Post by: CoryTDF on July 14, 2013, 07:31:12 AM
http://www.opticsplanet.com/kowa-60mm-high-performance-spotting-scopes.html (http://www.opticsplanet.com/kowa-60mm-high-performance-spotting-scopes.html)
http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Diamondback-20-Straight-Spotting/dp/B00BIKFKW4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_2 (http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Diamondback-20-Straight-Spotting/dp/B00BIKFKW4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_2)
http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-prostaff-5-spotting-scopes-20-60x-82mm-zoom.html (http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-prostaff-5-spotting-scopes-20-60x-82mm-zoom.html)
http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-15-45x65-Viper-Spotting-Scopes/dp/B004I8Q9SC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_5 (http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-15-45x65-Viper-Spotting-Scopes/dp/B004I8Q9SC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_5)
http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-15-45x65-Straight-Spotting-VPR-65S-HD/dp/B004I8Z48S/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-15-45x65-Straight-Spotting-VPR-65S-HD/dp/B004I8Z48S/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_1)
Post by: WenHunter on July 14, 2013, 07:41:00 AM
Post by: sticky on July 14, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on July 14, 2013, 09:16:38 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on July 14, 2013, 09:24:23 AM
Aw man. You mean you don't like to drop some acid and look at all the warblers and chickadees up close - it's like you're floating through the scope and then, poof! Now you're a bird too - with all kinds of far out colors and a big beak to eat bugs with . . . but I'm a pacifist, I can't kill other living things. Maybe if I eat stuff that's already dead. What was the topic again?
I laughed so hard i snorted reading this LOL :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: CoryTDF on July 14, 2013, 09:34:13 AM
I use a leupold gold ring 20-40x60, I paid about 650$ for it on ebay new. It has a very small profile so I can fit it, and my tripod into my pack very easily. The optics are superb as you would expect from a leupold gold ring line of product, and I haven't had a single issue with it in all the years I have owned it. I know you asked about nikon, or vortex I do not own either though I have looked through some nikon spotters all are fine products. For me it came down to the lightweight space saving design of the leupold as well as my experience with the durability, and quality of the product they sell.
I do like Leupold but i'm really interested in warranty. Whats the point of spending that kind of money and having to worry about not being able to get it fixed or replaced if someting goes wrong or you drop it. Vortex and Nikon both have lifetime "No Fault' warranty. I have used Nikon's 3 times all cases were my own fault and they did me right everytime. The last time the just sent me a brand new pair of monarchs. I think there is a time limit or something like that on the Leupold warranty.
Post by: follow maggie on July 14, 2013, 09:58:31 AM
http://www.leupold.com/resources/leupold-warranty-infomation/ (http://www.leupold.com/resources/leupold-warranty-infomation/)
Post by: sticky on July 14, 2013, 10:03:22 AM
[/quote]
Dude! Snorted what? Can I have some?
Post by: Bob33 on July 14, 2013, 10:07:48 AM
Leupold has a lifetime warranty, even if you're not the original owner:+1. You will not find a better company, warranty wise.
http://www.leupold.com/resources/leupold-warranty-infomation/ (http://www.leupold.com/resources/leupold-warranty-infomation/)
Post by: grundy53 on July 14, 2013, 11:12:12 AM
I use a leupold gold ring 20-40x60, I paid about 650$ for it on ebay new. It has a very small profile so I can fit it, and my tripod into my pack very easily. The optics are superb as you would expect from a leupold gold ring line of product, and I haven't had a single issue with it in all the years I have owned it. I know you asked about nikon, or vortex I do not own either though I have looked through some nikon spotters all are fine products. For me it came down to the lightweight space saving design of the leupold as well as my experience with the durability, and quality of the product they sell.
I do like Leupold but i'm really interested in warranty. Whats the point of spending that kind of money and having to worry about not being able to get it fixed or replaced if someting goes wrong or you drop it. Vortex and Nikon both have lifetime "No Fault' warranty. I have used Nikon's 3 times all cases were my own fault and they did me right everytime. The last time the just sent me a brand new pair of monarchs. I think there is a time limit or something like that on the Leupold warranty.
Leopold has one of the best warranties out there. And it's lifetime.
Post by: huntnnw on July 16, 2013, 06:30:49 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on July 16, 2013, 06:37:26 AM
You're done. IDK if this item up for bid has an eyepiece included or not, which can run you up to $250. I have a fixed 30x wide angle. I'm not sure if a 25-75x would be better or not. I have a ridiculously wide FOV, edge to edge clarity, and brightness in low light.
I would buy my scope all over again, without hesitation. I love the wrap around focus ring. The thumb wring is just too darned small for my spastic fingers to focus comfortably all day long. If you do a lot of backpacking in, consider the ED 50mm Fieldscope. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Fieldscope-Iii-Angled-Ed-20-60X60-Spotting-Scope-Hunting-Waterproof-8340-/390592534832?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af1211930 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Fieldscope-Iii-Angled-Ed-20-60X60-Spotting-Scope-Hunting-Waterproof-8340-/390592534832?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5af1211930)
Cheers
Post by: Bean Counter on July 16, 2013, 06:38:42 AM
Aw man. You mean you don't like to drop some acid and look at all the warblers and chickadees up close - it's like you're floating through the scope and then, poof! Now you're a bird too - with all kinds of far out colors and a big beak to eat bugs with . . . but I'm a pacifist, I can't kill other living things. Maybe if I eat stuff that's already dead. What was the topic again?
I laughed so hard i snorted reading this LOL :chuckle: :chuckle:
Believe it or not I learned most of what I know about optics on bird watching forums. Hard to fit in (didn't talk much about hunting) but holy cow those guys know glass...
Post by: Bean Counter on July 16, 2013, 06:50:50 AM
I checked the links you provided and it looks like you're in a lower price range than my suggestions. I apologize but will leave them up FWIW. Good luck with the search.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on July 16, 2013, 07:16:43 AM
I have the razor and it is only $300 more. If you need a vortex hook up let me know
Post by: skinzner on July 16, 2013, 07:31:07 AM
http://cameralandny.com/ (http://cameralandny.com/)
Post by: halflife65 on July 16, 2013, 09:24:19 AM
If $1000 is your budget vortex viper would be a good scope for that.Even if you have to wait another month or two (I know it's hard this time of year since you want to be scouting) I'd save up and buy that higher end Vortex. You'll be really glad you did that in the long run.
I have the razor and it is only $300 more. If you need a vortex hook up let me know
Post by: alecvg on July 16, 2013, 09:35:46 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on July 16, 2013, 02:52:09 PM
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on July 16, 2013, 04:24:56 PM
If $1000 is your budget vortex viper would be a good scope for that.
I have the razor and it is only $300 more. If you need a vortex hook up let me know
:yeah:
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on July 16, 2013, 07:29:32 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on July 17, 2013, 07:49:49 AM
Post by: b23 on July 17, 2013, 10:26:15 AM
We were both VERY shocked that his Swaro HD wasn't noticeably better, especially considering how much more expensive the Swaro was and how awesome my dad's Swaro binos are. Swaro binos are fantastic but their spotters, IMO, aren't nearly as impressive.
When I bought my Nikon from Sportsmen's Warehouse the sales guy let me take the different models I was looking at and go outside and look thru them side by side off tripods. At the time I didn't compare the Nikon to a Swaro or Leica because they were out of my price range but of the spotters I compared in the $1K range, the Nikon Fieldscope was the clear winner. I haven't looked thru a new Nikon Fieldscope so I have no idea what their like but I would guess they are at least as good as mine. Also, I would never get anything bigger than a 65mm. The 80mm, in any brand, are clubs and I don't see any real benefit to anything bigger then 65mm. If you are looking for a spotter that is compact and has great glass the Nikon ED 50 is and excellent little spotter.
Post by: hunter75 on July 17, 2013, 11:28:09 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on July 18, 2013, 09:23:23 AM
Take all the money you can drum up and buy the nicest vortex you can buy. Recently bought a razor that is amazing... Warranty is the best in the industry. I am in walla walla frequently scouting by Dixie if you ever want to check it out.
That would be cool. I would like to see if it's much better than the Leupold Kenai that I just bought. If so i'll have to return it and get the Vortex.
Post by: huntnphool on July 21, 2013, 09:19:54 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on July 30, 2013, 09:06:29 AM
20x75x82mm. Got a great deal on it and just cant beat the claity of that scope. My buddy has one and when we put them head to head It was just better plain and simple.
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on July 31, 2013, 08:04:58 PM
Post by: X-Force on July 31, 2013, 08:56:56 PM
Ive never used the Nikon ED but i have read a lot of positive reviews.
Post by: coachcw on July 31, 2013, 09:12:58 PM