Rifle Scopes Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

[samnev]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I have the Leupold 12-40x60 HD Gold Ring Spotter and I used it to resolve 30 cal holes to 450 yards with no problem. Can be had if you look around in kit form with window mount, tripod, camera adapters and hard case for between $1200 and $1400.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I just posted this on another thread that was asking a similar question. I apologize in advance if the double posting is an inconvenience or causes anyone heartburn:

If you can find one, the old M49 US military spotting scopes are superb.

Optics were the best your tax dollars could buy c. 1970's and early '80s. Built like tanks. Cases. bags, tripods, etc. all intended for rugged field use and beautifully made.

They can be had for a few $hundred and the lower cost units will require refurb. But even with rebuild (there are specialists), they can stack up to the best modern units for a lot less $. No milling reticles or fancy stuff. Just the absolute best in glass and tough enough to use as tread chocks for tanks.

M49 is my scope of choice and my un-refurbed unit, though ugly, has seen a boatload of field use in all conditions, mainly reading license plates to amazing distances. The Swaro, Leupie, Zeiss, and other units are very up to date and fantastic quality w. great ranging reticles. Have not seen a USO unit, but bet it's superb. But most of these are 4 - 8x price of M49...

Watch for one on eBay or GB and happy bidding. You won't be disappointed.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[TASKER]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I got my Spotter 60 today and for those who have never seen the reticle on the Spotter 60 here it is:

...at 20x

...and at 60x

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

Your Spotter 60 reticle is slightly different than pictured online. There are no half dots at the ends of the "L". That scope has an incredible FOV.

 

[ratton]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I got a Kowa 883 Prominar and can say it blows away the Leica, Zeiss and Swarovskis.
Crystal clear and much cheaper than three listed above. Got a great price from Creedmore Sports. They will beat anyones price too.

 

[TASKER]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I reason I use the Zeiss is for ranging unknown distance targets. Can you do that with the Prominar? I know the Spotter 60 is WAY more than expensive, but for what it does it does so clearer and less obstructed than anything else out there. I mean I could say the Hubble has better glass than the Zeiss, but does it have a reticle? I'm not trying to be inflammatory, just my weird sense of humor! Have a GREAT weekend and holiday!

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: One-Eyed Jack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know whether the Vortex Razor's eyepiece fits any other brand of scope, like the Kowa, Zeiss or Leica? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Razor's "tactical" eyepiece could be used on another scope? </div></div>

Wellllll, we could find out!

 

[TASKER]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

That would be just too simple now wouldn't it! Why didn't anyone ask that before?

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jinta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've bought a Zeiss 85T* FL (straight) a little while ago... after having compared looking at holes on paper target with the Swarovski STS 80HD in bright tropical sun for one afternoon... I think I would prefer the Swarovski over Zeiss. Both are great and able to spot holes on paper but I just felt at the time that the Swarovski was better (for me). </div></div>

Probably because your Zeiss spotter was really a Meopta....

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

For best pure image quality, Kowa Prominar 88mm

The Razor HD will get the job done for most and the 30x wide angle reticled eyepiece is a relatively cheap add-on. Eye relief is short, though, but it's a great spotter reticle.

The Recon 15x50 is available for under $600...under $500 and your dealer isn't making any money.

Scott

 

[spotswood]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I am using a new Kowa Prominar 88mm lens. It is superb and am very pleased with the quality and construction.

 

[ChrisF]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

With out looking thru the actual spotter 60 , there is probably very good reasons its a L shape .

But forgetting about the shape for a minute , I still see No reason why its not large & small hashmarks ( ie 1/2 mil grads or less ) as well as numbered for the mathematically challenged amoung us .

As for there Tac rifle scopes , they will need to change the reticle to something more like the P4F or better & update the knobs with zero stop & indicators before I will ever dream of dropping that sort of money on Glass , untill them I will stay happy buying S&B PMIIs .

Later Chris

 

[Pete E]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

Did you give thisa try Scott?

Also could you explain your comments about the Zeiss really being a Meopta??

 

[hydro556]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LibertyOptics</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For best pure image quality, Kowa Prominar 88mm

The Razor HD will get the job done for most and the 30x wide angle reticled eyepiece is a relatively cheap add-on. Eye relief is short, though, but it's a great spotter reticle.

The Recon 15x50 is available for under $600...under $500 and your dealer isn't making any money.

Scott </div></div>

Are people finding issue with the shortness of the eye relief? As you know, I just ordered one of the Razor HD's with both eyepieces. I dont wear glasses or anything, but I hate having to fight to get a full sight picture.

 

[propulsionclimbing]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I upgraded from a Swarovski STS 80 HD to the Kowa Prominar TSN-883. I have looked through the best Swarovksi, Leica, and Zeiss have to offer. My choice was the Kowa Prominar. The 88mm objective makes them extraordinarily bright, and the clarity is better than anything I have looked through. Besides, Scott at Liberty Optics will hook you up with a great price. If you are looking for the best image quality, the Kowa Prominar is it.

 

[hydro556]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I was planning on doing the same thing and saving up for a Prominar. Due to the fact that I was very impressed with my $700 Kowa TSN and the fact that people I trust said it was likely the best of the best concerning image quality.

What changed my mind was a couple things. One, I really wanted a reticle in the eyepiece for calling corrections when spotting for friends, and I also realized the same thing that a lot of other guys are seeing. That is, that image quality usually isnt the limiting factor. I think the $700 Kowa I had, had plenty good IQ.

So, I decided to save $$ and get the Razor HD. Based on my other experience with Vortex, I am sure that the scope will have awesome image quality and be a great bargain. Plus, I will get the reticle.

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

In case anyone is wondering here is a pic of the reticle that comes with our 30x wa R/T eyepiece.

Scott

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: biodegraded</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

As I said I will get a video review up, but seriously the Vortex line of spotters are nice for both the manicured range crowd and field use. Its a functional piece of kit of sure.</div></div>

I'm looking forward to the review. One question I have after seeing 7(!) different mounts in their "VMS Kit" is if the scope has a regular ol' 1/4"x20tpi nut in the housing to screw on to a standard tripod. </div></div>Yep, it will fit on most tripods.



Scott

 

[DogboneS]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scott_at_Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: biodegraded</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

As I said I will get a video review up, but seriously the Vortex line of spotters are nice for both the manicured range crowd and field use. Its a functional piece of kit of sure.</div></div>

I'm looking forward to the review. One question I have after seeing 7(!) different mounts in their "VMS Kit" is if the scope has a regular ol' 1/4"x20tpi nut in the housing to screw on to a standard tripod. </div></div>Yep, it will fit on most tripods.



Scott </div></div>

The Recon monocular has 1/4-20 mounting points on the left and right sides. Screwing right onto a photo tripod, the reticle will be rotated 90 degrees, unless you can stand your mount surface up vertically.

 

[Barney88PDC]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LibertyOptics</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: One-Eyed Jack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know whether the Vortex Razor's eyepiece fits any other brand of scope, like the Kowa, Zeiss or Leica? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Razor's "tactical" eyepiece could be used on another scope? </div></div>

Wellllll, we could find out! </div></div>

So whats the verdict?

 

[DogboneS]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

I'll snap a pic of the mounting lugs this evening, but you'll have to consider that recipient spotter would need to be optically designed the same in lens positions, and focal powers, for the scale to be accurate.

 

[DogboneS]

Re: Spotting Scope - which one? High end!

Here is the actual eyepiece for reference