Spotting Scope Preferences?

[silverdalesauer]

So, I'm in the market for a spotting scope - either new or used. But I don't have thousands of dollars to spend.

What are your thoughts on makes, models, brands? Price ranges? I'll be hunting with long distances in mind and plan to carry it with me in my hunting pack as well as use at the shooting range.

Suggestions for someone who knows very little on this topic?   

[bullchaser]

I have a nikkon ed 50 super light good price and its really clear. i have tried bigger more expensive scopes but i get tired of carring them my little ed 50 can go anywear with you. my 

[Hawgdawg]

Just like any optics. Get the best you can afford. I have a baush and laym and love it. Don't forget the window mount. They come in handy in open country and 3 point or better units.

[400out]

I have a nikkon ed 50 super light good price and its really clear. i have tried bigger more expensive scopes but i get tired of carring them my little ed 50 can go anywear with you. my 

the problem with bigger is heat waves 

[MtnMuley]

It would be nice if you could give us a price range. That'd narrow it down. It is very important to spend the most you can afford on good glass if you plan on hunting big country. If it takes a couple years to save up, do it. Buy the right glass once, and you won't ever have to buy it again.

[400out]

It would be nice if you could give us a price range. That'd narrow it down. It is very important to spend the most you can afford on good glass if you plan on hunting big country. If it takes a couple years to save up, do it. Buy the right glass once, and you won't ever have to buy it again.

Well put!

[silverdalesauer]

$300 to $500

[JLS]

Go to www.cameralandny.com and look at their demo models.  I purchased a Minox 62 spotter as a demo for about $500.  It is a great scope.

If you're trying to find a scope for $300, my recommendation is to skip it.  The optical quality won't be good enough to do what a spotting scope is really meant to do, IMO.

The Nikon ED scopes are also very good scopes.

[colockumelk]

I have a nikkon ed 50 super light good price and its really clear. i have tried bigger more expensive scopes but i get tired of carring them my little ed 50 can go anywear with you. my 

This will be my post-Afghanistan present to myself. This scope is the best scope in the world. It weighs a pound and is small enough you can actually take it with you instead of leaving it in the truck. 

[JLS]

Nikon 13-30 ED for $675.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/nikon.pl?page=nikon8320

[Bob33]

Kowa TSN 602.  Ask for Doug.   Ill bet you can get this for $599.   

 http://www.cameralandny.com/optics2/kowa.pl?page=kowa_tsn-602

Kowa makes some of the world's best spotting scopes.

[jackelope]

I have a nikkon ed 50 super light good price and its really clear. i have tried bigger more expensive scopes but i get tired of carring them my little ed 50 can go anywear with you. my 

This will be my post-Afghanistan present to myself. This scope is the best scope in the world. It weighs a pound and is small enough you can actually take it with you instead of leaving it in the truck.

You ought to look at the little Minox and save yourself a few bucks. A lot of the reviews on the Minox put it in the same category as the Nikon for a few hundred bucks less. I've got one and love it. The 30x is limiting, but the quality of the glass is awesome.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598408-USA/Minox_62226_MD_50_2_0_50mm_Spotting.html

[HairTrigger]

I purchased a Burris High Country 20×60×60 from www.wholesalehunter.com for just under $200 an also a burris window mount for around $40

[JohnVH]

more money = better glass, there may be a few exceptions, but I have not seen many yet. Ive looked through a few $80-250 ones, and looked through a swarovski, at full power my inexpensive one is useless

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Check out camofire.com. They have had the Nikon pro staff scopes on there for 355 and 270 i beleieve.  They have one with a 60 mm objective and one with and 82.  I have had my eye on the 82 and it's normally 800.  Looks like good quality optics though and it's a smokin deal, comes with a tripod as well and they have straight or angled eye pieces.  Just sign up for their daily emails and you won't miss out.  Anyone used these scopes and have any comments?