Compact Spotting scopes...

[GoldTip]

Have been thinking about getting a good used compact spotting scope.  Trying to save a few pennies if possible and have been watching e-bay.  Has anyone used the old fixed style Leupold spotting scope in 20, 25 or 30 power, and what was your experience?  Also, has anyone used the newer Leupold Variable compact spotting scopes that come in 10-20 or 15-30, and what are your thoughts on these?  Not thinking I am getting Swaro or Leica quality, just something to help better field judge an animal at a distance than my 10x42 Nikon Monarch bino's.

[Intruder]

I've never looked through the old Leu fixed... sorry.

You're kinda fighting an uphill battle compacts though.  In general the optical quality on a compact is going to be noticeably less than a full size.  Then combine that with lower quality components of the less expensive scopes you end up w/ something that isn't all that functional.  I've looked through quite of view of the cheap compacts (low end Bushnells, Aspen, Winchester, etc) at the gun range and in a lot of cases you have a tough time even seeing a 30 cal hole in optimal light conditions at 100 yards.   It doesn't seem likely you'll be able to field judge a critter very well at any significant distance.  Not trying to rain on your parade but there's a good chance you're gonna be disappointed when you get em out in the field.

The only compacts that I've seen that are worth a darn are the Leupold Gold Rings.  But for that kind of money I really think a guy is probably better off buying a full size.  To me a compact spotting scope is like trying to tow a trailer w/ a V6.  It can be done but it's really not well suited.  The magnification relationship to the objective size etc. just make them hard to compete w/ the full sized models.   

[GoldTip]

Thanks for the info Intruder, I would agree, generally compacts are not nearly as good optically as are the full size, especially when you step up to the higher end stuff.  My things is this, if it is too large and too heavy, I most likely will not take it afield with me, and when it is supremely impartant, soy for a sheep hunt in AK or Canada, then my guide get's to pack it and he better have the best.  My thought is I'd rather suffer slightly optically and least have it with me, and maybe not know the buck has a two inch sticker at 1500 yards, but at least be able to identify he is a legal buck, whereas with the 10power binos, you can't always tell much more than width at much past 700 yards.

[scudmaster]

Check out the Kowa 602.  It is the lightest full power scope on the market.  The new 20-60 eyepiece is incredible.  For around $700 it is an excellent scope that is very portable.  Check out the optics forum at www.opticsplanet.com and see what they have to say.  They have an expert who answers any questions you post.  A great place to do research and their prices are awesome.

Link for the scope

http://www.opticsplanet.net/kowa-60mm-high-performance-spotting-scopes.html

Link for the eyepiece

http://www.opticsplanet.net/kowa-interchangeable-eyepieces-for-66mm-and-60mm-spotting-scopes.html

[DOUBLELUNG]

I'm satisfied with my Alpen 18-36x60, which weighs a whole 24 oz.  Doesn't compare optically to Swaro and Leica scopes, but definitely meets the need you describe (checking out a critter).  It's not very good for gridding out large areas looking for animals.  Was less than $200, and well worth it. 

Someday, that Swaro STS 80 HD with the 45-60x will be mine ... and I'll happily pack the weight!

[Intruder]

Check out the Kowa 602.  It is the lightest full power scope on the market.  The new 20-60 eyepiece is incredible.  For around $700 it is an excellent scope that is very portable.  Check out the optics forum at www.opticsplanet.com and see what they have to say.  They have an expert who answers any questions you post.  A great place to do research and their prices are awesome.

Link for the scope

http://www.opticsplanet.net/kowa-60mm-high-performance-spotting-scopes.html

Link for the eyepiece

http://www.opticsplanet.net/kowa-interchangeable-eyepieces-for-66mm-and-60mm-spotting-scopes.html

I've never looked through this 1 but I know Kowa makes some dandy stuff.

[bucklucky]

Have you checked out the Vortex compact spotter? For 200 bucks I dont think you can beat it. Check it out on Elknuts Website, www.elknut.com . I was very impressed by there binoculars  , I'm sure the spotter is of the same quality too.

[Intruder]

Have you checked out the Vortex compact spotter? For 200 bucks I dont think you can beat it. Check it out on Elknuts Website, www.elknut.com . I was very impressed by there binoculars  , I'm sure the spotter is of the same quality too.

I own 1 of their full sized spotters and like it a lot. Never looked through their compacts though.

[GoldTip]

Yeah, Paul and I (Elknut) have been talking and I think I am going to have him send me out one of their compacts.  Sportsmans wharehouse here in Spokalu has the Vortex Bino's and I must admit I am impressed with their quality.  If/when I get the Vortex Spotter from Elknut, I will let you guys know what I think of it.

[Intruder]

Yeah, Paul and I (Elknut) have been talking and I think I am going to have him send me out one of their compacts.  Sportsmans wharehouse here in Spokalu has the Vortex Bino's and I must admit I am impressed with their quality.  If/when I get the Vortex Spotter from Elknut, I will let you guys know what I think of it.

If you want to compare to my full sized Vortex let me know.... you're more than welcome to borrow it.

[GoldTip]

I may take you up on that Intruder, I appreciate the offer.

[high country]

I have one of the leuy's you ask about. I have also a pentax pf80ed and have had leica, burris, B&L and nikon. for a compact spotter the fixed power is a great choice. it far and away outclasses the burris signature series and really, you can't beat the warranty or size. I have mine on top of a set of carbon legs and the whole show is as light as my 80mm bare scope.

I would say as a whole the scope only really gives up a little bit of time in the low light over bigger scopes (FOV aside). the clarity is as good as you can expect from a leupold gold ring.......pretty good, not the best, but pretty good. the fact that it is waterproof is of more value to me than being able to zoom a bit more. most zoom eyepieces give up quality (hence the reason I chose pentax).

for a pack scope the leupold is a great choice,nikon is also a great choice.

[huntnphool]

If you are worried about packing get yourself a set of Swarovski 10X42 EL's and the doubler. It screws on easily and fast and is next to nothing to pack around. This way you have a great set of binos and short range spotter. You will need a small compact tripod as well.