spotting scope question

[SWODM3]

So I am looking at picking up a new spotting scope but am unsure what size to get. I hunt elk and sheep with a bit of bear as my main scope hunting needs. My question is for those who pack hunt and burn lots of boot leather would you rather have a 20X - 60X with an 85mm objective spotting scope or a 16X - 48X objective size 65mm scope. I have never had a 20x- 60x and am unsure if its worth the extra size? Keep in mind the scope is used 60% in pre season scouting and 40% hunting with all the gear. Also I'm looking at a vortex if that makes a difference to anyone.

[Smokinyotes]

I can't speak for sheep hunting but I think the 20-60x85 might be a little big if your packing it on your back. IMO the only vortex spotting scope worth buying is the razor.

[Coiloil37]

I've got a 65mm razor and its a good size for packing. Any bigger and I wouldn't take it as often. I also agree with the previous post, if your getting a vortex get the razor. I got mine from cameralandny for $950.

[bcpappy]

I had a cheap Vortex 20-60x60 spotter that never focused well at higher power and didn't pick up very much light but it weighed noticeably less than the Zeiss I use now. The Zeiss is a 20-60x85 and it is way better than the previous scope. Although its heavier, I walk less than I did before because I can judge better from a distance. I bought a lighter pack and a lighter sleeping bag to off-set the added ounces of the heavy 85mm spotter, and ended up with slightly less loaded pack weight than before. I use my spotter all season, not just mountain hunting. Good glass is worth the small amount of extra weight to me.

[Lr1000]

Get the 65mm. I find the 80 way to big for the pack and you don't really need the extra zoom IMO. I have a vortex razor, great bang for your buck.

[lakebesnard]

I agree with Lr1000 go with the 65mm objective lens. As for Make ... go with the best quality that you can afford ... I watched this forum and other sale sites for a year and a half and got a nearly new Swarovski 20-60 HD with 65 mm objective for just over a thousand dollars ... a great deal for that scope.

[510-Gem]

I picked up a meopta 75mm objective with an angled 20-60 eyepiece. Paid just under $1500 shipped and couldn't be happier with the quality, weight and ease of use. Check out bushcraft canada online. Loads of quality optics at good prices.

[Eric hunter]

I had a viper hd 65 mm and sold it as it was too big for me. I use now a Nikon 50mm which I like a lot.

[J.B.]

Picked up a 11-33x50 razor hd last summer, and im very happy with it. Pack it pretty much everywhere, good clear glass, not to heavy. Its no swarovski, but its better than the ziess dialyt i was playing with before i bought this one.

[waterhaulerhunter]

I've also been in the same predicament for a bit now and have been looking at the viper hd and the razor hd. At the moment it's down to the 16-45 razor hd and the 20-60 viper hd. I feel like the quality of the razor will make up for the lack of zoom. The viper hd will probably start getting fuzzy around 45-50 anyways and I've heard the razor is sharp right to max zoom. Just my thoughts though.

[SWODM3]

Thanks for the help! It is the razor hd that I plan on buying once I solve my mental battle on what size to buy. If anyone has one I'm wondering how max zoom in either of these sizes is for the fuzzy factor. I glass from ridges and valleys so I know the larger scope sounds like a wise choice its just the weight factor that comes into play or is it really not necessary?

[Lr1000]

So much comes into play for you to actually be able to use 60 power. If it's to hot or windy it's useless. I seem to only use it at 45 anyways.

[Segundo]

I made due with a leupold 12x40 for 20 years now ....

Scratched up, seen some country, and still going.

[PartTimeHunter]

What works for at the range? Do you need 60x to see your shots at 400 yards? Have been thinking about picking one up too. I know I need the exercise but 21 trips to a 400 yard target to mark shots could get annoying and would only work if I had the range to myself. Wouldn't have to worry about the barrel heating up I guess Maybe all cold shots though....

[dadof5]

X2

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

I can't speak for sheep hunting but I think the 20-60x85 might be a little big if your packing it on your back. IMO the only vortex spotting scope worth buying is the razor.

[Zuludog]

If you are worried about the weight the Razor HD comes in a nice 11x33 size too. Hope this doesn't make your decision making more difficult.

[pottymouth]

I got the 85..It's funny when the smaller guys are beside you, how they always want to look through the 85..... I know of 2 rams that guys couldn't decide if they were legal, that the 85 more than helped them out. I've sat back and watched many people burn leather, for no reason other than a disappointing better look.

Boots and optics, never cheap out on !

[SWODM3]

Pottymouth you just made my life so much harder haha. I know ill like the larger of the two but I guess ill have to go put the two of them side by side.

[elkhunter11]

I have an 88mm Kowa TSN 883. It's bigger than I would like for packing, but I can see detail that I just couldn't see with the smaller scopes.

[HOSS]

How is the KOWA priced to the Vortex?

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by HOSS

How is the KOWA priced to the Vortex?

Around $2800 with gst for the Kowa. They do make many other models that are lower priced.

[Roughneck Country]

Go with the 65 I find in most basins its more than enough scope sometimes too much. I run a swarovski HD with the wide angle lens though. 80mm is a lot to pack any distance on foot