Post by: grizzlygibbs on September 27, 2008, 12:40:19 PM
So what i am looking at will be the
leupold gold ring 12-40x60 hd
cabelas big sky 27-80x80 hd
cabelas big sky 20-60x66 hd
and for the price i will consider the leupold 20-60x80 sequoia
i would like some input on these optics as the only set i have laid my eyey in are the leupold golden ring 12-40-60 non Hd thanks
Post by: Bookworm on September 27, 2008, 01:15:37 PM
Post by: 300rum on September 27, 2008, 01:44:09 PM
Post by: grizzlygibbs on September 27, 2008, 06:19:39 PM
Anybody have experience with the cabelas?
Post by: Red Dawg on September 27, 2008, 06:22:15 PM
Post by: high country on September 28, 2008, 11:50:15 AM
I had one of the 12-40x60's twas a good scope for the $$. I offed it and got a fixed 30 gold ring and a pf80ed. the pf is way more spotter, the fixed 30 is way lighter and more compact.........the 12-40x60 was an excellent comprimise. if I could only have one scope it would be that, the pf60ed, or the nikon.
Post by: Intruder on September 30, 2008, 08:29:00 AM
cabelas warranty is killer, but leuy spotters are easy to sell if you do not like it.
I had one of the 12-40x60's twas a good scope for the $$. I offed it and got a fixed 30 gold ring and a pf80ed. the pf is way more spotter, the fixed 30 is way lighter and more compact.........the 12-40x60 was an excellent comprimise. if I could only have one scope it would be that, the pf60ed, or the nikon.
+1
Based on the spotters you listed this is good advice. My guess is that you'd be dissappointed with the Sequoia. Check out the Vortex/Stokes spotters both ED and non-ED models if you're looking to save some $$$.
Post by: grizzlygibbs on September 30, 2008, 09:43:15 AM
Post by: columbiaman on September 30, 2008, 10:22:31 AM
Post by: high country on September 30, 2008, 06:32:15 PM
Post by: Intruder on October 02, 2008, 08:26:17 AM
I would encourage you to look at a fixed power scope.....30ish power. fixed scopes are waaaaaaay clearer than a vari. and less to go haywire.
That's funny (not ha ha but ironic). I think just the opposite. I do agree with fixed being clearer but I really like the versatility of being able to adjust power to fit the conditions. Poor light, low light, glare, etc. I can back down and get good clarity. Under good conditions I can crank it up and see the ticks on their ass. Well, kinda.... ya get my point.
30x is a good fixed power though.... I wouldn't want to go much less than that.
Ohh... one other thing. Regardless of the scope you get, get a decent tripod capable of handling the weight of your scope.
Post by: grizzlygibbs on October 02, 2008, 11:16:43 AM
Post by: Intruder on October 02, 2008, 11:21:35 AM
For what i am planning on using the tripod for, i believe am going to go for the leupold 12-40x60 HD, and it comes with a kit, hardside case, digital cam adapter and tripod. any experience with these "kit" deals or are the tripods pretty much garbage?
Often, yes... the tripods are crap. I'm not familiar with that particular kit but it has the Leu tripod w/ the little ball adjustment, that's a pretty decent tripod.
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on October 02, 2008, 07:22:37 PM
I would encourage you to look at a fixed power scope.....30ish power. fixed scopes are waaaaaaay clearer than a vari. and less to go haywire.
That's funny (not ha ha but ironic). I think just the opposite. I do agree with fixed being clearer but I really like the versatility of being able to adjust power to fit the conditions. Poor light, low light, glare, etc. I can back down and get good clarity. Under good conditions I can crank it up and see the ticks on their ass. Well, kinda.... ya get my point.
30x is a good fixed power though.... I wouldn't want to go much less than that.
Ohh... one other thing. Regardless of the scope you get, get a decent tripod capable of handling the weight of your scope.
I agree with you, on almost all aspects. One benefit of prime power (fixed power) spotting scope is to provide larger apparent FOV (AFOV). Almost all zoom scopes has AFOV less than 60 degree, while wide angle fixed zoom can provide 60 to 65 degree viewing angle. It is a compromise someone has to decide: wider angle, better overall picture vs versatility of zooming power.
For obversation, most of the kit tripods are sufficient. But when we try to take digiscoping pictures through the scope, the quality of tripod becomes an important issue. I now use manfrotto 055XB tripod with 3130 head.
Post by: shag on October 05, 2008, 12:23:57 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on October 05, 2008, 12:38:52 PM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,10761.0.html
Post by: grizzlygibbs on October 05, 2008, 01:28:19 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on October 05, 2008, 01:33:26 PM
Good for you. Whether I still have it then or not you've got a good plan. I myself saved for mine and I don't regret it.
I wouldn't tell anyone that the must spend $2,000+ on the scope alone in order for it to be worth it, but after using this one, there's no way I could buy a $200-600 scope. HD (aka ED) is helpful for binos, but an absolute must for a spotting scope :twocents:
Best luck!
Post by: grizzlygibbs on October 05, 2008, 08:06:23 PM
and good luck on the sale.
Post by: Jamieb on October 06, 2008, 12:22:26 PM
Post by: grizzlygibbs on October 06, 2008, 06:26:16 PM
Post by: high country on October 07, 2008, 05:42:51 AM
GrizzlyGibs,
Good for you. Whether I still have it then or not you've got a good plan. I myself saved for mine and I don't regret it.
I wouldn't tell anyone that the must spend $2,000+ on the scope alone in order for it to be worth it, but after using this one, there's no way I could buy a $200-600 scope. HD (aka ED) is helpful for binos, but an absolute must for a spotting scope :twocents:
Best luck!
ding ding ding...........we have a winner!
pertty much its either ed or keep saving for a big power spotter
Post by: grizzlygibbs on October 08, 2008, 05:55:27 PM
Post by: Intruder on October 09, 2008, 08:46:29 AM
For example.... a total budget for hunting optics being say 2K: it might break down something like this:
1a. 900-1300 Binos
2b. 250-400 Rifle scope
3. 500-1000 Spotter
Kills me to see guys do this:
1. 600 Rifle scope
2. 1200 Spotter
3. 200 Binos
Obviously, just examples but you get the idea. A guys particular budget and specific hunting styles will play a role in the final breakdown.
:twocents:
Post by: huntnphool on October 09, 2008, 09:00:09 AM
and here is a great deal on a spotter, http://cgi.ebay.com/Swarovski-Optik-ATS-65-HD-Spotting-Scope-Cabelas-Case_W0QQitemZ160290300154QQihZ006QQcategoryZ31715QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Post by: grizzlygibbs on October 09, 2008, 09:06:35 AM
I just got em last year and they perform great! Thats why i am going for the spotter!
I have another question as well, is there any hipe between the angled and straight. i was thinking straight at first but then i think angled would be better to look down into rather then brining the scope higher to eye level... Im sure its to each his own just curious towards peoples opinion!
Post by: Intruder on October 09, 2008, 09:11:29 AM
Post by: huntnphool on October 09, 2008, 09:12:24 AM
is there any hipe between the angled and straight. i was thinking straight at first but then i think angled would be better to look down into rather then brining the scope higher to eye level...
I have the straight 65 and have never wished I had gone with the angled, it is just a personal preference. I use mine the most mounted to a window mount, the angled version may be a bit difficult to use in this situation but I'm not sure :dunno: Either way you are going to love them, no regrets here.
Post by: Bean Counter on October 09, 2008, 09:17:34 AM
1a. 900-1300 Binos
2b. 250-400 Rifle scope
3. 500-1000 Spotter
Kills me to see guys do this:
1. 600 Rifle scope
2. 1200 Spotter
3. 200 Binos
Intruder,
While I commend your recommendation that people examine their overall budget, I question the methodology in your generalization.
While most hunters (myself included) wind up using thier binos more than their spotting scope, I believe it is an err to determine that more money should be spent on the binos than the scope. I contend that a cheaper quality spotting scope is worthless for two reasons:
1. the size of the objective lens dictates that HD glass should be used.
2. the power of magnification also demands a quality-made instrument.
While my binoculars (Monarch ATB) aren't HD, they do have fully multi-coated lenses and do the job for being 8 power and having 42mm objective lenses. That just wont cut it with an 80mm scope that you want to use to judge an animal 1+ mile away.
In any case, Grizzlygibs has decided to save up $$$ for better glass than cheaper glass and I think that's something we can all come together and commend him on that :brew:
Post by: WDFW-SUX on October 09, 2008, 09:19:07 AM
any info about HD vs regular would be awesome!
Post by: Bean Counter on October 09, 2008, 09:29:33 AM
Angled is also nice if you're going to be using with a hunting partner. If you're relatively close in heigth you wont have to adjust from user to user, while you will have to for a straight scope.
Further, if you have a partner, I would go with an 80 over a 65 because of both the wider FOV and that it will gather more light at dawn/dusk. The 80 will be heavier than the 65 but since you'll have a partner, one can carry the tripod, and the other, the scope.
Post by: Intruder on October 09, 2008, 09:35:58 AM
Intruder,I think you make a good point. Yes.... this is a certainly a generalization.
While I commend your recommendation that people examine their overall budget, I question the methodology in your generalization.
In any case, Grizzlygibs has decided to save up $$$ for better glass than cheaper glass and I think that's something we can all come together and commend him on that :brew:
My point is that with a budget a guy needs to make choices and IMO that for hunting scenarios a guy is going to get way more milaeage spending the majority of his budget on binos rather than spotters or rifle scopes. There are decent ED glass spotters out there in the 600-900$ range. Not as good as a Swaro but usable. I guess I look at it based on time behind the eye pieces. I spend sometimes hours a day behind my binos. There are days on end I never look through my scope and/or spotter. I look at binos a "essential" and spotters a lil more as a luxary. Again just my :twocents:
Post by: Bean Counter on October 09, 2008, 09:48:15 AM
In the interest of full disclosure I will admit that while I'm proud of my lower-mid range binos, I've been censoring myself from the $900+ pairs as I am afraid I wont be able to go back!!!
:bdid: Run and hide! ITS A TRAP!!!!!
Post by: grizzlygibbs on October 09, 2008, 09:50:06 AM
Keep em coming.
Oh and beancounter, once you go to the dark side i am a firm believer that no you will never go back, and you wont want too either, and hopefully the warranty would keep you from going back!
Post by: Intruder on October 09, 2008, 09:50:30 AM
Will you use from down in a valley to up at hills or from atop hills down into a valley? If you spend more time looking down than up, you may want to go with the straight scope. PIcture trying to maintain a low profile on a high ridge and leaning forward to look through the angled eyepiece :bdid:
You don't necessarily have to have the eyepiece angled up so that your head is above the scope looking down into it. I routinely have mine angled so it points to the side so I can be laying prone and simply turn my head to look into it. That's very similar to how I'd use it at the range on a bench. I can have the eye piece turned toward me so I can shoot and simply turn and look into it without getting up and getting behind it.
Best thing would be to see if you can try both styles out in the field... just mess around and see which 1 you like. It's really more of a preference over performance kind of decission.
Post by: Intruder on October 09, 2008, 09:51:58 AM
Time behind the glass: I can respect that perspective, as well.
In the interest of full disclosure I will admit that while I'm proud of my lower-mid range binos, I've been censoring myself from the $900+ pairs as I am afraid I wont be able to go back!!!
:bdid: Run and hide! ITS A TRAP!!!!!
That's funny.... :chuckle:
Post by: BIGBULLBALLS on October 17, 2008, 04:39:52 PM
Post by: scoyoc5 on October 20, 2008, 03:00:34 PM
Post by: columbiaman on October 21, 2008, 09:49:54 AM
does any have any experience with vortex spotting scopes? I've been checking them out online and they look like a decent scope.
they are ok, but very heavy. They are identical to Alpen scope in every way. (edit: I am referring to their skyline 80mm scope)
Post by: Intruder on October 21, 2008, 10:04:23 AM
does any have any experience with vortex spotting scopes? I've been checking them out online and they look like a decent scope.
I have one of the non-ED glass models. It is the Stokes 15-45 x 65. Paid $330ish for it. It compares favorably to the Nikon ProStaff spotter. One of the best value proposition out there. Haven't looked through their higher end stuff. Great warranty and customer service too.
Post by: 7mag. on November 23, 2008, 02:07:18 PM
Post by: Red Dawg on November 24, 2008, 08:05:14 PM
Post by: grizzlygibbs on November 25, 2008, 06:35:52 AM
Post by: high country on November 25, 2008, 10:15:58 AM
IMO, this is the catsass
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi193.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz16%2Fgyonemura%2Fswaros009.jpg&hash=eac8234d45643fd4768ce32ccf309fae06eb3a1a)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi193.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz16%2Fgyonemura%2Fswaros010.jpg&hash=9d62848482fe88da8a8d1f3e06be7ecfdea66542)
Post by: jjhunter on November 25, 2008, 11:44:06 AM
Post by: high country on November 25, 2008, 12:48:04 PM
Post by: jjhunter on November 25, 2008, 07:22:07 PM
Post by: grizzlygibbs on November 26, 2008, 03:41:38 PM