Best bang for the buck spotting scope, used $700-1k??

[nrothfus]

I need to get a spotter, been scanning the classifieds to see what is out there. Any feedback on best bang for the buck in the $700-1k range would be appreciated. I was thinking something up to 60 power, and am leaning toward the Vortex Razor. Any other suggestions on some I should look at?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We have demos on the Kowa TSN-662 which is an excellent option in that price range.
Please feel free to give a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss optics
Doug

 

[Napperm4]

Vanguard Endeavor HD or Athlon Ares. Both perform better than a razor and half the cost for a new vs used.

 

[zeroforhire]

Cabela's Krotos is very similar to the athlon ares

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[Hatchet Jack]

Used Kowa 66 can be had for that. Far superior glass to anything vortex

 

[oenanthe]

Nikon ED82 with the MC2 25-75x eyepiece. But they are getting to be hard to find.

 

[Brush Buster]

I need to get a spotter, been scanning the classifieds to see what is out there. Any feedback on best bang for the buck in the $700-1k range would be appreciated. I was thinking something up to 60 power, and am leaning toward the Vortex Razor. Any other suggestions on some I should look at?

I have a vortex razor for sale on the optics classifieds that sounds like it might be what you’re looking for...

 

[homebru.trout]

Vortex Razor is a decent option and the good news is there's a million of them floating around. There's a Gen1 on here I think for 800 for the 85mm which is pretty darn good. Camo fire has NOS Gen 1's listed once or twice a week.

For my money, the demo Kowa that Doug referenced above is probably as good as it gets. By the time you get an eyepiece for it you'll probably still be ahead on your budget. That glass is fantastic.
**Edit: Matt's got it right in his post below. I was confusing the 662 and 664. The 663 and 664 are the newer line and are top notch.

Keep an eye on the auction sites as well...most of it is a retail outlet now but there are some deals to be had. I was able to snag a NIB unopened Diascope 85 this week in your stated budget. I'm still floored that actually happened.

 

[outdoor_matt]

I would keep an eye out for a used Kowa 663 or 664. Very high quality glass, and should be right in the price range you quoted. Based on virtually every review I’ve seen, it’s quite a bit better than the razors. I have a 664 with a 30x wide angle eyepiece and I have no desire to upgrade.


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[gr8fuldoug]

The TSN-662 is the same as a 664 just a different color tube

 

[NoWiser]

I was under the impression that the 662 had normal glass and the 664 had ED/Prominar glass.

I nabbed a used 664 this past summer for a great price (at the very low end of your budget) to use on my fall hunts. I had every intention of selling at the end of the season but I just couldn't get myself to do it. I really like it and would like to try the fixed 30X eyepiece as I heard it is much nicer to look through than the zoom.

 

[JD5521]

Kowa

 

[WestNE]

I was under the impression that the 662 had normal glass and the 664 had ED/Prominar glass.

I nabbed a used 664 this past summer for a great price (at the very low end of your budget) to use on my fall hunts. I had every intention of selling at the end of the season but I just couldn't get myself to do it. I really like it and would like to try the fixed 30X eyepiece as I heard it is much nicer to look through than the zoom.

This should be correct, in the Kowa line the scopes ending in 3 and 4 should be Prominar glass, 3 being angled and 4 straight.
Nick

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