Spotting Scope Preferences?

[huntnnw]

Vortex...everything Ive read in reviews and people I have talk to say they are great.

[ICEMAN]

IMHO, a guy is better off with a smaller scope, as I feel the larger ones often get left behind in the truck due to their size...

[silverdalesauer]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'll start checking these out and give 'em a try.  Sounds like a lot of great ideas.

[C-Money]

You should be able to get a dandy Leupold for the money you want to spend. That is what I would get. I am currently using a fixed 20x Burris that is very clear,  some day I want a bigger one in Leupold.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Just ordered 2 ED50's (one for my dad), should be here tomorrow.  I'll report on them compared to the Vortex Viper HD.

[colockumelk]

IMHO, a guy is better off with a smaller scope, as I feel the larger ones often get left behind in the truck due to their size...

That's why I want a compact. I don't need 60x scope to decide whether a Pronghorn is 15" or 17". I need one that is small and light so I can fit it in my pack and with enough power so I can determine if that buck on the otherside of that wilderness drainage is legal or not. A big normal size scope is too heavy and big. I am looking at the NIKON , Minox and Leupold compacts but like the NIKON the best. Admittedly I Havnt been able to look through a minox yet.

Vortex...everything Ive read in reviews and people I have talk to say they are great.

I have read the same but ALL their spotters are way way way too heavy. They weigh 3x more than the NIKON ED50. If I did more open country spot and stalk or antelope hunted I would definately buy one. But I don't so the "mini" spotters suit me best.

[ICEMAN]

It should look like this.

[Bigtine96]

Swarovski 65mm with a 25-50 wide angle lense

You will not be disappointed spend your money on your equiptment and it will take care of you.

[jackelope]

I am looking at the NIKON , Minox and Leupold compacts but like the NIKON the best. Admittedly I Havnt been able to look through a minox yet.

Colockumelk...
Miles put a great review of the little Minox here a while back. I have the same scope as whats in the pics.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=72861.msg984191#msg984191

[Bob33]

"I don't need 60x scope to decide whether a Pronghorn is 15" or 17". I need one that is smalland light so I can fit it in my pack and with enough power so I can determine ifthat buck on the otherside of that wilderness drainage is legal or not."

I pack a Leupold 12-40x60 HD while antelope hunting, and it has served me well.

[colockumelk]

I am looking at the NIKON , Minox and Leupold compacts but like the NIKON the best. Admittedly I Havnt been able to look through a minox yet.

Colockumelk...
Miles put a great review of the little Minox here a while back. I have the same scope as whats in the pics.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=72861.msg984191#msg984191

Thanks for the tip. I think I will be getting this scope someday.

[pianoman9701]

ZenRay has some nice deals right now. http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes.html

If you also need binos, Kill two birds and get nice binos with a tripod attachment.

[colockumelk]

They have nice glass and I will probate ly pick up their prime HD but they dont have a compact spotted which is what I am after.

[SemperFidelis97]

I would personally look for a leupold 12-40x60 on ebay they go for that price range used, and they are one of the best spotters for your money especially if you are looking for something you can pack around with you.  I hunt very open county, and mine has always performed superbly.  Another company to check out as has been said is Zen Ray they produce fantastic optics at an affordable price my wife, and I both use Zen Ray ED2 binoculars they have never dissapointed us even when compared to their much more expensive counterparts.

[rosscrazyelk]

the vortex nomad 20x60x60  under $400. Great scope.