Compact Spotting Scope Review

[Miles]

I came across this link on the 24hourcampfire and thought it was interesting.  I recently purchased the Minox spotter that was in this line-up and really like it.  I posted a thread here earlier about the scope and the deal that www.cameralandny.com was having...for those that missed it, they are selling the Minox spotter for $189 shipped to your door.  Pretty hard to beat that deal IMO.

Here's the review:
http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89:compact-spotters&catid=6:spotting-scope-reviews&Itemid=6

[Miles]

I went out this weekend and messed around with the scope/tripod for a few minutes.  I can't wait to get out there with it this coming October. Here are some pictures to put its size in to perspective.

[jackelope]

15-30X50??
Thats cool.

[Ridgerunner]

Looks like a slick little set up, when I go ultralightweight I just throw my leupold fixed power 25x50 in the pack, it weighs just over a pound.  I like the idea of being able to go up to 30x or higher though, especially when weight isn't an issue.   

[bearpaw]

Reading the review it sounds like a good value for the cost.

[Miles]

15-30X50??

Yes.  It is actually listed as a 16-30x50 but the dial starts at 15.  I'm pretty impressed with this spotter, especially for what it cost me.  I almost bought the Leupold compact spotter this past October but decided to wait for a better deal.  I'm glad I waited because for the performance/quality of this scope (and  with a price tag of $189), I wouldn't even consider the Leupy at the price they are asking for it.

[Miles]

Apparantly Doug at cameralandny has reduced the price a little more.  I copied this from a thread at 24hourcampfire:

#62226 MD-50 Straight Spotting Scope @ $169.99

#62225 MD-50 Angled Spotting Scope @ $169.99


I think you have to call and mention the 24hourcampfire to get the additional $20 off.

[Miles]

Some better pics.

[Miles]

Here you go.  The second photo has the eye cup extended.

[Miles]

.

[addicted]

dang that thing looks good. you should have brought it by to play with before i left. I might have bought one then. lol

[Jamieb]

I might have to buy one to play with. If these are half as good as the Minox binos I have. their a good deal.

[washelkhntr]

How did I miss this, damn, they are up to $299 now.   

[Miles]

They are still $189.99 (for a "new" demo unit that was used on display at a recent show).

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62226

[washelkhntr]

Yea I saw that. I pulled the trigger on that one.

Miles, have you got anymore thoughts on the one that you have?

[jackelope]

I've had one for a few months now. I really like the small size of it. It will take a little for me to get past the fact that I only have 30x to work with but the compact size will win over for me. The glass is quality for sure, especially for the price. I like mine and am glad I got it.