Best Spotting Scope under $500

[kglacken]

I am looking at getting a spotting scope before bear season and elk season come around. I was wondering what you guys think the best spotting scopes are for under $500. things i am interested in are obviously clarity, weight, durability and how well they perform in the rain. Any advice helps. Thank you!

[BuckHunter23]

Keep an eye on camofire.com.  They frequently have a couple different Nikon spotting scopes pop up at nearly 50% off.  Just yesterday they had the Nikon Prostaff 20-60x82 on sale for $389.98.  Says it retails for $799.99.  Not sure of the quality, but generally speaking Nikon seems to put out quality stuff.  My bro bought the smaller version from the site for about $100 less I think.  He likes it a lot.  Something to think about.  Others here may have better feedback on this and other scopes though.

[huntnfmly]

I use alpens they work great and you get alot for your money

[huntnphool]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=79724.msg1004166#msg1004166

[Jamieb]

watch the clasifides and craigslist. I got my Leupold goldring W/leupold tripod like new for $500. off craigslist.

[iRem]

I would second the Alpen optics if your on a budget. They are half the price of the top brands with some good quality and clarity!

[scottfrick]

I like my vortex nomad 20x60x60 spotting scope. The price was right and the glass is super clear.  The warranty is awesome too.

[huntnnw]

vortex

[400out]

Nikon all day! Watch camofire 

[Bull Crazy]

 I had the 20x-60x Nikon Prostaff and it was really clear but I had a hard time seeing at 60x. Probably going to go with the 16x-48x or save for the Swarkoski 65mm. Don't know if this helps or not.

[JPhelps]

The ones I have looked through I would say Vortex.  Get a hold of Elknut, he is great to deal with.  I just ordered my Vortex PST rifle scope from him.

[ellensburgpo]

My vote is for a leupold golden ring compact spotting scope. Two buddies have them and they are good scopes for the price. There is one for sale in the classified page for 275. Good deal. If I didn't already have a full size Leupold spotting scope I'd be all over it. Plus it's a leupold golden ring product so you know it's well made and they'll stand behind it.

You do lose some performance with the smaller scope compared to a full size Leupold. However it is significantly cheaper the the full size and weighs a lot less.

Just stay away from the wind river scope from a few years ago. I bought one of those and I defiantly got what I paid for.

[colockumelk]

Save up the extra $150 and buy the Vortex Viper HDs in 15-45x65mm.  That $150 extra you spend isn't that much more to save up but will equal a HUGE boost in quality.

[Deep Forks]

Vortex gets my money.    

[silverdalesauer]

The ones I have looked through I would say Vortex.  Get a hold of Elknut, he is great to deal with.  I just ordered my Vortex PST rifle scope from him.

I've done about 3-4 months of research on optics and am about ready to buy... all points leading toward Vortex Nomad spotting scope and a new Vortex Diamondback. I really like the quality, the clarity, and the price!