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

[Lowedog]

I have a Leupold GR fixed 25x50mm compact.  I bought it back in the 90's.  At the time it was the only compact they made.  I have never needed anything more.  Haven't looked through the variables out now but mine is very clear.  It's light and I can carry it in my day pack without even noticing it's there.  A lot of times I don't even carry a tripod.  If I need it I will lay it on my pack or whatever I can find to hold it steady.  I don't use it for glassing much but more for identification if I want a closer look after spotting thru binos. 

[Pathfinder101]

THanks guys, like I said, just the kind of discussion I wanted to have.
MtnMuley, I get what you mean about the 60mm being better in almost every aspect (better magnification range, better light gathering, etc...), I am just wondering if there is $600 worth of difference between the two scopes?
As I said said before, I can pick up the 50mm for around $400, but the 60mm is gonna run a grand unless I can locate a used one.

[a_bess]

I have been searching for a few weeks and reading as many reviews as possible. It was between the Leupold compact and the Nikon compact. The reviews were great for both of them. After going back and forth, I went with the Nikon. It is larger in diameter (more light), more magnification, roughly the same size, and I like "view through" protective case". 

http://www.outdoors4less.net/proddetail.asp?prod=57785&product=nikon_prostaff_spotting_scope_1648x65_realtree__outfit

[MtnMuley]

Are you interested in buying my 60mm pathfinder?  It's in perfect shape, and has been in the form fitting case since day one.  I'd like $700............

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks a bess.  I looked at this scope, and I really wouldn't consider a 65mm scope a "compact".  It is actually bigger than the Alpen I have right now.  I did compare this Nikon Scope with the 60mm Leupold Sequoia, and I did like it better than the Sequoia.

[a_bess]

Thanks a bess.  I looked at this scope, and I really wouldn't consider a 65mm scope a "compact".  It is actually bigger than the Alpen I have right now.  I did compare this Nikon Scope with the 60mm Leupold Sequoia, and I did like it better than the Sequoia.

The diameter is obviously larger, but the length is the same as the Leupold compact scope. They are both 11 to 11.5 inches long and the Sequoia you are referring to is 15 inches. I will sacrifice having  a pound of more weight in my pack for the Nikons.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks a bess.  I looked at this scope, and I really wouldn't consider a 65mm scope a "compact".  It is actually bigger than the Alpen I have right now.  I did compare this Nikon Scope with the 60mm Leupold Sequoia, and I did like it better than the Sequoia.

The diameter is obviously larger, but the length is the same as the Leupold compact scope. They are both 11 to 11.5 inches long and the Sequoia you are referring to is 15 inches. I will sacrifice having  a pound of more weight in my pack for the Nikons.

a bess, I am wondering, did you compare the 65mmNikon with the 50mm Gold Ring?  I know the Nikon has better glass than the Sequoia, but I am wondering if it has comparable glass to the Gold Ring.

[a_bess]

I have looked through the Leupold GR and it was as expected...Good! I just wish it had a little more power. I personally have not looked through the Nikon out in the field, just outside of a local shop when I was browsing. I know someone that has used both in the field and their opinion was that the quality of glass is very comparable. So, I went with the additional power and larger diameter for the same price!

[Jamieb]

keep an eye on Craigslist.
I see around two 12x40x60's a year go for $500.
I bought mine off craigslist for $500., bought new by a old guy that died without ever useing it, his wife listed the spotter, a leupold tripod, and a soft case for $300. I couldnt take it for $300 and feel good about it, $500 was all the cash I had on me.

[Bean Counter]

Pathfinder: don't be a vajayjay.  If you're looking to upgrade a non-HD spotting scope, why would you go with another non-HD model? IMHO, you should save until you can afford HD glass. If you buy cheap, you're going to buy twice.  Save until you can get something you will be happy with for a long time. 

Someone started a Leupold HD vs. non-HD thread but it got    I love Leupold's customer service and I have confidence that the HD model is probably a lot better. 

Talk about Nikon: I found the bulky/heavy Nikon 82mm ED scope on eBay with a 30x wide angle eyepiece for just under $800. I couldn't pass that up. Its a bit tough to carry long distances, but it makes all the difference in open areas.  Clarity is incredible.  I love the wrap around focus ring. Go with a Swarovski if you have the money. If you're willing to sacrifice 5% quality for 50%+ savings, I would buy the Nikon again in a heart beat. 

What I really love about the looks of the Leupold is the compact design. Looks like if you got a good quality monopod you'd have a backpacking setup that you could carry for 10 miles of hiking with the rest of your gear. 

If you really want to hear some pros analyze spotting scopes, go to a bird watching forum. They have entire discussion boards dedicated to them. Some of the birders prefer Nikon to Swaro. YMMV.

[Bean Counter]

http://www.futurepowerpc.com/scripts/product.asp?PRDCODE=1082-7554NIK&REFID=FR My scope for $818
http://www.outdooroutfitters.com/nikon-82mm-fieldscope-ed-straight-body-demo.aspx My scope for $1,089

Disclaimer: I have neither a financial interest in either of the above two links nor have I ever shopped with them. Just a quick Google search result.

[Bean Counter]

...bought new by a old guy that died without ever useing it, his wife listed the spotter, a leupold tripod, and a soft case for $300. I couldnt take it for $300 and feel good about it, $500 was all the cash I had on me.

Jamie,

Good for you. As the book of James reads: "true religion is this: to care for widows and orphans in their distress." 

[actionshooter]

I haven't looked at the Nikon, I'm curious about that one. I do have the Lupy 15-30x50 and its ok. My complaints are the power and the focus adjustments are too sticky, the glass is ok. I like the lightweight of the scope, but I'll have a swaro 20-60x65 someday 

[Pathfinder101]

Pathfinder: don't be a vajayjay. 

Thanks Beancounter....   The only time I need to hear that is when it comes to money...

I have looked through the HD glass and the non-HD, and I don't know that the HD is that much of a difference (at least not in the Leupolds).  I'll take another look at the Nikon ED.  I like the Leupold Kenai too, it's got that same focus ring...

[Bean Counter]

LOL ok. Just looking out for ya, guy 

Its one thing if you don't have a spotter yet and all you can possibly squeeze out is $400. However, since you have one already, I'd hate to see you wanting to upgrade again in another season or two. 

Oooooh yeah, the Kenai. I would love to read a review of that one.  It could be a better buy than the Nikon.  Again, check out some birding forums. I became a member on one and pretended to like birding--I got some great advice. Those people can really explain what HD/ED does for your optics in low light and over long distances. Best wishes and let us all know what you decide.