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Spotting Scope +/- $1000
#8315517
07/08/21 02:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,207
wp75169
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,207 |
Like the title says, I’m not looking to break the bank but I would like a decent spotter that would be good on paper out to 500 and steel on out there.
I’ve always been of the mindset that clarity trumps magnification on scopes. Does the hold true on spotters as well?
Would I be better off with a higher quality 30-35 maximum magnification than a lower quality with much more magnification.
I’ve got a really cheap 20-60 and it’s pretty much crap so I know about that end of the spectrum.
My intention is to start shooting a lot more so this is money I’m finally ready to spend.
If the consensus is that you HAVE to spend more to get what you want then I will.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8315542
07/08/21 03:25 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,432
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,432 |
Im sure others know more than me but Ill give a little 2 cents. Ive had a Leupold for a long time. Not even sure what it is but its not HD and I guess its a gold ring and I think I paid 1100. Im not even sure how high it goes(45 I think) but anything over 20 or 30 its just not useful for me. Maybe its my old eyes or a combination of shake and mirage. I think the higher magnification is hard to use on even the higher end stuff(not sure.) Also, you can consider a super zoom camera(Nikon P1000 or the next one down) for $1000 or less and they magnify up to 125 times and its clearer than a spotter and you can take pics of the target. All my experience is on game and not targets, but I have used the camera on targets.
At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8318487
07/12/21 04:15 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12,125
ntxtrapper
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12,125 |
Leupold 12-40X60. The US military sniper spotter version is called the M151. I have the 12-40X60 and it is perfection in a spotting scope for my use in both target shooting and hunting. Very compact too.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8318984
07/12/21 07:24 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,322
Blank
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,322 |
X2 for the Leupold 12-40x60. I have packed mine around the US and world several times over, and have always found it to excel at what I was doing with it. Get the padded cover!!
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8319832
07/13/21 06:00 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,791
Wytex
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,791 |
I agree on the Leupold also. We have one, non HD and a Swaro. The Leupold goes in the pack for in field use more than the Swaro.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8319910
07/13/21 07:15 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918 |
If you're primarily wanting it for range use, there's no substitute for an 80mm+ objective....no contest unless you're comparing high $$$ 65's with budget $$$ 80's. I'd look at the Tract. There's really no cheap, high class glass as far as spotters go IME.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: Wytex]
#8319931
07/13/21 07:31 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,432
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,432 |
I agree on the Leupold also. We have one, non HD and a Swaro. The Leupold goes in the pack for in field use more than the Swaro. Wytex, why leave the Swaro? Is it bulkier? I think my Leupold is the 12-40x60 that keeps getting mentioned, non HD. I too like the padded case. When it came with the case I thought I wouldnt use it cause I wouldnt want to take it off and on. Ive never had it off. It fits like a glove and you hardly know its there. I just have a way to tie back the cover over the lens(bypass the noisy velcro.) Also, Ive heard that jgraider is an expert on optics, so consider paying attention to his comments.
At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320031
07/13/21 09:08 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918 |
Best two things about that Leupold are that it is packable and compact, and has a huge eye relief. Other than that, the glass is easily outclassed by some others.
That's very nice freerange, but I'm no expert, just an optics junky and ex-guide who has seen loads of different spotters over the years. Please keep in mine it is just my opinion, but it is from actual use.
Last edited by Jgraider; 07/13/21 09:10 PM.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320399
07/14/21 01:52 AM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
Chris This is what I upgraded to and have been very pleased with it. Paid $1200.00 at Cameraland but I think their getting cheaper, shop around. Make sure you get a good tripod also makes a lot of difference. From my research before purchase this one was a lot of BANG for your buck.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320431
07/14/21 02:26 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918 |
That NF spotter is a Meopta made spotter with NF clothing. I believe it's the Meopro spotter.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320479
07/14/21 03:22 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,207
wp75169
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,207 |
Thanks for the heads up on the NF. That’s a solid $300 cheaper than the same spotter with the Meopta name.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320548
07/14/21 11:20 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,563
patriot07
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,563 |
Glad I found this thread. Where is the cheapest place to get this NF? May need a bit more magnification on our new land.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320571
07/14/21 11:54 AM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
Make sure you get the cover/skin if ordering and a good tripod makes all the difference.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320573
07/14/21 11:55 AM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
Thanks for the heads up on the NF. That’s a solid $300 cheaper than the same spotter with the Meopta name. At the 500 yard steel matches you'll be able to see everything very well.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: angus1956]
#8320756
07/14/21 02:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,207
wp75169
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,207 |
Chris This is what I upgraded to and have been very pleased with it. Paid $1200.00 at Cameraland but I think their getting cheaper, shop around. Make sure you get a good tripod also makes a lot of difference. From my research before purchase this one was a lot of BANG for your buck. Well John I bought it, then when they went to pull it from inventory it wasn’t there. No more available from the distributor either and they’re discontinued. Back to square one.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8320858
07/14/21 04:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
Chris This is what I upgraded to and have been very pleased with it. Paid $1200.00 at Cameraland but I think their getting cheaper, shop around. Make sure you get a good tripod also makes a lot of difference. From my research before purchase this one was a lot of BANG for your buck. Well John I bought it, then when they went to pull it from inventory it wasn’t there. No more available from the distributor either and they’re discontinued. Back to square one. Son of a gun that sucks! Surf the interweb gotta be one somewhere.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8321158
07/14/21 10:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,320
Crews
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,320 |
I got into an older Zeiss Diascope 85mm for a hair over a grand. Don’t be afraid to go for an older model if it’s top tier glass. I needed big for digiscoping. However, a pair of 15x56 binos is a MUCH better tool for all around field observation. A real joy to use and no eye strain. You will be surprised how few limits there are.
Those that have mentioned a good tripod are giving good advice. With a shaky foundation spotting can be a downright miserable experience.
Last edited by Crews; 07/14/21 10:27 PM.
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Re: Spotting Scope +/- $1000
[Re: wp75169]
#8322018
07/15/21 06:54 PM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
Like the title says, I’m not looking to break the bank but I would like a decent spotter that would be good on paper out to 500 and steel on out there.
I’ve always been of the mindset that clarity trumps magnification on scopes. Does the hold true on spotters as well?
Would I be better off with a higher quality 30-35 maximum magnification than a lower quality with much more magnification.
I’ve got a really cheap 20-60 and it’s pretty much crap so I know about that end of the spectrum.
My intention is to start shooting a lot more so this is money I’m finally ready to spend.
If the consensus is that you HAVE to spend more to get what you want then I will. Chris, Just sent you a PM. My buddy in Idaho found the Nightforce Spotting Scope. Details are in PM.
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