Which spotting scope?

338 win mag · Jun 13, 2017

Looking at going with either the Leupold 10-20x40 golden ring compact or the slightly larger 15-30x50 version. The 10-20 looks really compact, which I like. But should I trade the size for the extra magnification. Is 20x enough or should I pack the extra size and weight of the 30x?

utahminer · Jun 13, 2017

I have been using the Nikon ED50 (very similar to the Leo 5) and recent bought a 60mm Leupold because I want more magnification. My point is you will wish you had more magnification. At those sizes you won't hardly notice the size and weight difference.

Bambistew · Jun 13, 2017

Either of those are marginally better than a quality pair of binos IMO. Have you looked at bigger scopes?

A spotting scope is one of the most valuable piece of hunting equipment I have, right after my boots and binos. A few oz more is pretty insignificant when it means I'll see far more game.

I currently have a 20-56×65mm and may upgrade to 80mm at some point, but find this one to be about the perfect balance for weight and magnification.

I've had 4-5 other scopes to include a "compact" version. Nice to carry but it lacked magnification and was quite dim in the early hours. Binos where far better for spotting.

marksjeep · Jun 14, 2017

I'm a big fan of the 12-40x60 Leupold units. They have enough zoom to do the job, but are small and light enough to carry every day.

The 15-30 model is not bad by any measure, but the extra zoom and objective size of the 12-40 unit is worth the weight penalty, for me.

338 win mag · Jun 14, 2017

Kinda sounds like more power is better is a better trade off for the extra weight. Kinda my initial thought. I have an older Redfield in 15-45x60 but with the advancements in glass over the past several years in sure light gathering and clarity will be much better.

Which spotting scope?

338 win mag

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utahminer

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Bambistew

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338 win mag

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