Spotting scope recommendation

GreyJay · #1 10-23-2017, 08:59 AM

This was probably covered somewhere on this forum but with new scopes popping up on the market all the time I figured I start a fresh one.

I am looking for a good all around spotting scope that is good to take into the bush and have a really good clear view. Something that you can pack in and not grumble that it weighs a million pounds after an hour of hiking.
As for the price I'm not really concerned to much.

Looking to get into sheep hunting so what would you guys recommend.

Thanks.

Stubb · #2 10-23-2017, 09:47 AM

11-33x50 vortex razor HD angled would be perfect for that. It weighs 25oz.

GreyJay · #3 10-23-2017, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubb

11-33x50 vortex razor HD angled would be perfect for that. It weighs 25oz.

Thanks was looking at those too. But was unsure about pulling the trigger on getting it or not.

bigbaddad · #4 10-23-2017, 10:48 AM

Kowa 55mm, hands down.

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bigbaddad · #5 10-23-2017, 10:49 AM

Look up the review S&S archery did.. You'll be glad if you do. An outfit called Peliwigs has great pricing out of Ontario.

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LJalberta · #6 10-23-2017, 10:58 AM

I used a Nikon ED50 13-40x this year. It worked, and I love the weight, however it certainly left me wanting a little more clarity and a little more power at the top end when sheep hunting. If money's no object and you want the best glass, I'd go for the Swaro ATX with the 65mm objective. If you're looking to keep it as light as possible, it's looks like the Kowa 550 series is the king there, but I don't have personal experience with it. I personally wouldn't recommend the Vortex 11-33x50. It might very well disappoint you when it comes to sheep hunting, although I imagine it shines for a lightweight elk/deer/bear option.

GreyJay · #7 10-23-2017, 12:01 PM

Thanks for the input. Will definitely help me narrow down my research for the one I will get.

J.B. · #8 10-23-2017, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbaddad

Kowa 55mm, hands down.

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Very interested in that scope, you don't happen to be near Lethbridge eh? Would love to give one a try...

bonedogg · #9 10-23-2017, 12:36 PM

holy cow, few posts with no mention of Swarovski? or Leica-you guys buying the vortex cool aid need a shake!!!! wow, its not even close.

bobtodrick · #10 10-23-2017, 12:49 PM

Picked up one of these last year and love it.
https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_no...MSS+8-40x+60mm

Ronji · #11 10-23-2017, 12:56 PM

I have owned a Leupold 12 x 40 for over 20 years. I would recommend it anybody, as it has performed perfectly since the day I bought it. At the time I purchased it was about $1600.00 Not sure what they go for now.

Manning74 · #12 10-23-2017, 12:57 PM

Swarovski, 20x60X65 ATM, i use a straight eye piece and find it fits in the pack alot beter than the angled eye piece

Stubb · #13 10-23-2017, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonedogg

holy cow, few posts with no mention of Swarovski? or Leica-you guys buying the vortex cool aid need a shake!!!! wow, its not even close.

I don't own a Swaro spotter but do have their binoculars and can confidently say that some of the mid range glass is in fact close, actually extremely close in image quality as the high end stuff. I use my Leupold Mojave's as first choice over my Swaro's because they're more comfortable to hold and i can't tell the difference in image quality. What's not even close... is the price.

bonedogg · #14 10-23-2017, 01:56 PM

when you say the binos, you mean the new mid range (affordable line)or the EL line? big difference in quality

Stubb · #15 10-23-2017, 02:54 PM

they are 10x40 SLC from about 15 years ago.

GreyJay · #16 10-23-2017, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonedogg

holy cow, few posts with no mention of Swarovski? or Leica-you guys buying the vortex cool aid need a shake!!!! wow, its not even close.

I went and read the s&s archery article and those were the 2 recommended as the best in the 65mm range.
Also recommends angled if you plan on doing a lot of glassing. All this hands on info is definitely helpful

alpineguy · #17 10-23-2017, 04:31 PM

Read birdwatcher reviews on spotting scopes. That's how I decided on a scope.

Jay Kyle · #18 10-23-2017, 10:28 PM

Swaro HD all the way, but there are others also good - however also spend well on the tripod to take advantage of that clarity.

When I bought my 80mm Swaro (I know the thread is about lightweight) I set it up on a Gitzu tripod at Vistek - I could read the title of the book the person was reading, sitting in a chair, on the 30th floor balcony, of a building 3 blocks away from the store.

CNP · #19 10-24-2017, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobtodrick

Picked up one of these last year and love it.
https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_no...MSS+8-40x+60mm

This one:
https://www.amazon.ca/Bushnell-15-45...spotting+scope

My wife keeps an eye on me when I'm on top of Turtle Mountain.......from Coleman. Seriously this is enough power for me and it keeps the weight down in the pack. Smaller than a 60X (+) 70-80mm scope. 60X is great if you can control the mirage in your view....but you can't. Smaller and lighter with good clarity...........I'm down with it.

elkhunter11 · #20 10-24-2017, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbaddad

Kowa 55mm, hands down.

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When I went shoppung for a spotting scope, I expected to purchase a Swarovski, but I ended up with a Kowa.

Pierre Tessier · #21 10-24-2017, 10:31 AM

I would look into a Swarovski ATS 20-60x65mm or the same 65mm body with the Wide angled 25-50x eye piece. If you prefer a straight spotter, the STS with the same eye piece would be my choice.

Glass quality will save you miles of walking when looking at sheep. Even if a spotter weighs more than others, if it is better quality glass hiking it in is well worth the compromise.

McTrigger · #22 10-24-2017, 09:04 PM

Swaro glass is top of the line I think. There are many others that come close to clarity but not to the edge that the swaro has. And the light transmission is unreal at the dawn dusk times. Can't go wrong with something like that

406gto · #23 10-26-2017, 05:25 PM

Depend's on if you want you're last & only Quality Scope, you get what you pay for, Kowa, leica, Swavorski, also before buying check them out at dusk, as it is a Big $$ purchase, you can also do research on Birding Forums for latest and greatest review's as they are Very up to date on rating , that community does a lot of Digi Scoping also, and probably use there spotting scopes 20 x more than hunter's, i compared the three above in two days because of timing in day, and left with the Kowa, it was hard between leica, until 2:00 pm in afternoon temprature was aroung 31.c, and the heat wave's was in an open field between two guy's, placed the ranking as stated above. The Vortex are OK, but they ARE NOT in the same category, Sheep hunting compact just my opion was the Minox, beauty little scope. Above scopes will Hurt $$, but you wont look back.