Thinking about a new spotting scope-Leupold 15X30X50mm GR?

[Pathfinder101]

So, we were talking on another thread about whether or not a spotting scope is necessary for mule deer hunting, and I am of the opinion that it absolutely is.  I have an Alpen 15X36X60mm that I always thought was perfectly adequate, until I took it to MT last fall for a mule deer hunt.  I need to upgrade. 
I would like to get a Leupy 12X40X60mm Golden Ring, but $1000 is a little out of my price range.  I see that I can pick up a 15X30X50mm GR for around $400 if I shop around though. 
So, what I was wondering is, does anyone have experience with the 50mm Leupold?  It is less than half the price of the 60mm, but is the 60mm worth twice as much? 
Mostly for open coutry mule deer.  And I need it for this coming hunting season, so please don't tell me to save up for $2,000 Swaros.  I CANT sell that one to the wife.

[thinkingman]

Do you have to have Leupold?  IMHO, there are better choices, for less $$$$

[coop2424]

I have actually been looking at the 12x40x60 GR for a while and you actually can pick it up for about 600 if you look on ebay.  I have seen 2 of them go for that price in the last 3 weeks. 

[whacker1]

is the 50 mm their compact?  I have heard that it is love / hate relationship for the compact gold ring.  Some love it and some hate it.  I haven't personally used it other than looking through it in the store.  If you buy it make sure to give us a review post Montana trip.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Do you have to have Leupold?  IMHO, there are better choices, for less $$$$

I'd like to hear what people's choices would be that compare in a lesser price range. If in another thread.. Fine.   I have not been privelaged to look through pricey glass, but things have come a long way in recent years that I wonder if some of the lesser brands/models are just as good as the 'not top of the line stuff' but pretty damn good stuff.  I am impressed with some of the ZenRay binos but I'm told that their spotter isn't good yet. (better one coming I guess)

A friend made a comment the other day... '$1,000 dollar glass of five years ago can be had for a couple hundred dollars now'.

-Steve

[Pathfinder101]

OK, good stuff.  this is EXACTLY the discussion I was looking for.

1.  Yes, I am a little hung up on Leupold, but not fatally, so if you have a suggestion for "better" glass, for less $$ I am willing to listen. 
2.  I have looked through the Sequoias (the 60mm) and was disappointed.  I don't think they are much better than my Alpen, so if I stick with Leupys, it will be the Golden Rings.
3.  THere are actually 2 Leupy compacts, the "itty-bitty" ones (30mm, I think), that I am not interested in, and the 50mm, which seem to be only a little smaller, and only slightly less magnification than the Alpen I have now.
4.  I have been watching the used 60mm's on ebay, the thing is that my garage burned down and one of my spotting scopes with it.  The insurance company will replace  it, up to about a $450 value, but I don't think they will reimburse me for a $600 scope.... you see my dilemma...?

[MtnMuley]

I'd definately shop around and go with 12-40x60 GR.

[Pathfinder101]

Have you used the 50mm Lance?  You have a 60mm, right?

[whacker1]

I haven't found anything cheaper that can compete with the Gold Ring.  Nikon makes some 80mm bulky scopes that are decent, but I like the 12-40 x 60 gold ring better.
I currently have a Sequoia and only pull it out a few times per year.

[Pathfinder101]

I looked through the 80mm Sequoia and the 80mm Nikon side by side.  Couldn't see the difference between them (at least not inside Cabelas) except for the price (the Nikons were about $100 more).  I just don't see those beasts fitting easily in my daypack, which means they would get left in the truck.

[whacker1]

Yes 80 mm is too big.  Nikon makes several different lines of Spotting Scopes.  This is the nicest I have seen from their product line-up, but huge and not designed as a packable version.

http://www.nikon.com/products/sportoptics/lineup/scopes/III/index.htm
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/nikon.pl?page=nikon8332

$1300 is the line with what I was speaking of which is consistent with the Leupold Gold Ring HD 12 - 40 x 60 currently $1199 via Cabelas. 

[MtnMuley]

Have you used the 50mm ?  You have a 60mm, right?

Yes I have  the 60mm.  My buddy uses the 50mm.  In my opinion, the 60 is superior, and hardly any heavier.  It is a little bulkier, but still much smaller than the competitors 60mm.  My buddy also agrees, and purchased the 60mm and leaves the 50 at home.

[Pathfinder101]

Have you used the 50mm ?  You have a 60mm, right?

Yes I have  the 60mm.  My buddy uses the 50mm.  In my opinion, the 60 is superior, and hardly any heavier.  It is a little bulkier, but still much smaller than the competitors 60mm.  My buddy also agrees, and purchased the 60mm and leaves the 50 at home.

By "superior", do you mean that the clarity of the glass is better than the 50mm?

[MtnMuley]

No.  More light gathering with the 60mm and better scanning of the hillsides with the lower 12 power.  More zoom power with the 40.  The 50mm scope is a great scope, but I feel the 60 beats it in nearly aspect.  Thats just my opinion though.

[Gutpile]

I assume your talking about the compact spotter? I just bought one and LOVE IT. I've only used it once and can't really compare it to a 60mm but it absolutely blows away the other spotter I used to have. It's also very light and compact which is great. I'd like to get a full size eventually but the size was more important to me at this time.

I was glassing a hillside about 7-800 yards away and everything was so clear I just really couldn't believe it.

Just to qualify, I'm no expert on spotters but this gets a big  from me.