Author Topic: Which Spotting scope?  (Read 4298 times)

Lurch

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Which Spotting scope?
« on: May 17, 2011, 04:03:36 PM »
Looking for ideas on a good lightweight (sheep hunting) spotter.

Will pay for quality.

Any suggestions?

BullShooter

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2011, 05:16:24 PM »
It may be a bit bigger than you would like, but for packing I have sure been impressed with the Leupold Golden Ring 12X40X60. Put it into a neoprene case and it's fairly lightweight, compact and has excellent optics for long periods of glassing.

Duk Dog

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2011, 05:20:01 PM »
Currently I'm running a Swarovski STM-65 HD 20-60X65, but it won't be described as light weight. I used to have a Bushnell Elite 15-45x60 which at its price point was a decent spotter. No real comparison between the two obviously but I was not unhappy with the Bushnell.

Lurch

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2011, 09:43:01 PM »
The Leupold is nice Mike - but it never seems to fit the pockets on the packs I have. I like the glass though.

I have been leaning towards a Swaro - do you think the HD is worth the extra cash Duk, and is it quite a bit heavier?

Duk Dog

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2011, 06:03:32 AM »
The Leupold is nice Mike - but it never seems to fit the pockets on the packs I have. I like the glass though.

I have been leaning towards a Swaro - do you think the HD is worth the extra cash Duk, and is it quite a bit heavier?

A couple guys I know found deals on the non-HD model last year and saved a pile of cash. IMO if you could find the same I'd go for it. It isn't like previous owners of Swaro spotters said ya it is pretty good, but dang it if only it was HD. lol :) Cameraland NY is always worth checking out to see what they have.

BullShooter

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2011, 07:37:12 AM »
X2 on Cameraland NY. Doug has proven to be a very good guy and the service has been spectacular. A friend just bought a new pair of Zeiss Victory FL binos and paid about $650 less than what he could find up here.

crazy_davey

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #6 on: May 18, 2011, 08:09:51 AM »
X2 on Cameraland NY. Doug has proven to be a very good guy and the service has been spectacular. A friend just bought a new pair of Zeiss Victory FL binos and paid about $650 less than what he could find up here.

Yup, Doug is a great guy to deal with! If you don't find any deals on the spotter you are looking for on the CL website Lurch, call Doug up and ask him what he has or what he has coming up. I know a few guys who have picked up some awesome deals that never hit the CL website just by making the call and a bit of small chat  ;D

The Sheep Reaper

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #7 on: May 18, 2011, 02:31:49 PM »
The swaro is very nice but they are very heavy....and with that crappy tripod you have it will likely collaspe  ;)

I'm with Bullshooter on the Leupold, decent weight and price and fairly compact, wish i had bought one when i got my last scope but i cheaped out and went with the Bausch and Lomb...good scope but over 25-30 power its not great.
Cheers,

The Sheep Reaper

Decker

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #8 on: May 18, 2011, 10:09:48 PM »
I use a Leupold HD gold ring as well and it's a good spotter I also have the Leupold tripod. It fits perfect on the outside of the J34 Eberlestock pack.

[attachment deleted 180 days old]
« Last Edit: May 18, 2011, 10:12:57 PM by Decker »
The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.

BullShooter

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #9 on: May 19, 2011, 05:23:06 PM »
Lurch, you can try my Zeiss 20X60X85 FL*T, but you are going to need a bigger pack... and a horse!

Skinnydipper

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #10 on: May 25, 2011, 08:09:44 AM »
I have the Leupold 12-40X60HD as well and it is a decent performing scope for the price and is relatively compact. I still have trouble motivating myself to pack it sometimes.  :-[ :-[

Lurch

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2011, 07:34:31 PM »
Lurch, you can try my Zeiss 20X60X85 FL*T, but you are going to need a bigger pack... and a horse!


If I only hunted with those guys that can carry 120 lbs... :)

maybe the Sheep Reaper will pack it for me.

The Sheep Reaper

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Re: Which Spotting scope?
« Reply #12 on: May 25, 2011, 10:11:17 PM »
Lurch, you can try my Zeiss 20X60X85 FL*T, but you are going to need a bigger pack... and a horse!


If I only hunted with those guys that can carry 120 lbs... :)

maybe the Sheep Reaper will pack it for me.

if i had a mystery ranch pack and zeiss optics 140 lbs would be my daypack weight  :o
Cheers,

The Sheep Reaper