Hey all curious what you guys are using for a hunting spotting scope. I'm in the market for one and the options obviously are a little overwhelming. I'll start with budget $2000-$3000. This will be used for Hunting and long range shooting purposes. Thus far I have looked into the Vortex Razor HD 27-60x85 and the Leupold SX5 HD 27-55x80. Anyone with field experience with these two? Also open to other suggestions as well. Before all the Swarovski guys get in on it if I had the budget I would go that route. As I have a hunting partner that has one and it is amazing. He even named it the "gods eye".
Spotting Scopes
- Thread starter LRDesert
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If you want a large, heavier scope that gives up nothing optically to just about anything, try the Kowa Prominar 88. Compares directly with the Swaro 85. Can be had in your budget. For a smaller, more packable scope, the Swaro 65 is tough to beat for an all around scope.
With that budget I would be looking past the Vortex and Leupold. The Swarovski 85 ATS or STS is in your budget. We mostly run these at work and are fantastic. My personal one is a Kowa 66 Prominar and to get any better I think you would have to step up in price to the swaro, very little difference in optical quality. I just got two more spotters for work and ordered Kowas. I could get 2x spotters and 2x 2-Vets carbon tripods (Plus 2 heads- bowl and ball) for the price of the 2 Swaros.
gr8fuldoug
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In the price range you're in I would suggest either a Swarovski or a Kowa. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss options
I'll give you a call when back from my deer hunt thanks.
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
Meopta Meostar S2 20-70×82 is a fantastic choice as well.
imyourhuckleberry
Well-Known Member
Within your budget given you can not make a bad choice optically. Kowa, Swaroski, Leica, Nikon and so on become a matter of personal preference. I would recommend going to some of the birding websites and they usually have some great articles on the pros and cons for spotting scopes.
Corvalliscory
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- Aug 15, 2011
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Meopta S2, Kowa 773 or 883 should all be at the top of the list and still have money for a good tripod all for under $3000 if you shop around. @gr8fuldoug should be able to get you hooked up.
gr8fuldoug
Official LRH Sponsor
Today began the $400.00 instant rebate on the Kowa 880 series 
I've got the Nightforce TS82....it's an awesome scope. Same scope as the Meopta.
Spd522
Well-Known Member
I have the Swaro ATS 65 25-60. It was in the low $2k range including cover and two camera mounts.
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Jack C Patterson
Well-Known Member
Ive got the Razor 27x60x85, it's a great scope. Glass is very good, but it's just to heavy to pack
