Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: shootnrun on November 13, 2012, 06:25:21 PM

Title: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: shootnrun on November 13, 2012, 06:25:21 PM: So I am looking at upgrading my spotting scope, and am looking at some input on models. Unfortunately, looking through the glass at the store just doesn't tell you how it will perform in the field. I plan on using this scope for the high hunt and chasing muley's during regular season. However, being 23, weight doesn't so much bother me if I get the performance I am after.
The models I am currently eyeing are;

Leupold gold ring 12-40x60

Vortex razor 20-60x80

Zeiss dialyt 18-45x65

I am open to suggestions of other models as well, these are just within my price range and will hopefully preform as I wish.

Thanks!
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: jrebel on November 13, 2012, 06:49:05 PM: I coldn't afford the razor but I just bought the vortex nomad and absolutely love it. Can't believe I have been without a spotter for so long. They are amazing.
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: Bean Counter on November 13, 2012, 07:07:34 PM: I've always liked the looks of that Leupold for how compact it is.

I have a Nikon ED fieldscope and I love it. A few weeks ago I was at the.range and compared it to a Vortex. I don't recall the model so this may not be fair comparison if the Vortex is a non-HD/ED. The Vortex couldn't hold a candle to the Nikon; color fringing / chromatic aberration was obvious on the Vortex :(
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: Wacenturion on November 13, 2012, 07:09:57 PM: I have a camo Nikon Prostaff 20x60x82. Fits in a dedicated pouch in my Badlands Hypervent Pack. Great scope....in the 6-700 range. It was the easiest of the spotters I looked through for my eyes. Great in the field, especially early a.m and dusk...near dark.
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: coop2424 on November 13, 2012, 07:11:57 PM: I have the Leupold HD in the power above. I really like the size and the quality. I picked it up used for $700 with tripod. If you look you can find some good deals out there especially with hunting seasons ending.
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: Deep Forks on November 13, 2012, 07:40:44 PM: I have the vortex razor HD and my son has the vortex viper HD. My razor is awesome and the best out of the 5 I've owned: two leo's, one a goldring, bosch & lomb, nikon prostaff. The only spotter i've looked through I thought was better was a sworovski. My son's viper is right up with the razor, just a little less at dawn and dusk. For the money that viper is awesome. The razor is the last spotter I'll ever buy. :twocents:
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: shootnrun on November 15, 2012, 06:23:11 PM: Thanks for the input guys! The one thing that pulls me to the vortex is the angled eye piece... I am sure much toil will come before I pick one..
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: Jamieb on November 23, 2012, 10:08:53 PM: For the price the leupold is hard to beat.
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on November 23, 2012, 10:16:33 PM: Leupold gold ring all the way they have great glass, and the design is flawless for hunting.
Title: Re: spotting scope reviews and input
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on November 24, 2012, 10:04:11 AM: Quote from: shootnrun on November 13, 2012, 06:25:21 PM
So I am looking at upgrading my spotting scope, and am looking at some input on models. Unfortunately, looking through the glass at the store just doesn't tell you how it will perform in the field. I plan on using this scope for the high hunt and chasing muley's during regular season. However, being 23, weight doesn't so much bother me if I get the performance I am after.
The models I am currently eyeing are;

Leupold gold ring 12-40x60

Vortex razor 20-60x80

Zeiss dialyt 18-45x65

I am open to suggestions of other models as well, these are just within my price range and will hopefully preform as I wish.

Thanks!

Please take a look of ZEN ED2 20-60x82 spotting scope. Although I may be biased, I truly believe it will do well against any of the spotter above.

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/zenspotter82-angled.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/zenspotter82-angled.html)

It has been awarded with Editor's Choice Award by Outdoor Life Magazine in 2012

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/gear/optics/2012/05/new-spotting-scope-best-spotting-scopes-hunting-spotting-scope-re?photo=1#1001355449 (http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/gear/optics/2012/05/new-spotting-scope-best-spotting-scopes-hunting-spotting-scope-re?photo=1#1001355449)

Here is their video review
Optics Review: Zen-Ray ED2 20-60x82 Spotting Scope (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqvxg5)

The current retail price is $1199. With $200 coupon code (BFLRH), the net is $999. It also comes with Lifetime No Fault warranty.