Spotting scope reviews

[T Bone]

Looking for opinions of personal experience with scopes. I am looking at 50-60 mm objectives for zooming in for more detail on critters way out there. Please share both good and bad.

[danr55]

T-Bone, as long as you stick with quality optiks, you should be just fine. I've had excellent performance from B&L, Nikon, Leica, and Seeadler. Naturally, the better it gets, the more expensive it is. About the best compromise I've found between price and performance are Nikon and Seeadler.

:cool:

[Leet]

I too have been thinking of getting one but I need one that is packable. What about Leopold or Burris? Anyone have any thought on them?

[T Bone]

Anything is backpackable!!! I'd love to drop some money on a Swaro or Leica scope but can't stretch the funds that far. I'm fine with settling with something in the middle. Maybe Nikon, Pentax, Kowa, B & L, or Leupold. In the middle range I'v noticed some optics are very mediocre and some are much better.

Of the ones I've looked through so far:

I have looked through the Leupold Gold Ring compact 10-20 x40 mm. Its tiny and light and clear and bright. But I want a little more poop. Looking for top end magnification in the 30 -40 range so I can count rings on those rams!

The Leupold wind river Sequoia wasn't impressive to me. Eye relief was extremely limited.

At a camera shop I looked through a Kowa 20-40x50. I liked it alot. Very clear and bright, and lightweight. I wasn't sure about the weather resistance and ruggedness......

I'll keep trolling around.

More reviews anyone?

[Ridge Runner]

T- Bone. Have you looked at the new Leupold gold ring 15x30x50?? I have researcherd this one some and looks to be pretty good. Small enough to use without a tripod, very packable and a leupold. I am in between this one and the Nikon xl spotter but leaning more towards the Leupold. Hope this helps

[Quarter Round]

Bushnell Spacemaster 15x45-60mm. This scope a present from the wife several years ago and I'm still satisfied with it. Used on a regular basis and hauled all over the country. Good clarity and eye relief with fair light collecting quality. Can judge the spurs on a gobbler at 400 yds, but at 45X and deep dusk it is difficult to see the points of a bucks rack at same distance. This scope is a little heavy.

Buriss Compact 12x24-50. This scope came with the Burris rifle scope offer this summer. Light and small are the good features. The clarity is fair with focus adjustment touchy and depth of field shallow. Light collecting quality is fair minus. Eye relief is poor. Yes, it is a useable field scope, but better scopes can be found in the same price range.

[1_pointer]

For the price, I like the Nikon XL. Also, check out Minox, they're a subsidiary of Leica. I saw some screaming deals on their spotters ealier this year.

[Oak]

I've got a Kowa TSN822, which is their 82mm objective scope. The quality of the optics is good, but I dropped the scope and cracked the synthetic case. It cost me $160 to have that replaced. The point: I'm not sure how durable the smaller scopes are (not sure if the construction is the same as the bigger scopes).

I've looked through Burris' Signature series (18-45x60) spotter and really liked it, although I didn't use it for extensive glassing. I wouldn't bother with their Landmark scopes, as their own website says "not completely waterproof or fogproof".

Nikon scopes are nice as well, although I haven't spent a lot of time actually using one. I think the XL sounds like a good choice, though.

Oak

[Sako7STW]

I have been using the Nikon Feild Scope III ED 60mm for about 7 years now and I love it. I got mine the year before they changed them to include the sunshade and the waterproofing. I wish I would have waited but I have never had a problem either. It has been saddle packed on Elk, deer, and moose hunts all of those years pluss has been on several Antelope hunts bouncing around on a trucks window. It is deffinatly tough! If your going to be serious about long durations of using your spotter I highly recommend stepping up to an ED (Extra low dispersion glass) model no matter the make. The finer quality and clarity will make it far easier on your eyes and will reduce the possible headaches. An added bonus is also better color deffinition. I use a 20X wide angle eyepeice for early morning late evening low light situations and the included 20-45x eyepeice the rest of the time. I have a set of Zeiss binoculars I use for basic spotting the rest of the time.

When I got mine I researched for 10 month trying to find the right one. I first bought a B&L Elite 80mm ED and hated it, it had a white out effect when looking through it. clear as can be but everything looked white. I sent it back. Thats when I got serious about researching. Like you I could not afford or better yet did not want to spend the $$$$ on Leica, Swaro, or Zeiss. After much looking I narrowd it down to the Kowa and Nikon. after comparing the 2 side by side there was no comparison, the Nikon was superior in all ways cept $. For what it is worth, I think the $$ I spent on the spotter was some of the best $$ ever spent on hunting equipment.

[iminrut]

I've got the Nikon RT edition in 15-45x60...and I love it. Came with the optional padded nylon jacket.....got a heck of a deal on it off of Ebay

I wouldn't mind stepping up to the 20-60x80 though.....it would be nice to be able to afford both....

[T Bone]

Took a couple of scopes for a test drive yesterday....

B&L Elite 15-45 x 60. compact, light, armoured, lifetime warranty, and good optics. I like this one for the $400 price

Nikon 15-45 x60 Real Tree edition. Optics are comparable with the B&L. But its heavier and larger. Not waterproof. Good scope for the price.

Alpen 15-45 x60. Poor optics.

Leupold 15-45 x60 compact. I love this scope. The $800 tag is over my limit. Wish I wouldn't have even looked through it.

Swaro 15-45 x 65. Ditto the Leupold, except this one is $1100.

Sightron SII 15-45 x 63. Nice scope and good optics for $350.0 Too big and heavy for serious backpacking.

Not ready to pull the trigger yet, but right now I like the B&L elite.

[BuzzH]

Tbone,

I have the leupold 15-45x60 that you looked at, and I really like mine. My buddy Doug sold a swaro for the leupold and hasnt regretted it at all, mainly a weight issue not a quality issue.

I think that particular scope is about the best going for weight, optics, size, and durability, you'd be hard pressed to find a better scope.

As to the price...I'd bite the bullet and get what you'll be the most happy with. If you buy the right scope, you'll never need to buy another. I've given up on trying to save a couple hundred on important gear...in particular binos and spotting scopes. Good glass is worth every single penny. I glass better and more with optics that dont strain my eyes.

If I had to make a choice between an inexpensive rifle and quality glass or inexpensive glass and a quality rifle...there isnt even a choice. You'll use your glass way more than you'll ever use your rifle...

[T Bone]

Buzz I think you're correct. I should wait until I can get what I really want. I love having good binoculars. I spend much more time behind them and in turn spot more game.

The scope purchase may have to wait since all my funds are going into an AK moose hunt only 10 months away. Most of the time my 10x50 binos give me enough to work off of. It's when they are a mile out and I can tell its a good animal, but I want to know HOW good........

[csutton7]

I have the 12x40x60 Leupold--have had it at least 10 years--every year I look to replace it, but never do---it's compact--the only reason I look to replace it is for weight savings, but really nothing is really that much lighter to make the replacement smart--it's great scope--chris

[T Bone]

This last weekend I stopped in at the SCI convention here in Reno. I didn't have much time, but in the last few years I've notice there are a lot of trophy wifes with large breasts on the arms of rich old guys........anyway

My main purpose was to park my butt in front of the optics vendors and look at scopes near the 60 mm objective.

The Leupold 12-40x60 is the benchmark IMO. Its a tough scope to beat. The same scope is now available with ED glass.

2 other scopes in the same price range are right there with the Leupold

Pentax 20-60 x 65 ED glass. On par at all levels. Didn't think there would be any practicle use for magnification over 40x

Minox 15-45 x 62 ED glass. On par with Gold ring. Overall I really liked this scope. Bearbasin optics really thinks this scope was the best in the class..... I think I'll get this one.

[noharleyyet]

Went to the SCI show in Dallas last month. Ditto on the trophy wives and their girlfriend-in-laws. The only things that were more expensive were the outfitters.

noharleyyet

[1_pointer]

Is the Leupold scope you guys are referring to, the 'funky' shaped one? Looks kinda like two tubes stacked on top of eachother, if so I've used a friends and liked it MUCHO. I have a cheap BSA that is good enough for viewing from the truck window, but way to big/heavy for backpacking.

[danr55]

If you want a small one, Seeadler makes one that is fixed 20X, that weighs about 11 ounces. It is clear and bright with no distortion. I think the price runs about $350.

For a few more dollars, I think the best buy in spotting scopes right now is Kowa. They have some smokin' deals going..

:cool:

[T Bone]

1 Pointer. That be the one. Its a great scope.

IMO the Minox 20-45x65ED and the Pentax 20-60x65ED and the Leupold 12-45x60 are all neck to neck on optics. I could not tell any difference. They are all within one ounce of each other and within $100.

Definately a step up from the 300-400 price range.

Turns out the Minox is on its way to my house right now......:) Got a heck of a deal on the demo model.

[A-con]

When I checked them out, I was very impressed with the Minox ED, I think you made a good choice. Now you can head up near Ely, and look at thoses monster bulls that you will never draw a tag for !!!

[1_pointer]

Dan, do they make that with a straight eyepiece?

[A-con]

Yes, your choice straight or angled, ED or regular glass. I think the angled cost a few bucks more, and the ED glass is about $100 more.

[muzzelk..]

this is the scope i have its a pretty nice Burris 12-24x50mm. It small, compact, really clear, excellent for hunting.

[1_pointer]

Sorry for the confusion, but I was wondering if Danrr could get the Seadler with a straight eyepiece.

[Greenhorn]

I have a lightweight B&L Elite variable that has been very good for the last 10 years. Last couple seasons, I've been borrowing better optics for bear and antelope hunting and although I hated to admit it, there is a huge difference. I just ordered something more spendy than I can afford and probably more heavy that I'd like to backpack around, but I'm thinking I'll be looking through the best optics available. As I get older and fatter, I'd like to do more sitting and glassing, less walking. I have a highcountry mule deer hunt and some antelope hunting I'll be able to test it out on this fall. I'll take a picture of the GMT when the UPS man stops by with my new toy.

[danr55]

Pointer, no they don't. That one is fixed and rigid. It's not proved to be a problem for me yet.. Especially since it only weighs about 14 ounces.

:cool:

[T Bone]

GreenH,

What did you get?

What are you thinking for the tripod?

[Greenhorn]

I got the GMT Telescope. Google it. That's what I'm using and carrying in my pack. Will take a hell of a tripod. I'll post a picture when it shows up.

[Oak]

The GMT is really the only way to go if you have the pocketbook.

[Greenhorn]

Since that European glass is so nice, I was considering the OWL telescope, but that's a little overkill. After all, even with the GMT, the curvature of the earth will be my normal viewing limit while hunting. The GMT will be easier to pack around in the hills than the OWL.

[Tom]

"GMT four-and-one-half times the collecting area of any current optical
telescope and the resolving power of a 25.6-meter (84-foot) diameter
telescope, or 10 times the resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope."

Don't ever shoot at a B&C animal with that thing on your hunt.

I guess its lighter than the 100 ft OWL, like you say, a bit of overkill there.

[Nightwolf]

T Bone -
i'm thinking about gettting that B&L / Bushnell Elite 20-60x80mm ED Glass 45 Deg did you get to look at it?or do any of you know anything about this spotting scope?

[T Bone]

heads up on a bargain out there. www.sierratradingpost.com has the Nikon spotter XL with the tripod and carry case for $320.

great price for a decent scope.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.72096/special_type.bargain_barn/dept_id.L1~4361/qx/product.htm

They also have some great buys on Nikon rifle scopes.

[schmalts]

I had a nikon waterproof spotter. It was not very good. I sold them for a pair of Doctor optic 15X binos.

[Greenhorn]

GMT arrived recently. With tripod, about 10lbs. I'm young so that didn't bother me. Not only am I young, I'm broke. Even at cost, it was pricey. I'm convinced it's the best spotting scope that money can buy. Been borrowing and trying differnet kinds for a few years and I bought what I felt was the brightest and clearest of all of them. I'll be packing it with the heavy tripod this season on most hunts, including high-country WY deer, Arizona Strip mule deer, Wyoming and Montana pronghorn, Montana deer, Black Bear in Wyoming, and Montana Elk (scouting).

I'm pretty sure this will be looking at several nice animals this fall, shortly before they go to that pretty place in the clouds. :D

[Horn Seeker]

What model is that "formerly rich boy"??

:0)

[noharleyyet]

heads up on a bargain out there. www.sierratradingpost.com has the Nikon spotter XL with the tripod and carry case for $320.

great price for a decent scope.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.72096/special_type.bargain_barn/dept_id.L1~4361/qx/product.htm

They also have some great buys on Nikon rifle scopes.

That is a heckuva deal TBone. Thanks for the heads up.

[Joe C]

I read that a scope called a seeadler is a pretty good scope.Does anyone have one like this one I found? I like the price also.

Joe C

High brightness, excellent resolution, brilliant colors

Strait or 45° view capability

Fixed 20x 30x 40x 50x magnification

Precision superior focusing

SMC- multiple coating

Weather proof, shock proof

Tripod mounting

Attached expandable shade

All metal aircraft aluminum alloy anodized black body



Model
20x 30x 40x 50x 60

Article Number
6111

Magnification (V)
20x 30x 40x 50x

Objective Diameter (mm)(D)
60

Exit Pupil (mm)(D:V)
3 at 20x

1.2 at 50x

Twilight Performance
34.6 at 20x

54.8 at 50x

Brightness (D:V)2
9 at 20x

1.44 at 50x

Weight (g)
1250

Warranty (years)
15

Suggested Price (dollars, US)
485




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[schmalts]

I just got a Sportsmans guide buyer club flyer. In it is the Minox 20-45X62mm ED spotter
The price is 499$ Is this a good scope and a good buy?? I have heard a lot about the binos being real nice but nothing on the spotters

[A-con]

I spent some time looking through a Minox ED, it's very impressive, with the ED glass, it's very close to the Swaro or Leica. For $499 it would be a steal, if it comes with the eye piece.

[T Bone]

Schmalts,

Thats the spotter I ended up getting! That's a great price if its the real ED glass with warranty etc... In my shopping it was on par with Leupold's and Pentax offerings. It was not as bright as Swaro, Zeiss.

It is very durable and very packable. I like it! The only quivel is the eyepiece guard's relief was a bit long so I folded it back and it's no concern now.

One thing to consider is if its straight or angled. I prefer straight, others prefer angled.

For a price reference, bear basis shows the spotter body at $629 and the eyepiece for $129

Also, the soft field case is nice. It allows use of it while in the case. Just a couple zipper pulls and the ends zip out.

[danr55]

Joe, I have several pieces by Seeadler Optik. They are excellent European glass for Gringo prices.. Most of them tend to be a bit on the heavy side, the they are clear and tough. Give it a try..

:cool:

[schmalts]

Well i did it, i popped for the Minox with the ED glass.