Leupold spotting scopes

[Gutpile]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a compact Leupold Gold Ring 15X30 spotting scope. Has anybody used one of these? Reviews seem good and I'm attracted to the size. I know I know buy a swaro etc etc but that is just not going to happen. I just need a good scope that I'll use only a few times per year that wont break the bank or weigh a ton.

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/spotting-scopes/golden-ring-spotting-scopes/golden-ring-15-30x50mm-compact/

Let me know if you have one or have used one. Thanks much..

[longrange7mm]

i have been considering one my self im tired of lugging my old one around... one of my friends just bought one for sheep hunting in ak and says he loves it so far on his spot and stalk black bear hunts up there 

[actionshooter]

Thats my go to spotter for backpacking, can't beat the weight and the optics are good enough. My biggest complaint is, its hard to adjust the focus without the scope moving around. 

[Jamieb]

Two of my hunting partners have gold ring compacts, one in 10X and the other in 15X. They love them. I've used them both and like them just fine.

[rasbo]

gut if your going to use it just a little,the 15x45x60 is nice and wont break the bank..not sure if you have had them side by side.I sure like mine..unless your packing long distances no biggie just a tad more weight,mine is the wind river.If ya would like to borrow it Ill send it to ya to try out,or you could come down to lyons ferry next week we will be there catfishing

[tpcollins]

The 15-30x50mm gets great reviews on the Optics Forum. I have the 12-45x60mm Gold Ring, it's abit larger but I'm not hauling it around the mountainside either. If I was, I would have gotten the 15-30x50mm Compact - I don't believe you'll regret it.

[Gutpile]

gut if your going to use it just a little,the 15x45x60 is nice and wont break the bank..not sure if you have had them side by side.I sure like mine..unless your packing long distances no biggie just a tad more weight,mine is the wind river.If ya would like to borrow it Ill send it to ya to try out,or you could come down to lyons ferry next week we will be there catfishing

Thanks Ras. Don't send it but I do appreciate the offer. I have a burris that comes with a 4.5X14 scope and it is complete junk so I need to upgrade. I hardly ever use them but want a decent one when I do use it. After the posts here and on other sites it looks like this Leupold will work out just fine. Thanks much!!!

[rasbo]

gut if your going to use it just a little,the 15x45x60 is nice and wont break the bank..not sure if you have had them side by side.I sure like mine..unless your packing long distances no biggie just a tad more weight,mine is the wind river.If ya would like to borrow it Ill send it to ya to try out,or you could come down to lyons ferry next week we will be there catfishing

Thanks Ras. Don't send it but I do appreciate the offer. I have a burris that comes with a 4.5X14 scope and it is complete junk so I need to upgrade. I hardly ever use them but want a decent one when I do use it. After the posts here and on other sites it looks like this Leupold will work out just fine. Thanks much!!!

you welcome,I like the windriver leupold just fine,,good luck

[257 Wby Mag]

Gut,  I just picked one up. Great little scope!! Picked mine up for cost, 3 bills. Later

[Buckblaster]

I have the 15x30x50 compact and one of my biggest problems is aiming it since there is no sights for alignment.  That is my biggest bitch, not being able to quickly point at a moving animal.  Other than that, it has perfectly clear optics.  You can see clearly even on high power when it is so dark out you can hardly see with your naked eye.  It came with the miniature tripod which makes it perfect for throwing the tripod and scope in the fanny pack for the day.  Its so light, I forget its there.  The focus nob is a bit stiff and like someone else mentioned, focusing moves the scope.

[winston2789]

I've got a Gold ring 15-45x60 and it was the best purchase I ever made!! I've had it for about 3 seasons and I use it all the time. I did get a screaming deal on it....if you can get a used one they are the way to go for the price. Very clear and small enough to fit in your pack, infact i put my spotter and my video camera in my pack and still have room for my lunch and all my other sh*t. Great optic for the price, plus a great warranty.