Rifle Scopes Which Spotting scope?

[lhensler]

Which spotting scope is the best most affordable and practical for field and range use? I have been looking at the Leupold Golden Ring line. Thought the 12-40x60 would serve me well. What do you guys suggest? Also, tripod/carrying case suggestions?
thanks,
Larry

 

[THUNDERBOLT68]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

look i have swaroski for sale and if you want to see bullet hole a long way off it is a good one. as for field work i had it in alaska side buy side of a brand new nikon scope that was about 800.00 last year. i could see all the tips of the caribou and the nikon you could not even tell if they had horns. so the guy i was hunting with returned the nikon and put swaroski in layaway. it really depends on what affordable means to you. but i assure you you get what you pay for.....

 

[dougm58]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

You really have to know what your budget is first, then buy the best scope in that range.
That said, I've read a lot of great reviews on the top of the line Vortex Razor at around $1500.

Good luck

 

[M21tactical]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

For a good quality field spotting scope that is reasonably priced try the Pentax PF-65 ED II with 20-60x eyepiece. About $700-900.

http://swfa.com/Pentax-20-60x65-ED-Spotting-Scope-P8182.aspx
http://swfa.com/Pentax-20-60x65-ED-Spotting-Scope-P8183.aspx

They have excellent high definition glass and overall quality is excellent. Another nice feature is they use standard telescope sized eyepieces, which means you will have all sorts of choices of other eyepieces. Check out the sample list for extra good deals:

http://www.samplelist.com/default.aspx?d...hide_sold=false

Also, check these out below and there are some kits with tripods to look at:

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/pentax.pl?page=pf65edii

 

[Impact]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

I had good luck with the bushnell tactical FFP mil dot for $400.

 

[robdes]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

I have been searching for a spotting scope as well- I just purchased a Swaro 65 non-ED at Bass Pro. ($1,500) I also ordered a Brunton 85 ED for $800. If the Brunton is close, the Swaro will be heading back to Bass Pro.

I was able to do a side by side comparison between the Swaro and Kowa's top of the line 85mm scope ($3,000). The Kowa was definitely brighter, but I thought that the Swaro had slightly better definition.

You should checkout this:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1039

It is a spotting scope shootout by the cornell birding dept. It should help with your decision making.


My snappy/pithy/insightful/funny/helpful/somewhat political signature line is forthcoming- keep an eye out for it. It will probably change your life.

 

[THUNDERBOLT68]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

what is ed i think you meant HD you need to compare the hd swaro they kick everyone ass

 

[THUNDERBOLT68]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

dtac, take the swaro 65 back cancel order of brunton 85 that will give you 2300.00 and buy my hd swaro with neoprene cover 450.00 value the scope could be yours for 2000.00 cabelas sells them for 2500.00 + tax and 450.00 for cover a savings of 950.00 and you will never look back

 

[THUNDERBOLT68]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

also your article you posted concluded that this guy has the swaro 65 hd and has had it for five years and is his choice

 

[robdes]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

thunderbolt-

Nice offer, but I can't swing it. I'm sure the swaro hd is fn awesome. The $1500 is already way more than i set out to spend- As my fellow gun nut brother asked me when I told him of the purchase- When does it end?

Where do you have it for sale?

 

[Deisel]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

Here is a link to his spotting scope for sale here on the Hide http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...146#Post1457146

 

[lhensler]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

Thank you all for your valuable information. It always helps to know your opinions. Looks like I'll be saving longer.
Larry

 

[scotharr]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

Kowa has great scopes in all price ranges and is very popular.

 

[M21tactical]

Re: Which Spotting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LBH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you all for your valuable information. It always helps to know your opinions. <span style="font-weight: bold">Looks like I'll be saving longer</span>.
Larry </div></div>
Well no need to wait then, lookie here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94555