size, often from over a mile away, and the clarity of my Alpen was driving me nuts.  I never thought it looked "grainy" before, but before I was 3 days into the hunt, I swore that by the 2010 hunting season I would upgrade my spotter.  My Leupold binos were 10X clearer, so I will probably upgrade to the Sequoia sometime this summer.
The problem I have with buying a scope out of a store, is that there is no way to really test out the optic under the conditions that matter, namely for distance and detail.  Pointing the scope out into the parking lot or accross the store just doesn't tell the whole story.  That's why I will likely go with the Leupold.  If it's got the L on it, I know it's good.

I would find someone that has one that you can look through before you buy one.  I was very disappointed looking through one last hunting season.  My burris was a lot clearer, looked through them side by side at the same deer.  And I had planned on buying a sequoia until I looked through one.  I figured since it cost twice as much as my burris that it would be twice as good.  I was way wrong.

[whacker1]

I have an Alpen that I have used for the last 5 years.  I like it a lot and never had a complaint until I hunted Montana last year.  Here in WA, I hunt the general season for deer, and all I need to know is if a deer is legal or not before I start a stalk.
In MT though, I was trying to field judge bucks for size, often from over a mile away, and the clarity of my Alpen was driving me nuts.  I never thought it looked "grainy" before, but before I was 3 days into the hunt, I swore that by the 2010 hunting season I would upgrade my spotter.  My Leupold binos were 10X clearer, so I will probably upgrade to the Sequoia sometime this summer.
The problem I have with buying a scope out of a store, is that there is no way to really test out the optic under the conditions that matter, namely for distance and detail.  Pointing the scope out into the parking lot or accross the store just doesn't tell the whole story.  That's why I will likely go with the Leupold.  If it's got the L on it, I know it's good.

Don't upgrade to the Sequoia.  I would be willing to bet your Alpen is as good if not better than the Sequoia.  I bought thinking that it would be a good starting point.  I would not say the same since owning one.  If you really want to look through one, we can hook up some time and if you think you are making improvement - I will sell you mine. cheap

[Pathfinder101]

I have an Alpen that I have used for the last 5 years.  I like it a lot and never had a complaint until I hunted Montana last year.  Here in WA, I hunt the general season for deer, and all I need to know is if a deer is legal or not before I start a stalk.
In MT though, I was trying to field judge bucks for size, often from over a mile away, and the clarity of my Alpen was driving me nuts.  I never thought it looked "grainy" before, but before I was 3 days into the hunt, I swore that by the 2010 hunting season I would upgrade my spotter.  My Leupold binos were 10X clearer, so I will probably upgrade to the Sequoia sometime this summer.
The problem I have with buying a scope out of a store, is that there is no way to really test out the optic under the conditions that matter, namely for distance and detail.  Pointing the scope out into the parking lot or accross the store just doesn't tell the whole story.  That's why I will likely go with the Leupold.  If it's got the L on it, I know it's good.

Don't upgrade to the Sequoia.  I would be willing to bet your Alpen is as good if not better than the Sequoia.  I bought thinking that it would be a good starting point.  I would not say the same since owning one.  If you really want to look through one, we can hook up some time and if you think you are making improvement - I will sell you mine. cheap

How cheap?

[whacker1]

I don't know.  I paid $300 or so.  maybe $150 or so.  not really sure what they are worth used.

[7mag.]

I love Leupold, but the one low quality product they make is a spotter. It's not even close to the same quality as their rifle scopes and binos.

[Pathfinder101]

Wow.  OK, that is starting to sound pretty unanimous.  I guess I need to look through some in the field.  Good thing I read this, I was pretty close to buying one off Ebay just this weekend.
hmmmmm.... more research...

[7mag.]

Not to sound like a broken record, I know I've said this on here before, but, save your money, buy a nice spotter. I promise, you won't be sorry. I almost took mine back before I even opened the box, but then I looked through it outside, and well, it was worth every penny. I can count points on deer from over a mile away, easily, no distortion. Don't waste money on inferior glass.

[Pathfinder101]

Not to sound like a broken record, I know I've said this on here before, but, save your money, buy a nice spotter. I promise, you won't be sorry. I almost took mine back before I even opened the box, but then I looked through it outside, and well, it was worth every penny. I can count points on deer from over a mile away, easily, no distortion. Don't waste money on inferior glass.

What do you suggest 7mag?

[7mag.]

Not to sound like a broken record, I know I've said this on here before, but, save your money, buy a nice spotter. I promise, you won't be sorry. I almost took mine back before I even opened the box, but then I looked through it outside, and well, it was worth every penny. I can count points on deer from over a mile away, easily, no distortion. Don't waste money on inferior glass.

What do you suggest 7mag?

I went through the spotting scope game for a few years. I would keep upgrading, trying to find one that didn't dissapoint me, without spending a ton of money. I finally got sick of it, saved some money and bought a Swarovski. They are a lot of money, but, I am very pleased. My hunting partner calls it the Hubbel, because we can look at game a couple miles away. It is unbelievably clear and the definition is awesome. I can count points on bucks that with my other spotters, I wouldn't even be able to tell if they were bucks or not. Even at max magnification, the image is still crisp and clear. In low light it works great. I haven't looked through the new Leica or the new Zeiss, but when I bought mine, it was the best I could find.

[Pathfinder101]

OK, thanks 7mag, but if I spent a grand-plus on a spotting scope, I would wind up divorced, and she would get half my *censored*, thereby depriving me of half my hunting gear, and half my eventual military retirement...

I guess I will see if I can get a deal on a Nikon Prostaff...

[7mag.]

OK, thanks 7mag, but if I spent a grand-plus on a spotting scope, I would wind up divorced, and she would get half my *censored*, thereby depriving me of half my hunting gear, and half my eventual military retirement...

I guess I will see if I can get a deal on a Nikon Prostaff...

I understand completely. My wife doesn't understand the money that I sometimes spend on hunting. That's why I kept buying the cheaper spotters for several years, until I could come up with the money by selling things and saving. She still thinks I am crazy to spend that kind of money on a "toy", but I told her it is something I will pass down to my children. I have heard good things about the Nikon spotters though. They are supposed to be the best of the mid priced spotters. Good luck.

[Bigshooter]

+1 on the nikon.  I have seen some very good independent reviews about them.  But I have not looked through one yet.

[Pathfinder101]

Went to Sportsman's Whorehouse (or whatever they're called now) the other day and looked at the Leupold Sequoia and the Nikon Prostaff side by side.  You guys are right, what a disappointment the Leupold was.  WHacker's right, not any better than my $150 Alpen. I will probably wind up getting the Nikon eventually, but used ones don't seem to exist, so I am saving.  grrrrrr..... probably $150 more than I was planning on spending....

[Dansk]

+1 on the nikon.  I have seen some very good independent reviews about them.  But I have not looked through one yet.

 

I looked through ALOT before buying - found the large objective Nikon Prostaff on ebay NEW for around $500.  Free ship and no tax.  No one in Wa could touch the price, plus Nikon's 25 yr no-fault warranty.  They are also very light for the size.

[7mag.]

Went to Sportsman's Whorehouse (or whatever they're called now) the other day and looked at the Leupold Sequoia and the Nikon Prostaff side by side.  You guys are right, what a disappointment the Leupold was.  WHacker's right, not any better than my $150 Alpen. I will probably wind up getting the Nikon eventually, but used ones don't seem to exist, so I am saving.  grrrrrr..... probably $150 more than I was planning on spending....

That's a good sign, if you can't find any used ones. That means that everyone is happy with theirs.

[alecvg]

I love spotting scopes, and having a crappy one, really only adds weight to your pack, buying a nice one is important in my opinion.  My dad has a Swaro I am always borrowing from him, and use it all the time when hunting.  Opening weekend of deer this year, I left it in the truck, because I already had quite abit of gear for 4 days, and it cost me a deer that I am almost sure was a nice buck.  Never again.