Leupold GR 10-20x40mm Compact

dtrkyman

WKR
Joined
Oct 2, 2014
Messages
3,705
Any feedback on this spotter, looking for light weight just not sure about the 20x being enough, it is double my bino's so I think it would do for me, but at this price not sure of the optical quality?

Mostly for Mule deer in the mountains at this point and I am not trying to judge between a 160-170

Thanks
 
I use to have one. I picked it up locally for a good price (used) with the intent of having something to get a little closer look (vs my binos) without having to pack a big spotter (had a Theron Saker at the time). I wanted to use it free-handed, or leaning against something solid... but found out I didn't really gain anything over my binos when freehanded, so I ended up trying it on a tripod too. I also remember the field of view seeming pretty narrow, and the focus knob was kind of strange to manipulate while trying to keep things steady. Honestly... I wasn't too impressed with it and ended up selling it and getting a Nikon ED50 (which I would say is far superior). I've gone through countless spotters and binocs since then, but that little 10-20x40 Gold Ring was never missed. For what it's worth, I no longer own a little spotter -- I'll take 8x and 15x binos just about everywhere, and sometimes my big spotter.
 
I was looking at 15s but that spotter is light! Planned on finding deer with Binos and taking a better look with those, also for checking the shadows.

Probably keep looking around for something.


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I have the gr 15-30. I think it does a pretty good job for what it is - affordable, 21 oz. little spotter than gives me a bit of a better look at stuff. Sure, a better spotter is nice to have, but I usually hike lots and a bigger spotter just never made it into my pack due to weight.
 
It is indeed light (like right at 1lb). The Nikon ED50 is pretty darn light too (maybe 4 or 5 oz more). I remember being extremely impressed with the ED50 after that little Leupold, and I'd definitely get one of them before the GR 10-20x40. Not trying to talk bad about Leupold, as I really love the brand and their CS has been great to me... but that little spotter wasn't worth it for me. I have heard the 15-30x50 Leupold Gold Ring is a pretty decent piece of glass too.
 
I had a 15-30x50, wasn’t impressed. Recently picked up a little Kowa 502, which is amazingly clear for the price and weight. I’d suggest looking into the smallest Kowas before you buy a Leupold.
 
I had a 15-30x50, wasn’t impressed. Recently picked up a little Kowa 502, which is amazingly clear for the price and weight. I’d suggest looking into the smallest Kowas before you buy a Leupold.
I was thinking the same thing. How do you like the Kowa?
 
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