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spotting scope advice

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Brad4213 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brad4213 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: spotting scope advice
    Posted: April/05/2014 at 17:30
Looking at purchasing a spotting scope this year. I would like to stay at a max 60-65mm objective and have a few scopes i have been looking at. I have looked at the Nikon 50mm field scope and was very impressed with it when compared to the razor hd 50mm. Ill give you guys a list of scopes i'm considering along with which ones i have personally looked though. Any input you guys may have on this will be greatly appreciated. It will be used for strictly hunting purposes and ill say my maximum budget if I really save will be $1500.
My list of considerations:
Nikon 13-30x50 ED FieldscopeNikon 13-30x50 ED Fieldscope
Stock # - NIK8320
  • Black
  • Straight Body
  • Extra-low Dispersion Glass
  • Lightweight, Ergonomic Design
  • High Grade Optics and Full Multicoating Technology
  • Nikon Digiscoping-compatible
  • Waterproof
  • Fogproof
Have viewed and very impressed with^
Vortex 11-33x50 Razor HD Spotting ScopeVortex 11-33x50 Razor HD Spotting Scope
Stock # - VORRZR50A1
  • Grey
  • Angled
  • Xtra-low Dispersion Glass
  • Waterproof
  • Fogproof
Have viewed and find to be good just more impressed with the nikon (would be getting the Strait style version, copied wrong link) ^

Zeiss 18-45x65 Dailyt Spotting ScopeZeiss 18-45x65 Dailyt Spotting Scope
Stock # - ZEI528007
  • Black
  • Straight Body
Have not seen or had hands on but am Interested due to a few reviews read in magazines and currently couldnt be happier with my zeiss rifle scope(perhaps a little brand loyalty)^

Vortex 16-48x65 Razor HD Spotting Scope Back to Top
mikefreiberg View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mikefreiberg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/07/2014 at 16:14
Brad4213,

There are always going to be a lot of opinions, but I would lean towards the Nikon ED50. I've used it now since it's introduction and I can attest for the low light gathering despite the 50mm objective. However, what has impressed me even more is watching this this fall off of a moving trash at 45MPH (oops) and survive with only a few external scratches. The optics were completely fine. Also, it is lighter than my binoculars. Hope this helps a tad. Good luck with your decision.

All the best,
Mike

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singleline View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote singleline Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2014 at 17:56
Mike gave you some good advice, the ed 50 is a great scope!  in the compact class,so is the leupold gold ring.. There is one compact you may also want to consider, the bushnell legend HD 12-36x50.
This scope also has ED glass & is fully multi coated, it has 19mm of eye relief & a huge field of view.
Great little scope for the $$.


Good luck with your purchase. Robert

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stickbow46 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/09/2014 at 07:20
Welcome to the OT mikefreiberg &singleline!
 
Brad take a look at the test done by Ilya on his sight opticsthoughts,he does the best reviews around & they are very informative.
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
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Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/09/2014 at 14:58
I have owned or used (in the field) all of your options except the ProStaff.

The two best optically are the Razor 65 and Zeiss.  The Razor does perform similarly to the 85, IME (save for the lack of magnification).  The Zeiss is short on eye relief and doesn't control CA quite as well as the Razor, but has an awesome build quality and very nice optics.

The Leupy is good optically and has phenomenal eye relief.  It is also really compact and light for a 60mm spotter.

I owned the ED50 and currently have the Razor 50, and I prefer the Razor for the dual focus and aluminum build/ armor.  Optically they are a wash, IMO.  If you are going for a 50, the Razor 50 is a great choice.

For hunting the Leupy, Zeiss, and Razor 65 are all great options, with the Razor being my personal favorite of the bunch (and it comes in angled if you desire).
-Matt
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Brad4213 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brad4213 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/10/2014 at 21:38
Thank you for your replies gentlemen. I think i have decided on the Razor, even before posting this, its at a great price and when i compared the 85mm to an Alfa scope it held its own, to me, it wasnt equal but what it lacked, which was very very little it didnt justify a $1000+ price difference. And since bitterroot has said the 65 performs similarly to the 85, it pretty much just sealed the Deal. Now to save up. Thank you for your input everyone.


-Brad

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Brad4213 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brad4213 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2014 at 22:44
Well tag results are in! I drew my first antelope tag in Nevada as well as a Late season mule deer tag, unfortunately shortly after applying for tags my truck decided it wanted to quit on me. Major bummer, I really loved that truck, but i got a replacement but unless by some miracle i can sell some stuff quick i am out of the market for a spotter at the moment.... Funny how life works, get money saved up and all of a sudden an "unexpected expense" arises just in time to take that money back. Oh well, here's hoping to a couple filled tags this year,(really tired of tag soup every fall) hope everyone had as much luck in the draw as I. Again i would like to thank everyone for your insight and opinions. It really means a lot to me.

Sincerely,
Brad
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Brad4213 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brad4213 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/03/2014 at 19:17
Managed to scrounge up some money and got the Leupold Gold Ring compact spotting scope off the sample list yesterday. This is my first spotter and will put it to the test next month for antelope and again for mule deer in October. Will let you all know my thoughts on it after is spend some time with it. Worst case I save up after this season and get a new one next year Big Grin
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Brad4213 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brad4213 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/09/2014 at 20:10
Got my spotting scope from the sample list today and i couldn't be happier with it. It was a demo C item but it still looks better than half of my equipment that only has 2 seasons on it. I am very pleased with SWFA and also pleased with the quality of the product i recieved. It is my first spotting scope and im hoping to put it to good use this year. Thank you everyone for your help on here. Hopefully i will have some pictures from successful hunts this year.


Thanks again, 
Brad
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