Post by: tbrady on September 20, 2010, 09:10:26 PM
I'm curious how many of you guys use a spotting scope while mule deer hunting and how helpful you've found it. I'm considering changing my "tactics" a bit this year and trying a spotting scope on those slow afternoons as opposed to laying down with binocs stuck to my head for several hours.
I have a lot of luck locating deer that are upright with my 10x42 binocs, but a much harder time locating bedded deer. Anyway, if you have an opinion on it I'd like to hear it!
thanks!
tim
Post by: yelp on September 20, 2010, 09:13:28 PM
Post by: coachcw on September 20, 2010, 09:26:28 PM
Post by: snocobearhunter on September 20, 2010, 09:35:09 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 20, 2010, 09:45:30 PM
I have a Nikon ED 82mm with a wide angle 30x. I am contemplating a 75x wide angle for even greater distance. I bought an angled scope and I definitely recommend a straight scope. Much easier to keep a low profile when you're on top of a hill.
Be prepared to be depressed because you tagged out opening morning ;)
Post by: squeeze2drop on September 20, 2010, 09:45:49 PM
Post by: eastside boy on September 20, 2010, 09:54:36 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 20, 2010, 10:03:24 PM
Post by: 400out on September 20, 2010, 11:12:32 PM
Post by: tbrady on September 21, 2010, 01:52:23 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on September 21, 2010, 04:17:38 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on September 21, 2010, 04:33:19 AM
I would definitely buy this model again and am always on the look out for a replacement.
Post by: rasbo on September 21, 2010, 04:37:06 AM
Post by: halflife65 on September 21, 2010, 06:25:40 PM
I think that the combo of the smaller Leupold with the larger one for closer to the truck (or when I know that it will be absolutely critical and I'm willing to carry the extra weight) will be perfect pair.
I also use Swaro 10x42s and that's REAL helpful.
Post by: highside74 on September 21, 2010, 08:24:06 PM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on September 21, 2010, 08:35:52 PM
Post by: OltHunter on September 22, 2010, 08:50:37 AM
now if you a clear cut hunter or hunt other places where your visibility doesn't get much more than 500 yards, i'd say nice to have.
Post by: MtnMuley on September 22, 2010, 09:13:16 AM
I think it really depends on where you hunt. There is plenty of prime mule deer country where the spotter will never come out because the country is small or not open enough and your binos are better suited. But where it's big and open, the spotter really comes in handy.
Spot on. I always have a spotter in the truck in case I need it, and in that aspect, it's definately a necessity. 90% of the time, I pack mine anyway, and as highside74 said, at 3lbs, you really don't even notice it.
Post by: haugenna on September 22, 2010, 10:31:05 AM
Post by: turkey slayer on September 22, 2010, 12:49:29 PM
Post by: WDFW-SUX on September 22, 2010, 12:51:54 PM
10x42 swaro EL's
and a 3x9x40 Ziess.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on September 22, 2010, 06:20:08 PM
Quality does cost unforunately
Post by: WonkyWapiti on September 22, 2010, 06:27:15 PM
Post by: grundy53 on September 22, 2010, 10:38:30 PM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 22, 2010, 11:27:21 PM
Post by: ribka on September 23, 2010, 12:20:32 AM
It's only money ;)
Post by: PolarBear on September 23, 2010, 12:32:48 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 09:11:00 AM
Post by: boneaddict on September 23, 2010, 09:32:39 AM
Post by: 400out on September 23, 2010, 09:34:32 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on September 23, 2010, 04:13:44 PM
They are useless where I hunt for mulies. You can't see more than 200 yards at a pop so lugging around a spotter is just wasted weight and space.
That's the area that falls into my 10% of the time that I leave it in the truck. :chuckle:
Post by: gadwall on September 23, 2010, 06:39:47 PM
I have two..I like to use them to spot in the field and from the vehicle. It helps you judge the buck before going after him. Also can help seeing that third point others Cant'! :)
I use mine a lot for the same reasons.
Gadwall.
Post by: bullchaser on September 23, 2010, 09:52:17 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi298.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm275%2Fmattandmelody%2Felk011.jpg&hash=e573c53ddf31ae937982bfd60e906a6fe2b53969)
Post by: halflife65 on September 23, 2010, 10:00:45 PM
Post by: Ryan on September 23, 2010, 10:16:49 PM
Post by: coachcw on September 24, 2010, 09:44:09 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 24, 2010, 09:46:39 AM
my nikon isnt a swaro but its lighter and 1/3 the cost I feel for under a grand its a strong value .
What model Nikon did you get coach? (I am shopping right now, that's why I am asking...)
Post by: halflife65 on September 24, 2010, 09:58:21 AM
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=112452 (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=112452)
Another review.
I bought one of these a couple of months back—my previous scope had bitten the dust and my local dealer was offering the rose champagne version of the ED50 at a special price, so it seemed a no-brainer, especially after I'd lined it up on the finches and tits on their feeders 50 yards away and been wowed. I summoned my girlfriend, who'd waited in the car whilst I checked out the possibility/price of getting the old scope fixed, and she was wowed too, which settled it. She isn't that wowed that often, at least by optical equipment and fishing rods.
Brightness and resolution are outstanding, better than many middle-range scopes with 70mm-80mm objectives; I'd have to pay a lot more and go up to the big-brother ED82 or Swarowski to see a real improvement, I think, and I suspect that would only be evident at very high magnifications. Do I want to lug one of those and a commensurately beefy tripod about the Pyrenees or the Scottish Highlands? Not really. It's actually practicable to hand-hold the ED50 at low-to-mid magnification, especially in a hide. I'm thinking of marrying it up to a Cullman rifle-stock for when I'm out on my own.
I think I'll invest in the 27x WA in the near future, particularly for digiscoping, which I've just begun. The old model zoom the ED came with is a very nice lens, but the small exit pupil doesn't seem ideal, although I did manage a couple of semi-acceptable efforts.
My favorite line from the review: "so it seemed a no-brainer, especially after I'd lined it up on the finches and tits on their feeders 50 yards away and been wowed."
Under those circumstances, I wouldn't be looking at any stupid finches.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 24, 2010, 10:02:16 AM
thanks anyway... :chuckle:
Post by: halflife65 on September 24, 2010, 10:06:02 AM
Thanks halflife. The gayness of that review made my eyes hurt too, but I fought through it and got the point. I guess we can all line up on "finches and tits" from time to time. OK, maybe not finches.
thanks anyway... :chuckle:
Hard to believe the guy claims he has a girlfriend. Maybe she's "from Canada" and "you'll probably never get a chance to meet her."
Anyway, you can probably steer clear of the rose colored version and just go with the black if you're worried about it. :chuckle:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 24, 2010, 10:07:13 AM
Thanks halflife. The gayness of that review made my eyes hurt too, but I fought through it and got the point. I guess we can all line up on "finches and tits" from time to time. OK, maybe not finches.
thanks anyway... :chuckle:
Hard to believe the guy claims he has a girlfriend. Maybe she's "from Canada" and "you'll probably never get a chance to meet her."
Anyway, you can probably steer clear of the rose colored version and just go with the black if you're worried about it. :chuckle:
Actually, I re-read it. Are we even sure that it's a guy...? :dunno:
Post by: halflife65 on September 24, 2010, 10:11:52 AM
Anyway, back on topic. I have used the Gold Ring 12X40X60 and it's good. My dad has one. I don't know how much better the HD version is - I think if I was buying new I'd get it but wouldn't worry about it too much if you're going used.
I've been saving for a new spotter but decided I could live with my little Leupy 25X50mm one more year and keep saving for a Swaro. It'll take another year of saving to afford one.
Post by: coachcw on September 24, 2010, 08:21:49 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 25, 2010, 10:19:08 AM
It's only money ;)
Yes, its "only money." If hunting is your passion, take your time and buy the right model. I've had my scope for four years now and wont be getting rid of it. You'll look back and wish you had bought one sooner. Money comes and goes. Good hunting memories last a lifetime.
Post by: huntindork on September 29, 2010, 04:00:54 PM
It does save alot of leg time in certain areas- For example this year I spotted what appeared to be a real good buck about a mile away in a avalanche chute and once i put the spotting scope on it it was a 5x4 but not what i was looking for at all.
I also use mine after the sun comes out. I really helps spotting in those shadow locations where the deer usually end up bedding down. I have spotted several bucks with mine where otherwise with binos i would have never seen them.
I use the Swaro 65 HD and love it. I dont think i would go with anything else. The light gathering capabilities and the clarity on high power is nuts compared to others i have owned or looked through.
Long story short - GET ONE you will use it more than you think!