Compact Spotting Scope

[OR Archer]

Now from everything I've read the Nikon ED50 is kind of the benchmark when it comes to a compact backcountry spotter. What other compact spotters are out there that offer good optical quality in a small light weight package. Now I know these type of spotters aren't going to be on the same level of optical quality like a full size Swaro or Leica but can still get the job done on a high country mule deer hunt. So what other spotters should I take a look at?

 

[ohhiitznik]

Someone was mentioning the Minox 50 mm scope as a good performer. And the Leupold as well.

 

[pronghorn]

You could buy 3 and half Minox for the price of one Nikon. That has me concerned. I do have a pair of the 15x58 Minox that I like quite a bit though.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I have an ED50, and I have used most of the other compacts. My favorites are the ED50, then the Minox MD50, then the Leupold GR. The Nikon is the best, period, and not by a little. But, if I didn't have the Nikon, I would have the Minox Midget. You can find the Minox demos for under $200 occasionally. (Check Cameralandny.com)

 

[TrevorKaech]

I was looking at getting a Nikon ED50 before next season. However, I was hoping to also get the 13-40x eyepiece. Are these two pieces never sold together? Do I have to buy each individually? If the price gets too high I may not be able to justify Nikon quality and price and just stick it out with a Minox for a few seasons.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I have the ED50 w/ the 13-40 MCII eyepiece (and 16xDS). Mine came with the MC 13-30. That eyepiece still performs very well, but I much prefer the MCII, especially in field flatness. The image stays sharp right up to 40x, too. I found an MCII on eBay, and later traded the MC for the 16x. I have never seen the ED50 sold with the MCII, only with the MC.

It is very hard to find the MCII right now at any price, unfortunately.

 

[OR Archer]

Has anyone had a chance to look at the new Nikon Prostaff 5 60mm scope yet?

 

[luke moffat]

I'm a big fan of the little Minox 50mm. Price is right and all I need in a scouting spotter. If actually hunting I'll bring the 65mm HD swaro.

 

[RosinBag]

I tried the ED50 and couldn't figure out why anyone would use it. I would save my money and buy a better spotter. The Nikon was one of the worst I ever used for field of view, eye relief and clarity.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I tried the ED50 and couldn't figure out why anyone would use it. I would save my money and buy a better spotter. The Nikon was one of the worst I ever used for field of view, eye relief and clarity.

I believe there must have been something seriously wrong with that specific scope, Rosin.

 

[RosinBag]

Bitterroot, you may be right....I have heard dozens of people say how well the ED50 worked as a light weight spotter.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I think Rosin, much like myself, had to much time behind a Swaro or Zeiss and used that to compare to the ED50....that would be my guess anyway.

The ED50 for me was not worth packing, but as far as light weight scopes go, it's pretty hard to beat.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I think Rosin, much like myself, had to much time behind a Swaro or Zeiss and used that to compare to the ED50....that would be my guess anyway.

The ED50 for me was not worth packing, but as far as light weight scopes go, it's pretty hard to beat.

That is what is great about this forum ... Lots of good opinions without a lot of attitude.

My opinion differs a little bit. I used to have a Diascope 65tFL. I have spent some time with the Swaro 65HD as well, and, IMO, the ED50 with the 13-40 eyepiece gives up very little in performance to either (I don't like the 13-30 eyepiece as much). Both 65mm spotters are a bit brighter at dawn and dusk, as they should be given their aperture advantage.

 

[merch]

Does anyone have experience with Zeiss Dialyt Spotter? They state weight at 42oz and 15-45x zoom, may be an option as a compact. I can't seem to find a ED50 to try.

 

[ohhiitznik]

Anybody used a Vortex Viper 65mm? Non HD model. Looking at upping my price range a little bit and going with the viper.

 

[RosinBag]

Aron, that could be the problem....I had my Swaro side by side to it and I thought for the weight differnce was not enough to need a light weight spotter. It only saved about 20 ounces from one to the other.

 

[luke moffat]

I have a Swaro 65mm HD and my Minox while nearly a 1/3 the weight isn't a 1/3 the glass. Excellent little spotter. Especially with a 2 or 4 oz ultrapod II tripod.

 

[strawman]

Luke, what do you think of the ultrapod II? how do you use it in the field (being that it's SO small)?

 

[luke moffat]

I got the angled 50 mm minox so I can use a teeny little spotter like the ultrapod. Tried using the ultrapod with a straight scope I had and quickly found it not worth the trouble. With the angled however, using it above brushline I set it on the ground or pack once I find something of interest worth getting a closer look at. I certainly don't just comb the country side with it, just use it as a platform to look at things closer for extreme minimal weight penalty.

 

[dotman]

I got the angled 50 mm minox so I can use a teeny little spotter like the ultrapod. Tried using the ultrapod with a straight scope I had and quickly found it not worth the trouble. With the angled however, using it above brushline I set it on the ground or pack once I find something of interest worth getting a closer look at. I certainly don't just comb the country side with it, just use it as a platform to look at things closer for extreme minimal weight penalty.

Which head do you use with the ultrapod and minox?