Another Poll: the cost of spotting scopes

[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