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Spotting scope Recommendations

Johnnypaycheck

Johnnypaycheck

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 28, 2024
Messages
51
Location
Wisconsin
Hello all new here and I am looking for spotting scope recommendations? have never had one before, was always a bino on a tripod guy but recently thinking i may want to have a spotter. My buddy has a swaro and its bad *** but im not looking to spend 2k. I know they say buy once cry once but looking to spend under $1k, currently looking at a leupold SX-4 pro Guide 20-60x85 angled ? thoughts? any other recommendations? thanks all
 
Last edited:
Are you just trying to just spot game, or also determine trophy caliber. Two different requirements when determining quality of spotters.

If you will be using it for at least 10 seasons, spend $2,000 or more, and get quality. And a good tripod to go with it.

20 years ago, I started cheap, like you are describing. I never kept them around for more than 2 years. Kept working my way up the ladder. What a bunch of dinking around. I finally bought a very nice Konus spotter (over $2,000), and am amazed at the quality. Bullet holes at 600 yards, and sticker points and kickers at 1200+ yards.

Like you said...buy once, cry once. You'll be glad you did.
 
Midway has some good sales on optics right now, that might be worth checking out. I'd also watch for used spotters to pop up. I'm sure the Leupold you mentioned would be a great option.

I'm not on board with the idea that everyone needs to own the absolute best glass available, no matter the cost. A good mid-range optic from a reputable company like Kowa, Vortex, Bushnell, Leupold, or many others will work just fine.
 
Get the best you can, even if you have to save a little longer.

It's because 1k and below don't do well at higher magnifications. The color and overall image isn't as good either.

I don't know if you'd even be using it as much as you might think. I personally hate bringing spotters, because they always weight a ton to pack in as far and steep as I often find myself.

Once I find elk, I really only use larger optics for confirming legalities really. Inside 1000y it's really not even necessary unless counting tines is your thing.
 
Swarovski is just awesome. Get a used one, if you can find one. Even if it has some damage to the objective lens. You will never notice a little scratch on the lens. Ask me how I know.

I have a Leupold Gold Ring. Good scope, but it has its limits. It's pretty lightweight, but measuring an Aoudad at 1000 yards is a bit tough, unless he's obviously a toad. Telling the difference between 27" and 30" is a challenge.

I just bought a SX-5 SANTIAM HD 27-55X80 recently. I have not used it in the field yet, but have used lower quality Leupold spotters and, for the money, it's a solid piece of glass.

If you go used, you will have to look around pretty hard, but that's what I'd do if I lost my gear.
 
I have the smaller Vortex Razor 22-48X65. It's great for size and portability but I would have rather gone with a full sized spotter since I don't pack in anymore. Also if you use it at the range, a full size is much better.
I agree with the other posts where the old saying of you get what you pay for. Swaro, Kowa, Leica, Vortex Razor are all good and you should find them used or on sale. Sometimes eurooptic has really good deals on higher end optics.
 
For the money Mavens are real nice. Vortex Razor(not the small one) are good enough for what most people will use spotter for, and great warranty( you will have to use it).

But if you're wanting to see real detail Swaro, top end Leica, Ziess or Kowa is the way to go. When you go up in power quality of glass real starts to matter. I've used a lot of spotters and if you plan on using it a lot buy the best
 
I have the previous generation Vortex Razor 16-48x60 and it's a very good spotter. I can see 7mm bullet holes at 600yds on white paper and can assess animals at distance. It is a MAJOR improvement vs the Vortex Viper HD I had previously in resolution. Is it a Swaro / Kowa..no, but you can likely find a used one for $400-600.
 

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