Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 09:44:39 AM
I would like to get a Leupy 12X40X60mm Golden Ring, but $1000 is a little out of my price range. I see that I can pick up a 15X30X50mm GR for around $400 if I shop around though.
So, what I was wondering is, does anyone have experience with the 50mm Leupold? It is less than half the price of the 60mm, but is the 60mm worth twice as much?
Mostly for open coutry mule deer. And I need it for this coming hunting season, so please don't tell me to save up for $2,000 Swaros. I CANT sell that one to the wife.
Post by: thinkingman on September 23, 2010, 10:01:43 AM
Post by: coop2424 on September 23, 2010, 10:34:25 AM
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 10:52:08 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 23, 2010, 11:03:11 AM
Quote
Do you have to have Leupold? IMHO, there are better choices, for less $$$$
I'd like to hear what people's choices would be that compare in a lesser price range. If in another thread.. Fine. I have not been privelaged to look through pricey glass, but things have come a long way in recent years that I wonder if some of the lesser brands/models are just as good as the 'not top of the line stuff' but pretty damn good stuff. I am impressed with some of the ZenRay binos but I'm told that their spotter isn't good yet. (better one coming I guess)
A friend made a comment the other day... '$1,000 dollar glass of five years ago can be had for a couple hundred dollars now'.
-Steve
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 11:29:43 AM
1. Yes, I am a little hung up on Leupold, but not fatally, so if you have a suggestion for "better" glass, for less $$ I am willing to listen.
2. I have looked through the Sequoias (the 60mm) and was disappointed. I don't think they are much better than my Alpen, so if I stick with Leupys, it will be the Golden Rings.
3. THere are actually 2 Leupy compacts, the "itty-bitty" ones (30mm, I think), that I am not interested in, and the 50mm, which seem to be only a little smaller, and only slightly less magnification than the Alpen I have now.
4. I have been watching the used 60mm's on ebay, the thing is that my garage burned down and one of my spotting scopes with it. The insurance company will replace it, up to about a $450 value, but I don't think they will reimburse me for a $600 scope.... you see my dilemma...?
Post by: MtnMuley on September 23, 2010, 11:59:46 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 12:10:45 PM
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 12:33:01 PM
I currently have a Sequoia and only pull it out a few times per year.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 12:51:37 PM
Post by: whacker1 on September 23, 2010, 01:09:14 PM
http://www.nikon.com/products/sportoptics/lineup/scopes/III/index.htm (http://www.nikon.com/products/sportoptics/lineup/scopes/III/index.htm)
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/nikon.pl?page=nikon8332 (http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/nikon.pl?page=nikon8332)
$1300 is the line with what I was speaking of which is consistent with the Leupold Gold Ring HD 12 - 40 x 60 currently $1199 via Cabelas.
Post by: MtnMuley on September 23, 2010, 04:11:39 PM
Have you used the 50mm ? You have a 60mm, right?
Yes I have the 60mm. My buddy uses the 50mm. In my opinion, the 60 is superior, and hardly any heavier. It is a little bulkier, but still much smaller than the competitors 60mm. My buddy also agrees, and purchased the 60mm and leaves the 50 at home. ;)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 23, 2010, 04:22:18 PM
Have you used the 50mm ? You have a 60mm, right?
Yes I have the 60mm. My buddy uses the 50mm. In my opinion, the 60 is superior, and hardly any heavier. It is a little bulkier, but still much smaller than the competitors 60mm. My buddy also agrees, and purchased the 60mm and leaves the 50 at home. ;)
By "superior", do you mean that the clarity of the glass is better than the 50mm?
Post by: MtnMuley on September 24, 2010, 08:10:17 AM
Post by: Gutpile on September 24, 2010, 08:15:56 AM
I was glassing a hillside about 7-800 yards away and everything was so clear I just really couldn't believe it.
Just to qualify, I'm no expert on spotters but this gets a big :tup: from me.
Post by: Lowedog on September 24, 2010, 08:40:57 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 24, 2010, 09:57:20 AM
MtnMuley, I get what you mean about the 60mm being better in almost every aspect (better magnification range, better light gathering, etc...), I am just wondering if there is $600 worth of difference between the two scopes?
As I said said before, I can pick up the 50mm for around $400, but the 60mm is gonna run a grand unless I can locate a used one.
Post by: a_bess on September 24, 2010, 02:24:37 PM
http://www.outdoors4less.net/proddetail.asp?prod=57785&product=nikon_prostaff_spotting_scope_1648x65_realtree__outfit (http://www.outdoors4less.net/proddetail.asp?prod=57785&product=nikon_prostaff_spotting_scope_1648x65_realtree__outfit)
Post by: MtnMuley on September 24, 2010, 02:46:54 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 24, 2010, 02:48:12 PM
Post by: a_bess on September 24, 2010, 03:03:07 PM
Thanks a bess. I looked at this scope, and I really wouldn't consider a 65mm scope a "compact". It is actually bigger than the Alpen I have right now. I did compare this Nikon Scope with the 60mm Leupold Sequoia, and I did like it better than the Sequoia.The diameter is obviously larger, but the length is the same as the Leupold compact scope. They are both 11 to 11.5 inches long and the Sequoia you are referring to is 15 inches. I will sacrifice having a pound of more weight in my pack for the Nikons. :tup:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 24, 2010, 03:12:15 PM
Thanks a bess. I looked at this scope, and I really wouldn't consider a 65mm scope a "compact". It is actually bigger than the Alpen I have right now. I did compare this Nikon Scope with the 60mm Leupold Sequoia, and I did like it better than the Sequoia.The diameter is obviously larger, but the length is the same as the Leupold compact scope. They are both 11 to 11.5 inches long and the Sequoia you are referring to is 15 inches. I will sacrifice having a pound of more weight in my pack for the Nikons. :tup:
a bess, I am wondering, did you compare the 65mmNikon with the 50mm Gold Ring? I know the Nikon has better glass than the Sequoia, but I am wondering if it has comparable glass to the Gold Ring.
Post by: a_bess on September 24, 2010, 06:13:00 PM
Post by: Jamieb on September 24, 2010, 07:12:51 PM
I see around two 12x40x60's a year go for $500.
I bought mine off craigslist for $500., bought new by a old guy that died without ever useing it, his wife listed the spotter, a leupold tripod, and a soft case for $300. I couldnt take it for $300 and feel good about it, $500 was all the cash I had on me.
Post by: Bean Counter on September 25, 2010, 10:55:20 AM
Someone started a Leupold HD vs. non-HD thread but it got :jacked: I love Leupold's customer service and I have confidence that the HD model is probably a lot better.
Talk about Nikon: I found the bulky/heavy Nikon 82mm ED scope on eBay with a 30x wide angle eyepiece for just under $800. I couldn't pass that up. Its a bit tough to carry long distances, but it makes all the difference in open areas. Clarity is incredible. I love the wrap around focus ring. Go with a Swarovski if you have the money. If you're willing to sacrifice 5% quality for 50%+ savings, I would buy the Nikon again in a heart beat.
What I really love about the looks of the Leupold is the compact design. Looks like if you got a good quality monopod you'd have a backpacking setup that you could carry for 10 miles of hiking with the rest of your gear.
If you really want to hear some pros analyze spotting scopes, go to a bird watching forum. They have entire discussion boards dedicated to them. Some of the birders prefer Nikon to Swaro. YMMV.
Post by: Bean Counter on September 25, 2010, 11:04:32 AM
http://www.outdooroutfitters.com/nikon-82mm-fieldscope-ed-straight-body-demo.aspx (http://www.outdooroutfitters.com/nikon-82mm-fieldscope-ed-straight-body-demo.aspx) My scope for $1,089
Disclaimer: I have neither a financial interest in either of the above two links nor have I ever shopped with them. Just a quick Google search result.
Post by: Bean Counter on September 25, 2010, 06:59:01 PM
...bought new by a old guy that died without ever useing it, his wife listed the spotter, a leupold tripod, and a soft case for $300. I couldnt take it for $300 and feel good about it, $500 was all the cash I had on me.
Jamie,
Good for you. As the book of James reads: "true religion is this: to care for widows and orphans in their distress." :tup:
Post by: actionshooter on September 25, 2010, 09:49:06 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 27, 2010, 09:13:15 AM
Pathfinder: don't be a vajayjay.
Thanks Beancounter.... :chuckle: :chuckle: The only time I need to hear that is when it comes to money... :chuckle: :chuckle:
I have looked through the HD glass and the non-HD, and I don't know that the HD is that much of a difference (at least not in the Leupolds). I'll take another look at the Nikon ED. I like the Leupold Kenai too, it's got that same focus ring...
Post by: Bean Counter on September 27, 2010, 06:06:40 PM
Its one thing if you don't have a spotter yet and all you can possibly squeeze out is $400. However, since you have one already, I'd hate to see you wanting to upgrade again in another season or two.
Oooooh yeah, the Kenai. I would love to read a review of that one. It could be a better buy than the Nikon. Again, check out some birding forums. I became a member on one and pretended to like birding--I got some great advice. Those people can really explain what HD/ED does for your optics in low light and over long distances. Best wishes and let us all know what you decide.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 28, 2010, 07:04:15 AM
I just bought a pair of Zen Ray ED binos (got them in the mail yesterday), and I am VERY impressed. I wish Zen Ray made a good spotter. For now, I am going to tend towards your advice, not be a "VaJayJay", :chuckle: and save up for the 60mm Leupy Gold Ring....
Even though there's a 50mm GR on Ebay right now, sitting at $275, I could afford it right now, and I would have it in time for this deer season... :bash: :bash:
You're right, be strong. I'll just wind up replacing it in a year....
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 28, 2010, 08:29:40 AM
-Steve
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 28, 2010, 10:04:42 AM
Post by: whacker1 on September 28, 2010, 11:00:52 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 28, 2010, 11:04:14 AM
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on September 29, 2010, 07:56:12 PM
Post by: grundy53 on September 29, 2010, 08:27:54 PM
I would almost venture a guess that the Nikon ED 60mm and the Leupold Kenai are the same scope. Same color, same features, and I know the Kenai is not actually made in the Leupold factory in Oregon... They're both pretty new (you can't find a used one anywhere), and go for the same price.
I just bought a pair of Zen Ray ED binos (got them in the mail yesterday), and I am VERY impressed. I wish Zen Ray made a good spotter. For now, I am going to tend towards your advice, not be a "VaJayJay", :chuckle: and save up for the 60mm Leupy Gold Ring....
Even though there's a 50mm GR on Ebay right now, sitting at $275, I could afford it right now, and I would have it in time for this deer season... :bash: :bash:
You're right, be strong. I'll just wind up replacing it in a year....
Lol. That's too funny I started a similar post yesterday (didn't see this one) and ended up buying that 50mm GR off eBay.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 30, 2010, 12:32:30 PM
I would almost venture a guess that the Nikon ED 60mm and the Leupold Kenai are the same scope. Same color, same features, and I know the Kenai is not actually made in the Leupold factory in Oregon... They're both pretty new (you can't find a used one anywhere), and go for the same price.
I just bought a pair of Zen Ray ED binos (got them in the mail yesterday), and I am VERY impressed. I wish Zen Ray made a good spotter. For now, I am going to tend towards your advice, not be a "VaJayJay", :chuckle: and save up for the 60mm Leupy Gold Ring....
Even though there's a 50mm GR on Ebay right now, sitting at $275, I could afford it right now, and I would have it in time for this deer season... :bash: :bash:
You're right, be strong. I'll just wind up replacing it in a year....
Lol. That's too funny I started a similar post yesterday (didn't see this one) and ended up buying that 50mm GR off eBay.
Well then I wont tell you about the one I saw in the Cabelas Bargain Cave yesterday for $245... Sorry...
I took the 50mm outside and spent a little time looking through it. The glass is very nice, but like MntMuely says, the magnification is just not enough for what I need. I'll keep saving for the Gold Ring 60mm. I did look through the Nikon 60mm ED and liked it a lot though... hmm.... more to think about.... Cabelas didn't have a 60mm Leupy for me to compare it and the Nikon sode by side (or the Kenai). Maybe next time I am up there...
Post by: BLUEBULLS on October 01, 2010, 12:18:23 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 04, 2010, 12:02:29 PM
doesn't anyone use/like Vortex?
The guy I hunted Montana with last year was using one (a 60mm). It seemed the be on about the same par with my Alpen. Better than nothing, but grainy at the long ranges we were using it for. Seemed like if I was having a hard time judging a buck, he was having the same trouble. We both vowed to upgrade...
Post by: whacker1 on October 04, 2010, 04:40:56 PM
http://www.zeiss.com/C12567A80033F8E4/?Open (http://www.zeiss.com/C12567A80033F8E4/?Open)
I have never had a chance to look through a Zeiss spotter in the field.
I am not sure, but I liked that one about the same, possibly more than the Swarovski. 1200 yards 45 inch moose looked pretty darn clear. Makes the motivation for finding a good spotter increase significantly. Sorry, I upped the price range, by about $2500 in one post. My Sequoia wouldn't have done us anygood.
Post by: Bean Counter on October 04, 2010, 09:38:50 PM
Post by: whacker1 on October 04, 2010, 10:01:42 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 09, 2010, 10:30:25 PM
I just got back the estimate from the insurance adjuster. They valued my Alpen spotter that burned up at $800 ( :yike: :yike: whatever, I am not going to argue with them... :rolleyes: ).
So, here's my dillema; I can get a new Leupold Kenai 80mm for $800. I have looked thru them, I like them, for an 80mm scope they are not too bulky or cumbersome. I think I would be perfactly happy with a Kenai.
For $200 more, I could get the Golden Ring. Less magnification, smaller objective, but of course less weight, and (I assume) better glass... :dunno:
So that really is my question; does anyone have any experience with the Kenai? I only looked thru one inside the store, and I haven't looked thru side by side with the 60mm Golden Ring (I will before I buy of course).
ALso, I could probably pick up a used 60mm Golden Ring on Ebay or Craigslist for $800 or a bit less....
Anyone have any input concerning these two scopes?
Post by: actionshooter on October 09, 2010, 10:44:22 PM
I'd have to vote for the golden ring
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 10, 2010, 10:15:23 AM