Author Topic: Spotting Scope advice (Read 6309 times)

GoPlayOutside · « **on:** July 18, 2011, 09:31:34 PM »

So it's just about time to pull the trigger and buy a spotting scope. I have been saving for 4 years in order to buy a Swaro 60mm.
Now that I actually have the money for it....I'm really really nervous to spend that much on a scope.

Where should I be looking to buy (I need the whole set up: tripod, protection, eye piece, etc). I was thinking Cabela's (not by first choice or price), but because I have about $450 in gift cards and points.

Also, do you recommend any other high quality scope other than the Swaro's? Leopold, Zeiss, Nikon, etc.

SemperFidelis97 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2011, 11:03:11 PM »

Ebay all the way if you ask me you will pay considerably more going to Cabelas do yourself a favor save the 450 in gift cards, and just look at how much cheaper they go for there.

Bean Counter · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2011, 02:26:55 AM »

You have already showed great wisdom and prudence. Most serious hunters that buy cheap spotters wind up buying twice.

I lucked out and got a Nikon ED 82mm angled with a 30x wide angle eyepiece for less than $800 on ebay. The glass is outstanding. It is definitely in the top-tier. I wont argue that its better than Zeiss or Swaro, but I don't see how spending twice what I did would cause me to love my scope that much more.

A few observations:
1. I love the wrap around focus ring. I can't stand those small focus knobs.
2. I wish it was a straight, not angled body. Mainly for when you're sitting up on a hill and want to keep a low profile lest you skyline yourself for the deer to see. However, when you're just standing and you're sharing a view with a hunting buddy, its usually easier to have an angled scope and not have to readjust the height.
3. Don't buy a cheap tripod and head. I picked up a Manfrotto from Adorama in NYC. B&H sucks. You wont so much notice the difference if you say have it set up at the range and are just leaning over to check your grouping. However comma when you're panning around for hours and hours its nice to have a smooth feel as it turns. i've also sat in my tuck to rest in the middle of gusty winds and left the scope set up while I rested and the thing didn't flintch in the wind.

Wacenturion · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2011, 11:21:33 AM »

I purchased the Nikon ProStaff Spotting Scope Outfit, 20x60 with an 82mm front end in camo. Great package. No complaints. It also fits nicely in my Badlands Hypervent pack with a designated scope pouch.
Obviously not a Swaro, or Zweiss, but then neither is the price. They are currently on sale at Cabelas by the way, about $100 off on the one I have.

Another one to check out would be the new Zen Ray spotter.

Huntnphish · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2011, 11:29:50 AM »

Don't feel nervous about buying a Swaro spotter, you are going to love it.

7mag. · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2011, 08:09:46 AM »

I did the same thing a few years ago. I ordered one for a decent price, and before it came, I decided to send it back. When it arrived, I set it up and looked up in the hills behind my house. That's all it took. It is now a huge part of my scouting and hunting. You will not be disappointed. I have the Swaro 20-60x80 HD. My hunting partner calls it the Hubble.

HUNT · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2011, 08:16:20 AM »

When you buy the Swarovski you wont ever worry about needing a new spotting scope.

Finally talked a friend of mine into a 20-60x65 HD. Now he doesnt ask to look through mine all the time.

jackelope · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2011, 08:20:19 AM »

I have had a couple inexpensive spotters in the past. I still do actually. For my special permit hunt last year I got to use a Swaro 20-60x60 and my buddy with me had the 20-60x80.... holy crap is all I got to say. Those things are amazing. If you have the money and are prepared to spend that kind of coin on a spotter, I can't imagine anyone having any concerns regarding the quality or the functionality of one of those spotters. They're amazing. If you're prepared to do it financially, do it, you won't be sorry.

deerdog · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2011, 08:54:34 AM »

Quote from: Huntnphish on July 19, 2011, 11:29:50 AM

Don't feel nervous about buying a Swaro spotter, you are going to love it.

I had the same feelings when I bought mine, but now that I have it I don't regret buying it at all.Also If you buy it now you will have it for the rest of your life.

jjhunter · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2011, 09:36:26 AM »

Buy your tripod and scope cover at cabelas with your gift card. Don't buy your scope there. Do some shopping on the internet. Buy an STS HD, not an STM. You will pay more for the STM and there are no optical advantages over the STS. I've had the STS 60 and the STS 80 HD. I bought the 60 in 2001 for $1149 at Sportsman Warehouse with part of my harvest check. I stole my STS 80 HD (last summer) for $1583 out the door at Wholesale Sports!!

Shop around, deals are where you find them and you can save a BUNCH of money. I've owned about everything that Swarovski makes and the stuff holds it value. I bought a pair of SLC 10x50 in 2004 and used them for 6 years and sold them for the same price as I bought them for. I sold my STS 60 after using it for 10 years and lost $49. I could have sold it for $1500 to a guy in WY, but sold it locally to a buddy instead.......Not that you would ever sell, but there is a reason that these things hold their value over time!

Bean Counter · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2011, 01:28:04 PM »

I'm curious about the difference in quality for the straight, 65mm scope in both HD and reg'lar (non-HD).

whacker1 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2011, 01:30:57 PM »

Quote from: jjhunter on July 21, 2011, 09:36:26 AM

Buy your tripod and scope cover at cabelas with your gift card. Don't buy your scope there. Do some shopping on the internet. Buy an STS HD, not an STM. You will pay more for the STM and there are no optical advantages over the STS. I've had the STS 60 and the STS 80 HD. I bought the 60 in 2001 for $1149 at Sportsman Warehouse with part of my harvest check. I stole my STS 80 HD (last summer) for $1583 out the door at Wholesale Sports!!

Shop around, deals are where you find them and you can save a BUNCH of money. I've owned about everything that Swarovski makes and the stuff holds it value. I bought a pair of SLC 10x50 in 2004 and used them for 6 years and sold them for the same price as I bought them for. I sold my STS 60 after using it for 10 years and lost $49. I could have sold it for $1500 to a guy in WY, but sold it locally to a buddy instead.......Not that you would ever sell, but there is a reason that these things hold their value over time!

Sound Advice

HUNT · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2011, 01:47:57 PM »

Quote from: Bean Counter on July 21, 2011, 01:28:04 PM

I'm curious about the difference in quality for the straight, 65mm scope in both HD and reg'lar (non-HD).

In my opinion the only need for the hd would be if you are planning on taking pictures with it.

jackelope · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2011, 01:54:34 PM »

Quote from: HUNT on July 21, 2011, 01:47:57 PM

Quote from: Bean Counter on July 21, 2011, 01:28:04 PM
I'm curious about the difference in quality for the straight, 65mm scope in both HD and reg'lar (non-HD).

In my opinion the only need for the hd would be if you are planning on taking pictures with it.

I've been told the same thing.

BIGBULLBALLS · « **Reply #14 on:** July 21, 2011, 02:33:02 PM »

Check out Bear Basin Outfitters http://www.bearbasin.com/spotting.htm. I picked up my Swaro HD 20x60 80mm ATS for $2803. The scope came with a Velbon Carbon Fiber Basic Works Package which included the fluid filled head. This setup is awesome. Great glass and a full size tripod that is unbelievably stable and half the weight of the aluminum model. Bear Basin is the largest Swarovski dealer in the country. They are not able to have discounts on the scopes but can "through things in" to sweeten the deal.

Very good people to deal with!

Pathfinder101 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 21, 2011, 02:39:55 PM »

I have a Leupy Golden Ring 60mm and I love it, BUT if I had the option to buy the Swaro's (and still stay married to the mother of my children), I would go with those. Can't touch Swaros if you can swing the $$.

MtnMuley · « **Reply #16 on:** July 21, 2011, 02:46:01 PM »

I've owned the same Gold Ring 12-40x60mm for many years. I'd never leave home without it. I've also owned Swaro, and Zeiss 80/85mm's. I got rid of the Swaro, because I felt the Zeiss was a clearer, better scope.

Bob33 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2011, 03:22:56 PM »

I have a Leupold 12-40x60 Gold Ring High Def (HD) and a Swarovski 20-60x80. I like the Leupold for its size and lower lowest power (12x has much greater field of view than 20x). Up to about 30x they're neck and neck. After that the Swarovski starts pulling away, and of course it can go up to 60x versus 40x with the Leupold.

GoPlayOutside · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2011, 05:42:58 PM »

In eye pieces, do you recommend: 25 x 50 wide angle or 20 x 60 standard?

What is the difference between the two when you have been starring through them for along time?

Huntnphish · « **Reply #19 on:** July 21, 2011, 07:57:55 PM »

Can this many guys be wrong, Even the bino's were Swaro's.

We were looking at rams in the side of the draw at the top of his hat.

SemperFidelis97 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 21, 2011, 08:10:09 PM »

I have the leupold 12-40x60 gold ring myself, and I paid under 700 bucks for it brand new on Ebay. I think you get the best of both worlds with the GR great light transmission, clarity, size, and weight which are huge factors if you are packing it around. I think you would be happy with the Swaro's as well, but why clean out the bank when a good leupold would do all you needed for much cheaper.

Bean Counter · « **Reply #21 on:** July 21, 2011, 09:29:35 PM »

anyone have experience comparing the Leupy Gold Ring with the Gold Ring HD? Worth the extra$$?

MtnMuley · « **Reply #22 on:** July 22, 2011, 08:08:02 AM »

If you have the money for it, yes. If not the original works great!

whacker1 · « **Reply #23 on:** October 30, 2014, 07:24:42 PM »

Bringing an old thread back to life

whacker1 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 30, 2014, 07:25:37 PM »

Quote from: HUNT on July 21, 2011, 01:47:57 PM

Quote from: Bean Counter on July 21, 2011, 01:28:04 PM
I'm curious about the difference in quality for the straight, 65mm scope in both HD and reg'lar (non-HD).

In my opinion the only need for the hd would be if you are planning on taking pictures with it.

Do you still feel the same way?

whacker1 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 30, 2014, 07:30:00 PM »

And finally can someone explain what you gain in going from the 65 STS HD and going to the 65 STX?

go4steelhd · « **Reply #26 on:** October 30, 2014, 07:42:38 PM »

With the STX you get a finer tune dial for clearing up your image. The STX has field flatlining lenses which makes for edge to edge clarity this is very noticeable in my opinion. Also the lens coating is the Swarovision. This is sharper then the STS HD and it also gather light quicker in the morning and later at night.

quadrafire · « **Reply #27 on:** October 30, 2014, 08:02:12 PM »

Dang Whacker you must have been digging!!!! (3 1/2 yrs)...... but thanks as I have been wondering the same thing on these spotting scopes.
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