Booney
Well-Known Member
I'm looking at getting a new spotting scope and just thought I would get some insight before I went shopping. Leaning towards a swarvoski 80mm.
best spoting scope
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Tony 0321
Active Member
I have a leupold gold ring hd and I love it it is extreamly crystal clear and it is also small and compact and fits in a pack nicely.It is a 12 to 40X and I have no trouble looking at very long distances to judge animals and the clarity stays through the whole magnfication range. It has served me well over 3 years so far with no problems at all and if I had to get another spotting scope I would get one of these again anyday.
To what use will you put the spotting scope? If for hunting, IMHO an 80mm of any brand will be too heavy. Look for a light weight 45-50mm objective lens that will fit in a back pack.
My spotting scopes are used in long range competition. I have a Leica 77 Televid zoom lens 10-60 and a Leitz with same lens and 80mm objective. Both are around 25 ounces, and will resolve bullet holes at 600 yds., WHEN CONDITIONS ARE OPTIMUM.
There are many good spotting scopes out there and the price range is around $85 to $4,000. Obviously, cheaper scopes may not deliver when you need them. You need to select carefully. And, be careful of used foreign made scopes. Most do not extend the factory warranty to a subsequent buyer. My Leitz was purchased used, and is in Germany riight now for repair at a cost of $965.
My spotting scopes are used in long range competition. I have a Leica 77 Televid zoom lens 10-60 and a Leitz with same lens and 80mm objective. Both are around 25 ounces, and will resolve bullet holes at 600 yds., WHEN CONDITIONS ARE OPTIMUM.
There are many good spotting scopes out there and the price range is around $85 to $4,000. Obviously, cheaper scopes may not deliver when you need them. You need to select carefully. And, be careful of used foreign made scopes. Most do not extend the factory warranty to a subsequent buyer. My Leitz was purchased used, and is in Germany riight now for repair at a cost of $965.
B23
Well-Known Member
I can't tell you what spotter is the best but I have a new Swaro 80 HD w/25-50 wide angle eye piece that is just ok. Had the non HD STS80 w/20-60 first, wasn't happy, sent it back upgraded to the HD with the 25-50 and I can see minimal difference. I've read the straight 30x eye piece gives the best clearity and I think I'm going to try that next.
For hunting I use the Leupold HD 12-40 too. Long eye relief (I wear glasses), huge field of view, lightweight for its size
Moman
Well-Known Member
I use the Leupold HD 12x40 as well. This is a real nice scope with very clear optics. The overall weight isn't too bad for packing but there are days when the mileage adds up and I wish I had one a little lighter. I stay with this one though because I hate to compromise with the clarity of these optics.
