50mm vs 65mm Scope What would you go with?

NYSKIER · Oct 31, 2017

Hi all looking into picking up a new spotter I have a cheap one right now that gets the job done to a decent amount but I have a great pair of binos and would love to have a good spotter as well to go with them. I was considering getting a pair of big long range binos but since I backpack hunt on 50% of my trips I like the shape and size of the scope a little better plus and I don't have the cash to spend the money on both I think I'm going to go with a spotter (Unless I can be talked out of it). Like I previously mentioned this would be for backpack hunting. I'm not judging for trophy quality of animals so I don't need an 85mm but I would like a better view than binoculars and it will certainly help when looking over terrain for deer. Anyway just looking for suggestions on whether I should go with a 50mm or 65mm scope currently looking at Vortex Razors and whatever alpha glass I can find used at a good price. Thanks in advance! Happy hunting!

grandejuan · Oct 31, 2017

Go with the 65, and Get yourself an eye patch from the drug store. With the eye patch you will be able to glass with the scope for hours (if necessary) without eye strain, plus you get to look like a pirate!!! GJ

TimeOnTarget · Oct 31, 2017

Bigger is always better with spotters.

Addicting · Oct 31, 2017

I have the gold ring 50 and found I needed a bigger one. These elk are about a mile away, we could tell there was a bull but not tell points. Plus in low light my 8x42 binos out performs the spotter.

brymoore · Oct 31, 2017

I sold my Nikon ED 50 for a 65.

utahminer · Oct 31, 2017

I have both (Nikon ED 50 and Leupold Gold Ring 60mm). There is almost a pound difference between the two. When weight is a real issue I take the 50. This is the first year with the 60mm and I am not completely sold its worth the extra money and weight. You can easily justify either decision either scope, but personally I dont think it will make a ton of difference.

When you say you are backpacking hunting, do you mean you are carrying your camp on your back as well or are these longer day hikes? Also, do you have to carry in much water? Where we hunt deer we have to carry in atleast 3 gallons and weight is a real issue. At these times I opt for the 50. Where we hunt elk we are able to hike into our area in less than an hr, so we dont stay overnight. On these day hunts I took the 60.
I hope that helps.

NYSKIER · Oct 31, 2017

utahminer said:
I have both (Nikon ED 50 and Leupold Gold Ring 60mm). There is almost a pound difference between the two. When weight is a real issue I take the 50. This is the first year with the 60mm and I am not completely sold its worth the extra money and weight. You can easily justify either decision either scope, but personally I dont think it will make a ton of difference.

When you say you are backpacking hunting, do you mean you are carrying your camp on your back as well or are these longer day hikes? Also, do you have to carry in much water? Where we hunt deer we have to carry in atleast 3 gallons and weight is a real issue. At these times I opt for the 50. Where we hunt elk we are able to hike into our area in less than an hr, so we dont stay overnight. On these day hunts I took the 60.
I hope that helps.

Usually we are carrying camp in and it can be anywhere from a mile to 4 or 5. As far as carrying water it depends on where we go but usually we will carry a 3 liter or 2 liter reservoir and we bring a filter with us for more. If it was a day hike I would go large but it where and how I'm hunting changes often. I live out east and try to do about three trips a year so our terrain and area always changes. One day we could be hunting from the car the next we are packing in deep

NYSKIER · Oct 31, 2017

I know there aren't that many replies yet but the consensus seems to be 65mm. Anyone have any thoughts on a 15x bino?

grandejuan · Oct 31, 2017

If you use the eye patch you won't need the 15s. GJ

Carnage2011 · Oct 31, 2017

Look at the kowa tsn-553. It's better than the vortex 65 and any leupold. It will compete with the swaro 65mm.

u1299 · Oct 31, 2017

I have the Kowa 664 XD Prominar and just purchased the new Kowa 550 light weight and couldn't be happier with both. They are outstanding spotters, a bit on the expensive side but worth every penny.

schmalts · Oct 31, 2017

If you can only have one, go big

NYSKIER · Nov 1, 2017

Kowa's are definitely a little expensive going to have to see if I can find a deal somewhere if not I'll have to wait a year to put some money aside to get one

Ridge Ghost · Nov 1, 2017

I had a 50mm scope and sold it after a year. The field of view gets tiny when you zoom in all the way, and at lower magnification you aren't much better off than with a good set of binos on a tripod.

utahminer · Nov 6, 2017

NYSKIER said:
Usually we are carrying camp in and it can be anywhere from a mile to 4 or 5. As far as carrying water it depends on where we go but usually we will carry a 3 liter or 2 liter reservoir and we bring a filter with us for more. If it was a day hike I would go large but it where and how I'm hunting changes often. I live out east and try to do about three trips a year so our terrain and area always changes. One day we could be hunting from the car the next we are packing in deep

I just got back from the elk hunt and still preferred my little 50 just because of the weight savings and the I like functionality of the 50 better. I was surprised how I didnt feel I gained as much as I had hoped by going bigger, to the point I'm considering selling my 60mm. I will probably give it a couple more hunts, just to make sure, but that is my opinion right now.

brockel · Nov 6, 2017

I'd find a used Swarovski 20-60x65. Can usually find the non hd for around $1200. Awesome scope for the backpack

NYSKIER · Nov 15, 2017

Thanks for all the input guys I went with the Vortex Razor HD 65 I got it on sale on camofire so I'm going to give it a shot and worst comes to worst it will end up in the classifieds on here or rokslide

std7mag · Nov 15, 2017

Celestron C90??

kiwi hunter · Nov 16, 2017

i just brought a mini scope,,less than a pound and nearly fits in pocket,,compared it to a swarovski and i like mine better,its a kowa

brymoore · Nov 16, 2017

kiwi hunter said:
i just brought a mini scope,,less than a pound and nearly fits in pocket,,compared it to a swarovski and i like mine better,its a kowa

What model?

50mm vs 65mm Scope What would you go with?

Active member

Active member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Active member

Active member

Active member

Well-known member

New member

Well-known member

Active member

Active member

Member

Well-known member

Active member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page