Mule Deer: Spotting scope a necessity or a nice to have?

[MtnMuley]

They are useless where I hunt for mulies.  You can't see more than 200 yards at a pop so lugging around a spotter is just wasted weight and space.

That's the area that falls into my 10% of the time that I leave it in the truck.

[gadwall]

I have two..I like to use them to spot in the field and from the vehicle.  It helps you judge the buck before going after him.  Also can help seeing that third point others Cant'! 

I use mine a lot for the same reasons.

Gadwall.

[bullchaser]

Our newest addition to the family.

[halflife65]

Congratulations, Bullchaser.  I can babysit if you need me to.  Especially in September and November.  I'll take it out for a full day of "activities."  And they won't involve crayons or construction paper.

[Ryan]

I don't think is is a 100% must have...... BUT Almost.  If you can afford to buy one........DO IT.  

[coachcw]

my nikon isnt a swaro but its lighter and 1/3 the cost I feel for under a grand its a strong value .

[Pathfinder101]

my nikon isnt a swaro but its lighter and 1/3 the cost I feel for under a grand its a strong value .

What model Nikon did you get coach?  (I am shopping right now, that's why I am asking...)

[halflife65]

I think that the Nikon EDs have a good reputation, but I've never used one. Sometimes birding forums are a good place to optics reviews.  I think that the ED50 is supposed to be pretty good - lightweight and packable and at a reasonable price (for optics).  It costs a lot less than my binos, anyway.


http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=112452

Another review.

I bought one of these a couple of months back—my previous scope had bitten the dust and my local dealer was offering the rose champagne version of the ED50 at a special price, so it seemed a no-brainer, especially after I'd lined it up on the finches and tits on their feeders 50 yards away and been wowed. I summoned my girlfriend, who'd waited in the car whilst I checked out the possibility/price of getting the old scope fixed, and she was wowed too, which settled it. She isn't that wowed that often, at least by optical equipment and fishing rods.

Brightness and resolution are outstanding, better than many middle-range scopes with 70mm-80mm objectives; I'd have to pay a lot more and go up to the big-brother ED82 or Swarowski to see a real improvement, I think, and I suspect that would only be evident at very high magnifications. Do I want to lug one of those and a commensurately beefy tripod about the Pyrenees or the Scottish Highlands? Not really. It's actually practicable to hand-hold the ED50 at low-to-mid magnification, especially in a hide. I'm thinking of marrying it up to a Cullman rifle-stock for when I'm out on my own.

I think I'll invest in the 27x WA in the near future, particularly for digiscoping, which I've just begun. The old model zoom the ED came with is a very nice lens, but the small exit pupil doesn't seem ideal, although I did manage a couple of semi-acceptable efforts.

My favorite line from the review:  "so it seemed a no-brainer, especially after I'd lined it up on the finches and tits on their feeders 50 yards away and been wowed."

Under those circumstances, I wouldn't be looking at any stupid finches.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks halflife.  The gayness of that review made my eyes hurt too, but I fought through it and got the point.  I guess we can all line up on "finches and tits" from time to time.  OK, maybe not finches.

thanks anyway...

[halflife65]

Thanks halflife.  The gayness of that review made my eyes hurt too, but I fought through it and got the point.  I guess we can all line up on "finches and tits" from time to time.  OK, maybe not finches.

thanks anyway...

Hard to believe the guy claims he has a girlfriend.  Maybe she's "from Canada" and "you'll probably never get a chance to meet her."

Anyway, you can probably steer clear of the rose colored version and just go with the black if you're worried about it.   

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks halflife.  The gayness of that review made my eyes hurt too, but I fought through it and got the point.  I guess we can all line up on "finches and tits" from time to time.  OK, maybe not finches.

thanks anyway...

Hard to believe the guy claims he has a girlfriend.  Maybe she's "from Canada" and "you'll probably never get a chance to meet her."

Anyway, you can probably steer clear of the rose colored version and just go with the black if you're worried about it.   

Actually, I re-read it.  Are we even sure that it's a guy...?

[halflife65]

Good point.  Probably saw those finches and tits on the way home from the Seattle Storm game.

Anyway, back on topic.  I have used the Gold Ring 12X40X60 and it's good.  My dad has one.  I don't know how much better the HD version is - I think if I was buying new I'd get it but wouldn't worry about it too much if you're going used.

I've been saving for a new spotter but decided I could live with my little Leupy 25X50mm one more year and keep saving for a Swaro.  It'll take another year of saving to afford one.

[coachcw]

I have the prostaff 20x60x82mm , so far so good wieghs 43 oz, about a lbs less than a swaro dosn't seem like much but makes a diff and if it gets swiped or broke i'm only out $800 . I do carry a pair of leica 10x42 range finding binos , I had to have them warrantyed once for moisture , i'm not too easy on equiptment so we will see how the prostaff holds up' If i draw another oil tag i'll sweet talk pope and phool to come along with there swaros.

[Bean Counter]

It's only money

Yes, its "only money." If hunting is your passion, take your time and buy the right model. I've had my scope for four years now and wont be getting rid of it.  You'll look back and wish you had bought one sooner. Money comes and goes. Good hunting memories last a lifetime.

[huntindork]

I think it depends on where your hunting and how you hunt.  I carry mine almost all the time especially in the high country.  If i know i am just doing a day hunt in timber or somewhere i can only see 200-300 yards- i will leave it home or in the truck.

It does save alot of leg time in certain areas- For example this year I spotted what appeared to be a real good buck about a mile away in a avalanche chute and once i put the spotting scope on it it was a 5x4 but not what i was looking for at all.

I also use mine after the sun comes out.  I really helps spotting in those shadow locations where the deer usually end up bedding down.  I have spotted several bucks with mine where otherwise with binos i would have never seen them.

I use the Swaro 65 HD and love it.  I dont think i would go with anything else.  The light gathering capabilities and the clarity on high power is nuts compared to others i have owned or looked through.

Long story short - GET ONE you will use it more than you think!