Cabelas' Big Sky HD Spotting Scopes

I have been looking at the Cabelas' Big Sky HD spotting scopes. Does anyone have experience using these scopes? How do they compare to other mid level scopes, ie: Nikon Prostaff, Leupold Sequoia, etc...?

This one would a better spotter and cheaper. Mike McDonald who is a member here has one and he loves it. I sold it to him about 4 months ago.

Edited by Chris Farris II - January/26/2010 at 16:58

You could buy a best grade Leica and do better than the Vortex Skyline ED,

It's really hard to compare scopes in that environment. Aiming an 80mm at a dark corner 75 yards away seems a little light on the testing requirements for a purchase anywhere between $500 & $2500. Does anybody know who makes the Big Sky HD for Cabelas? I have heard a rumor that it may be Sightron but they obviously won't confirm that rumor. I love the fact that they have no problem disclosing that the highend optics are made by Meopta but are completely mum on who makes the lower end optics.

If the Skyline is comparable to those highend scopes, in your opinion, would you claim that the Razor is superior to those scopes?

Haven't lloked through a Razor spotter, but I have spent a reasonable amount of time with the Razor Rifle scope. Would surmise that the best grade Vortex would be above the Swaro and Kowa and I'd love to do a side by side with the Leica.  That's pretty rare air.

I've been told the Vortex Skyline is a great value, and works very well like MM said.  However, let's not kid one another.  The Kowa spotters, in particular the Prominar models are among the best, or are the best spotters in the world, bar none.  The Nikon ED Fieldscopes, Zeiss Fl, Swaro HD are all very close.  I also believe the Vortex Razor spotter will be very competetive, but not better.  A better value for sure.  

I looked at the 20-60 66mm hd in the store and it seemed pretty nice. I ordered the 27-80 80mm HD. Being a cabela's club member I am getting it for $499 -$75 coupon. The total with shipping is $444 and they are also giving me a free tripod. Seems like a good deal. I will do some testing when I get it. I will be gone till the middle of the month. When I get back I will let you know how it does. I have a couple of minox 62 ed and a bushmaster spacemaster to compare it with. I would also like to hear other review if anyone has them.

sorry,  bushnell not bushmaster spacemaster spotter.

I spent some time over the weekend looking through the Big Sky HD 20-60 X 66. I am by no means an expert but was pretty impressed with the clarity of scope. I was out around dusk and could focus on deer at around a mile away. If there had been bucks in the herd, I believe I could have determined points.