Well - weight is part of it! I'm looking for a light weight / somewhat compact spotting scope for backpack hunts where I'm typically packing the game out and looking for space/weight saving.
Always trying to optimize my gear; truck, rifle, backpack etc - and as the years and personal pounds grow I'm trying to lighten up.
I've done some searching here and other places. In the 1k-1.2k range or less (preferably) it seems that the Kowa TSN-881, a Pentax 65ED or one of the Nikon models might be the right choice for a relatively small - packable scope with good clarity? I hear about the Leopold but have been generally unimpressed with them when I picked one up @ bass pro or cabelas.
Also heard of the Minox as being a good glass in the $500-600 dollar range?
I've lugged the big scopes and tried to find a safe spot for them in the pack while loading roasts and backstraps... but what I'm looking for is something lighter and to still have the clarity - edge to edge (within reason) for the money. Am I reading that the Kowa, Pentax and a Nikon are in the right category? I can't afford a Sw, Leica etc...
Also warming up to the angled eyepiece. Running a Tred Barta Eberlstock pack with big side pockets which will accomodate either - but when I run a smaller pack - I want it to "tuck" somewhere - especially when loaded for the hike out.
Thoughts on those and any recomendations on specific models? Consider clarity -weight - size per dollar probably.
Always trying to optimize my gear; truck, rifle, backpack etc - and as the years and personal pounds grow I'm trying to lighten up.
I've done some searching here and other places. In the 1k-1.2k range or less (preferably) it seems that the Kowa TSN-881, a Pentax 65ED or one of the Nikon models might be the right choice for a relatively small - packable scope with good clarity? I hear about the Leopold but have been generally unimpressed with them when I picked one up @ bass pro or cabelas.
Also heard of the Minox as being a good glass in the $500-600 dollar range?
I've lugged the big scopes and tried to find a safe spot for them in the pack while loading roasts and backstraps... but what I'm looking for is something lighter and to still have the clarity - edge to edge (within reason) for the money. Am I reading that the Kowa, Pentax and a Nikon are in the right category? I can't afford a Sw, Leica etc...
Also warming up to the angled eyepiece. Running a Tred Barta Eberlstock pack with big side pockets which will accomodate either - but when I run a smaller pack - I want it to "tuck" somewhere - especially when loaded for the hike out.
Thoughts on those and any recomendations on specific models? Consider clarity -weight - size per dollar probably.
