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Author Topic: Spotting scope opinions  (Read 2199 times)

Offline bowpredator

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Spotting scope opinions
« on: November 12, 2018, 10:28:55 AM »
Going to be getting a new Vortex spotter. Would like some opinions /experience on size to buy.  Was looking at 20-60x85 for glassing big country for deer/ elk in areas like E-Washington/ Eastern Montana, but also will be using spotter for Backcountry Hunting . Would you go with the 85 or a smaller 65 or 50.

Offline theleo

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2018, 11:05:02 AM »
Depends on what your wanting to do. If your'e envisioning spending hours upon hours looking through your spotter picking apart country go with the 85. If you're looking more at using the spotter to get a better look at what you found with your binocs I'd get the 65. I've never much been a fan of 50mm spotters as they always seem to give up on me to early in the evenings.

Offline deerhunter_98520

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2018, 07:21:42 PM »
I've got the 85 and absolulty love it
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Offline Crunchy

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2018, 07:28:41 PM »
If you are going Vortex look at the Razor line.  Otherwise you might not be too happy when you are glassing at 700 yards at 40 power and you cant see any detail.  Spend the money for good glass.

Offline Stein

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2018, 07:35:32 PM »
85 is $999 on Camofire now, I was trying to scratch up the dough.

Offline jackelope

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2018, 07:45:57 PM »
85mm is a huge spotter to carry around backcountry hunting. I wish I had 2. I really like mine aside from it’s size.
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

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Offline BeerBugler

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2018, 08:41:35 PM »
Go with a quality 65. I have an 80 because it was a deal I couldn’t pass up, I love it when I’m looking through it but too many times I’ve had too leave it in the truck because it is just too big for some hunts. My plan for next year is to buy a 65 and keep the 80 in the truck. Above all else, get the best you can afford.

Offline huntindoc

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #7 on: November 23, 2018, 08:42:59 PM »
If packing, go with 65 mm. 

Offline Magnum_Willys

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #8 on: November 23, 2018, 08:47:05 PM »
I dont take my 65 sometimes.  Id take an 85 less.

Offline bigfish51

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2018, 09:14:18 PM »
I have the Razor models.  One is the big 85 and last year I picked up the small 50mm. I use the 50 for my pack around model and like others have said, it works good to 1,000 yards or so, but does lose light a little earlier than the 85.  I used to pack the 85 around for miles, but it gets heavy. You can’t beat it for super long distance and low light though!  You’ll be happy with either one

Offline fowl smacker

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2018, 11:06:35 PM »
I have a Vortex Razor HD in 65 straight and pack it everywhere.   Good size/zoom ratio.

Offline bowpredator

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Re: Spotting scope opinions
« Reply #11 on: December 19, 2018, 03:03:37 PM »
Thanks for all the input. I ended up pulling the trigger on the Vortex Viper 85mm . Haven’t had it in the field yet looking for critters but have set it up and skoped out objects down in the Orting valley from my place up on the ridge in Puyallup. Pretty impressed with it so far.

 


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