Big spotter question.

[NoDakhunter]

Its a little off topic question but i've seen some nice spotting scopes in the classifieds from time to time and am curious what everyones thoughts are about buying optics from the classifieds? I would hate to get a lemon. I don't want to make any irrational decisions on a spotter, so i plan to wait for a few months and possibly sell a Nightforce NXS in the mean time to help out. Thanks guys.

What part of ND are you in?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Its a little off topic question but i've seen some nice spotting scopes in the classifieds from time to time and am curious what everyones thoughts are about buying optics from the classifieds? I would hate to get a lemon. I don't want to make any irrational decisions on a spotter, so i plan to wait for a few months and possibly sell a Nightforce NXS in the mean time to help out. Thanks guys.

Classifieds are a great resource, due diligence is your best friend.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

@NoDakhunter pm sent

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[jimh406]

I have the same brand/model of spotter in two sizes. In my case, it's the Vortex Razor HD Gen2. Generally, along with more power, you'll also have larger lens. I find the 85 quite a bit better than the 65 in lower light.

My guess is the effect is similar on other brands.

 

[eaglemountainman]

Kowa

I'm a big fan of Kowa's top tier optics. Two of my buddies are Swaro guys. Whenever we're out scouting and glassing, they usually ask if we can switch up spotters for awhile. Funny, I've never asked the same question. Just an anecdotal observation, no science involved.

Swaro has the name, but Kowa has the edge.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

@eaglemountainman what size kowa do you have? The hardest part now seems like 88 vs 99 at this point. How are the eye cups for the spotter? The ones I have for my tsn-554 come off all the time in my pack.

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[AZ_Hunter_2000]

This is based upon my personal experience. Other folks' mileage can vary...

I have the 554 and I love it for its intended use. For reference I also have the STX 65/95. I was able to spend some time with a friend's 88 this year in Mexico and it did not disappoint. If I could go back in time, I would just buy the 55 (fluorite) and the 99 and been good to go. No compelling reason to go with the ATX/STX unless you will be doing BTX; heavy SOBs. I was able to compare my 554 with a STS 65 on Kodiak a few years ago; the 554 was competitive with the STS 65; I'd not even consider a ATS/STS.

If you are happy with your 554, then pick up the Kowa 88 or potentially even the 99. If you are open to "like new", you can save about $800 on the 99. Below is an image showing size comparison from a 2021 RS review on the 99.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

@AZ_Hunter_2000 thank you

 

[j3h8]

Its a little off topic question but i've seen some nice spotting scopes in the classifieds from time to time and am curious what everyones thoughts are about buying optics from the classifieds? I would hate to get a lemon. I don't want to make any irrational decisions on a spotter, so i plan to wait for a few months and possibly sell a Nightforce NXS in the mean time to help out. Thanks guys.

I've purchased 3 or 4 from the classifieds here so far. No issues. Some of the spotting scope companies offer warranties which can help ease your purchase concerns.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Hard to beat ATC paired with NL 14’s

I havent carried 80 since I got access to 65 but 56 get carried way more the 65.

 

[eaglemountainman]

@eaglemountainman what size kowa do you have? The hardest part now seems like 88 vs 99 at this point. How are the eye cups for the spotter? The ones I have for my tsn-554 come off all the time in my pack.



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I have a 554, an 884 and I just purchased a 66s body to share the eyepiece with the 884. All 3 have spectacular image, contrast and color.
I carry the 554 ALWAYS because of its size and weight. The only knock on this scope is its small FOV, which is not an issue for me, since I only pull it from my pack when I want a better view of something that I've already scanned with my binos. I haven't had any eye cup issues in the 5-6 years that I've owned it. You might want to inquire to Kowa about a warranty service issue....

The 884 is an incredible optic. I mostly use it while scouting from the truck for antelope and mule deer. Because of its weight, it only gets carried in the field all day if there's some young blood along for the grunt...like one of my nephews or buddy's son.

I just recently purchased the 66s and I'm still doing an evaluation. I'm hoping it will fill the sweet spot of weight vs performance between the 554 and 884. So far, it's looking pretty good.