Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: kglacken on May 09, 2012, 10:44:06 AM

Title: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: kglacken on May 09, 2012, 10:44:06 AM: I am looking at getting a spotting scope before bear season and elk season come around. I was wondering what you guys think the best spotting scopes are for under $500. things i am interested in are obviously clarity, weight, durability and how well they perform in the rain. Any advice helps. Thank you!
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: BuckHunter23 on May 09, 2012, 10:52:46 AM: Keep an eye on camofire.com. They frequently have a couple different Nikon spotting scopes pop up at nearly 50% off. Just yesterday they had the Nikon Prostaff 20-60x82 on sale for $389.98. Says it retails for $799.99. Not sure of the quality, but generally speaking Nikon seems to put out quality stuff. My bro bought the smaller version from the site for about $100 less I think. He likes it a lot. Something to think about. Others here may have better feedback on this and other scopes though.
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: huntnfmly on May 09, 2012, 10:53:31 AM: I use alpens they work great and you get alot for your money
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: huntnphool on May 09, 2012, 10:55:51 AM: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=79724.msg1004166#msg1004166
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: Jamieb on May 13, 2012, 06:29:55 PM: watch the clasifides and craigslist. I got my Leupold goldring W/leupold tripod like new for $500. off craigslist.
Title: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: iRem on May 13, 2012, 07:17:54 PM: I would second the Alpen optics if your on a budget. They are half the price of the top brands with some good quality and clarity!
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: scottfrick on May 13, 2012, 07:26:33 PM: I like my vortex nomad 20x60x60 spotting scope. The price was right and the glass is super clear. The warranty is awesome too.
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: huntnnw on May 13, 2012, 10:00:41 PM: vortex
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: 400out on May 13, 2012, 10:16:08 PM: Nikon all day! Watch camofire ;)
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: Bull Crazy on May 26, 2012, 10:34:18 PM: I had the 20x-60x Nikon Prostaff and it was really clear but I had a hard time seeing at 60x. Probably going to go with the 16x-48x or save for the Swarkoski 65mm. Don't know if this helps or not.
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: JPhelps on May 26, 2012, 10:36:50 PM: The ones I have looked through I would say Vortex. Get a hold of Elknut, he is great to deal with. I just ordered my Vortex PST rifle scope from him. :tup:
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: ellensburgpo on June 29, 2012, 09:35:01 PM: My vote is for a leupold golden ring compact spotting scope. Two buddies have them and they are good scopes for the price. There is one for sale in the classified page for 275. Good deal. If I didn't already have a full size Leupold spotting scope I'd be all over it. Plus it's a leupold golden ring product so you know it's well made and they'll stand behind it.

You do lose some performance with the smaller scope compared to a full size Leupold. However it is significantly cheaper the the full size and weighs a lot less.

Just stay away from the wind river scope from a few years ago. I bought one of those and I defiantly got what I paid for.
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: colockumelk on June 30, 2012, 11:24:14 PM: Save up the extra $150 and buy the Vortex Viper HDs in 15-45x65mm. That $150 extra you spend isn't that much more to save up but will equal a HUGE boost in quality.
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: Deep Forks on July 01, 2012, 01:01:19 AM: Vortex gets my money. :tup:
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: silverdalesauer on July 02, 2012, 10:41:12 PM: Quote from: JPhelps on May 26, 2012, 10:36:50 PM
The ones I have looked through I would say Vortex. Get a hold of Elknut, he is great to deal with. I just ordered my Vortex PST rifle scope from him. :tup:

I've done about 3-4 months of research on optics and am about ready to buy... all points leading toward Vortex Nomad spotting scope and a new Vortex Diamondback. I really like the quality, the clarity, and the price!
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: summit creek on July 28, 2012, 07:00:32 PM: leupold life warranty made in oregon u cant go wrong
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: dvolmer on August 09, 2012, 10:12:12 AM: Vortex Nomad is the best for the money hands down. Best warranty there is. if it brakes they will fix or replace even if you whack it with a sledge hammer on purpose! Don't have to be original owner and don't need proof of purchase. No one else can even come close to warranty. Optics shatter anything in the field for the same price. Talk to the guys at Sportsmans and Wholesale Sports and they will all tell you the best glass for the money hands down no comparison at all! I think they around $250-$350 I cant remember which.
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: scottfrick on August 09, 2012, 08:31:19 PM: Quote from: dvolmer on August 09, 2012, 10:12:12 AM
Vortex Nomad is the best for the money hands down. Best warranty there is. if it brakes they will fix or replace even if you whack it with a sledge hammer on purpose! Don't have to be original owner and don't need proof of purchase. No one else can even come close to warranty. Optics shatter anything in the field for the same price. Talk to the guys at Sportsmans and Wholesale Sports and they will all tell you the best glass for the money hands down no comparison at all! I think they around $250-$350 I cant remember which.
:yeah: :tup:
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: deleted BGS on August 09, 2012, 09:09:36 PM: +1 for the nomad, i ordered mine yesterday!
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: link on August 12, 2012, 07:50:46 PM: The best spotter for $500 is going to be a used one.
Title: Re: Best Spotting Scope under $500
Post by: Crunchy on August 12, 2012, 09:18:00 PM: Quote from: link on August 12, 2012, 07:50:46 PM
The best spotter for $500 is going to be a used one.

BINGO!