Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: coyotemadness on November 09, 2007, 06:25:44 PM


Advertise Here
Title: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: coyotemadness on November 09, 2007, 06:25:44 PM
Can anyone give me any suggestions?
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: hunterbuilder on November 09, 2007, 07:47:04 PM
I currently am using the Nikon Spotter XL II. It's 16-48x60. It's nearly identical length and weight of the Leupold 12-40x60 except the Nikon is straight and the Leupold has a stepped design. I have both right now and tried the Nikon because of it's straight design is easier to put in my pack. I don't like how the Nikon doesn't have eyecups. You can get the Nikon kit with case & tripod for $500. The Leupold itself is $800. I did notice that Cabela's has a Leupold Golden Ring compact 15-30x50 kit for $500.
Anyway, I don't know if that helps but I gave it a shot.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: hunterbuilder on November 09, 2007, 10:52:24 PM
I paid about $350-400 for the 12-40x60 leupold off ebay. I got the nikon for $300 off ebay. The leupold was used but good condition. The nikon was brand new in the box.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: high country on November 11, 2007, 10:00:15 AM
pentax pf 65ed is about as much scope as you can get for less than a grand.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: Intruder on November 12, 2007, 03:26:38 PM
Check out Vortex.  The Sandpiper 15-45 power 65mm Obj is 330 shipped from Eagle Optics.  I looked at dozens of scopes (new) under 500 and this 1 was the best I saw hands down.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: coyotemadness on November 16, 2007, 04:19:42 PM
Thanks y'all  :)
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: Dudeluv on December 08, 2007, 08:48:36 PM
I have the Burris 20x60x80
I like this scope but it is BIG and heavy
You need a very good tri pod to anchor this hog down
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: NORRISKI on February 01, 2008, 08:49:34 PM
I have had leupold 15x30x50 and wind river 15x45x60 sold the 15x30x50 it was not very good for pack scope which is what i bought it for, very hard to focus funky tripod mounting, spent more time trying to get it focused than hunting,wore me out.The 15x45x60 wind river funny enough when leaving your pack open and crawling along they will fall out and get lost for ever, its optics weren't worth looking for ,it has been replaced with 16x48x60 nikon spotter very good optics for the money fits in pack good.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: Bookworm on February 02, 2008, 07:10:50 AM
Definetly check out e bay when looking for glass. I bought several items for way less than what they sell for in a store. My leupold 12 to 40 by60 was 500.00 with a hard case and a few other things.
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: Chopaka81 on February 03, 2008, 06:41:30 PM
I picked up a Pantax PF-63 with a 20-50x eyepiece from Amazon.com of all places. The price is $270. It is an excellent scope, though I would have perfered an angled scope, but for the price I snatched it up. I am not disappointed. Do a search on the keyword "Pentax Spotting Scope" at amazon and it will take you right to the scopes. ;)

Don
Title: Re: Best spotting scope under $500
Post by: simpleshooter308 on March 29, 2008, 09:25:45 PM
if you get a chance check out the konus 80mm, there pretty good for the $$, about $180, good clear glass in them, a lot of guys i shoot with are switching from kowa to konus, because the konus is as clear, is lighter, and more reasonably priced.
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal