Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: Dan-o on September 16, 2013, 10:31:45 PM

Title: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Dan-o on September 16, 2013, 10:31:45 PM: OK, I admit it...... I am not made out of money.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the best spotting scope out there in my price range.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: bobcat on September 16, 2013, 11:23:28 PM: A used Leupold 12-40x60 on eBay. They're going for right at $500.
Made in the USA. I don't believe that can be said for any other spotting scope.

I don't think you can do any better for $500. Some will suggest Vortex, BUT... They're made in China! :yike:
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Bean Counter on September 16, 2013, 11:45:29 PM: I haven't seen one that I would find worth carrying at that price. If that's all the no y you have, spend it on a nice set of binos. :twocents:
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Dan-o on September 17, 2013, 12:35:27 PM: Thank you, sirs.

I did get what I consider to be a really sweet set of Binos earlier this year (Vortex).

I like the idea of a used Leopold.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: lghtnquik on September 17, 2013, 02:44:31 PM: Dan check your PM's
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Holg3107 on September 17, 2013, 02:46:24 PM: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,134427.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,134427.0.html)

here you go!!! Handed to you on a HuntWA silver platter.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: washelkhunter on September 17, 2013, 03:00:49 PM: Check out the pawn shops; you can dicker with them.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Bigshooter on September 17, 2013, 03:23:23 PM: Vortex
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Bigshooter on September 17, 2013, 03:44:19 PM: Quote from: bobcat on September 16, 2013, 11:23:28 PM
A used Leupold 12-40x60 on eBay. They're going for right at $500.
Made in the USA. I don't believe that can be said for any other spotting scope.

I don't think you can do any better for $500. Some will suggest Vortex, BUT... They're made in China! :yike:

The cheaper model's are made in china. But the razor and viper are made in japan. The razor and viper model's are high quality.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: MtnMuley on September 17, 2013, 03:45:23 PM: Quote from: Bean Counter on September 16, 2013, 11:45:29 PM
I haven't seen one that I would find worth carrying at that price. If that's all the no y you have, spend it on a nice set of binos. :twocents:

LOL, I have two other high dollar HD spotters that sit in the truck or get left at home......all for the simple reason that I (Just me) believe the Leupy 12-40x60 is the best overall spotting scope ever built. To buy one for $500 would be a "no brainer" decision for me if I was in the market. :twocents:
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: croomdog on September 19, 2013, 01:44:13 PM: Just checked out the Leupold, vortex diamondback and vortex viper side by side. Leuplold are NOT all made in the USA anylonger BTW (I love Leupold optics!) Anyway, I went with the Vortex Viper. It has the 80mm forn lens and was MUCH brighter and as clear and sharp as the Leupold. It is regularly priced at $799.00 but is on sale online at cabelas for $490.00. Great price. Vortex warranty is absolutely unconditional as well. Good Luck!!
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Morrison4375 on November 06, 2013, 07:38:40 PM: I have the viper hd and or is a great spotter for the money
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on November 06, 2013, 07:51:20 PM: Curious on the difference between the hd vs non-hd viper. Dad has the HD. $490 has me thinking about one. We also have the ED 50 by Nikon, a little more than 500, but unbelievable for a small spotter.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope for $400- $500?
Post by: The100Road on November 06, 2013, 07:54:12 PM: Quote from: Wanttohuntmore on November 06, 2013, 07:51:20 PM
Curious on the difference between the hd vs non-hd viper. Dad has the HD. $490 has me thinking about one. We also have the ED 50 by Nikon, a little more than 500, but unbelievable for a small spotter.

I just went with the non HD Viper because of the sale Cabelas is having on them. They seem to be great but only a few weeks old so far. I did look through the HD & non HD Viper binos and could definitely tell the difference. Would go with the HD if i had the extra money.