Fixed 30x for Spotting Scope

[caballero59]

Hi folks, I'm shopping for a scope to use in the high country for observing game. Ranges could tend towards long. I'm intrigued by some suggestions here of a super clear 30x versus a high power variable. Would like to hear more discussion on this. Thanks

 

[Ram94]

I had done a side by side test with 65mm Vortex Razor, Athlon Ares and a fixed 28x Pentax 65edii which has a very good reputation for quality glass. I found that at the longer distances I could not resolve the same amount of detail as I could with the zoom eyepieces. Up close, say for birdwatching or the likes, it would work very well as the fixed eyepiece is very sharp. However I could read license plates at 950 yards with the two zoomed scopes and I could not with the fixed 28x. Take it for what it’s worth.

 

[Blockcaver]

Much easier to find things when you zoom down and get a larger field of view. I use the bottom of the magnification of my 20-60X Swaro a fair bit. Also the lower end of my 13-30X Nikon. On the flip side I use the the highest power that conditions will allow a fair bit when sizing up sheep, deer, moose and caribou as all have horn/antler restrictions across much of BC, depending on the season. Conditions that affect max power use are mirage, wind, lighting, etc. That all said I ran a fixed 20X Leupold Gold Ring for a lot of years and killed a lot of game using it....and preferred it to my buddy's 25X Leupold. Good luck!

 

[willfrye027]

I would not hesitate to run 30x. I’ve got one on a kowa 602 right now...excellent setup. The Legend himself used (maybe still uses?) a 30x Swarovski.

You generally gain FOV and overall optical excellence going to a fixed power. For example, the FOV at 30x is about the same as 20x in the variable eyepiece for the kowa. Just as easy to find what you’re looking for. And the image at 30x fixed is MUCH better than the image at 30x on the variable. You might be able to resolve a tad more with the variable at the upper range...but only under good lighting and it’s not much better if at all.

Unless you are going into the premium offerings, I think a good fixed power is going to give you a more usable and quality viewing experience. I will say on my kowa 774 the variable is pretty amazing across the whole zoom spectrum.

 

[caballero59]

Great feedback. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Hatchet Jack]

The Kowa 664 with the 30x WA eyepiece is simply incredible. I do all my glassing with Swarovski ELs and when I switch over to the spotter there is no apparent drop in optical quality. It’s that good.
That said, I do also have a 20-60x eyepiece that I feel works a bit better for phoneskope video, but it’s tunnel vision central and the colors aren’t as vivid. I’ll try and post some phoneskope pics of the 2 later.

 

[Ram94]

I guess that’s what I’m saying. The fixed power are incredibly clear and sharp however you are talking about extended ranges and the variable zoom are the better option for that purpose. I’m using it to judge rams and the zoom is invaluable at extended ranges.


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[caballero59]

How linearly does this translate, i.e., an elk at 3 miles with a 30x is an elk at 176 yd with the naked eye?

 

[Blockcaver]

There is likely a whole lot more mirage (heat waves), dust or fog, etc in the atmosphere looking at something 3 miles away at 30X versus 176 yards with the naked eye. But assuming perfect atmosphere, yes you have the right idea that the view in at 30X makes things appear 30 times closer.

 

[caballero59]

You are so right about that, but I'm thinking the dust, fog, and mirage isn't going to be kind to the 60x variable either.

 

[Blockcaver]

Often you can't use the higher end of a zoom. I'll find a critter, then zoom to the highest power that I get maximum resolution of his horns/antlers. It could just as well be toward the low end of the zoom range, or the high end.

 

[Wyatt.Carter]

50+ zoom is important IMO I'd feel handicapped not being able to have that capability

 

[Ram94]

All things considered, you may have a winning combination if you used a fixed power eyepiece and a Phoneskope so that you could zoom in with the phone if you needed to. I’ve only Phoneskoped with a variable power but it definitely extends the zoom capability.


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[caballero59]

I hate to give up the idea of zoom but that 30x WA Kowa is appealing for it's reputed clarity.

 

[willfrye027]

50+ zoom is important IMO I'd feel handicapped not being able to have that capability

I agree, but only if it’s alpha glass. Mid tier scopes, I would choose fixed over variable.

 

[mrabe1979]

I have both for my ED82 and ED50 nikons and would not want give up either. Having said that I’d want the zoom if I could only choose one EP.

 

[Extrapale]

I have replied to several differnt posts in the past about this, so I will keep it short here.

I have an amazing Leica 62 with fixed 26x. I have been using it exclusively for the last several years.

I had several times at several miles I was wanting for more. Sizing up a buck at 2 miles in low light, and several times identifying and sizing up bulls at 3 to 5 miles.

I ended up spending a couple thousand for an upgrade with variable eyepiece and multiplier. I have not got any field time with the new Leica yet, but my old one is available in the classifieds.

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[Dcaccia]

View from a fixed 23 opticron mm3 60. Not top tier glass, but I have both fixed and variable lenses. The fixed is significantly better for my type of hunting. Don’t know the exact distance to the peak, but over a mile for sure.