Need Budget Spotting Scope Recommendations

One budget scope that impressed me was the Leupo SX2 20-60x60mm. It's heavy for a 60mm but the sample I tried came to sharp focus at 60x and appeared to be optically well corrected. I've seen those for $300 on sale.
I had one for a short time. I’m not an optics snob, but it was hot trash optically.
 
Thanks. That's what I'm afraid of with sample variation.

I would definitely buy the sample I tried for $300 but I would not be surprised that there is a high percentage of lemons.
 
I would guess the best for the money would be a good used Razor 11-33 for $450. Not sure you can beat that.
 
I would guess the best for the money would be a good used Razor 11-33 for $450. Not sure you can beat that.

I've personally never seen a good sample of that model - they all had optical flaws - but there are some reports of really good ones based on actual objective tests that eliminate the viewer from the equation.

I keep my eyes open for used ones, as the design is obviously sound. Just a matter of how well it was assembled.

For most hunters it's confusing as hell, as it's not simply a matter of choosing a brand/model. You can get lemons from all of them, even high end scopes.
 
I still buy one or two cheap used spotting scopes a year when deals come up, mainly Nikon ed Fieldscope 2/3, old fixed power Leupold 30x60, or even an old Wind River if the price is cheap enough - they are perfect gifts for young hunters and shooters in the family that are ready for their first spotter, but I still use a pair of fixed 30x Leupolds.

The old Wind Rivers are not perfect by any means, about like a non ED Fieldscope 1, but I’ve picked up a few for $75, even at $125 they aren’t a bad deal, and they are great compared to nothing especially as a beater car scope or to use at the range at 100 yards.

The Fieldscope 2 isn’t great, but it’s noticeably better than the 1 or Wind River. I’ve picked up a couple around $200ish directly from Japan on eBay. Fieldscopes have different eye pieces that can be changed out, and some eye pieces are worth more than the body so be careful picking them out.

The Fieldscope 3 15x-45x and old Gold Ring 30x Leupold are quite similar with Leupold being slightly better at 30x and the Fieldscope showing slightly more detail at 45x. At least with mine, the Fieldscope 3 reflects more of the surface of my eye. It might be the outer coating was partially rubbed off by the previous owner, but it seems more like the multiple lenses contained in the eyepiece simply don’t have as good of coatings. When the Leupold in new shape comes up for under $200 it’s a great deal, but these are all old so focus knobs are stiff. Fieldscope 3 is a deal under $300 if it has the eye piece you’re interested in.

I see the ed50 scopes going for $300 to $450 and after hearing so many good stories about them look forward to snagging one eventually. With the good feedback on new $500 to $700 spotters from other brands I’m looking forward to friends buying some of them so I can compare side by side.

One thing I’ve learned from ordering from camera shops in Japan is you have to be careful of lens fungus growing inside a non waterproof scope, that slowly clouds the lenses as the acids in the fungus actually etch into the surface of the glass.

That’s my take on cheap spotters. Adjust for inflation, that old Leupold used to sell for $700 in todays dollars. They aren’t a swaro, but I usually carry a heavier tripod to help in the wind, really mentally concentrate to get the most out of it, always use good technique and enjoy having fun with the swaro buddies when I pick up an animal first - offer to let them borrow my spare spotter in the glovebox if they need and whatnot. *chuckle*
 
Thanks for all the input fellas. I looked through all the options you mentioned and decided to go with a little ED50 and 20x wide angle eyepiece to start. Knowing myself, I won't carry a scope if it's too heavy, so I figured it was best to start on the compact side of the spectrum. At $330 it's not too bad to upgrade later if I need to get into something bigger.
 
I've found the Bushnell Elite 20-60x80 spotter was way above its price point for glass/image quality. Also allows for multiple eyepieces if you can find them.

I heard of that scope being mentioned in a bird watching group as a lot of bang for the buck and beating some high dollar scopes. It’s been on my wish list, but they seem to hold their value really well.
 
Thanks for all the input fellas. I looked through all the options you mentioned and decided to go with a little ED50 and 20x wide angle eyepiece to start. Knowing myself, I won't carry a scope if it's too heavy, so I figured it was best to start on the compact side of the spectrum. At $330 it's not too bad to upgrade later if I need to get into something bigger.

That’s a great decision. I didn’t realize until 5 minutes ago, the ed50 takes normal Fieldscope eyepieces. Once in a while you’ll see someone sell some eye pieces for dirt cheap not knowing what they are, or a number of eye pieces are bundled with a single scope. For some reason birders with too much money seem to hoard eye pieces as they try different magnifications to better see feathers, love in their eyes, beaks, or whatever it is they look at.
 
Athlon Ares G2 15-45 is what I went with a few years ago on recommendations from everyone here and I have been super happy. It’s compact and got good glass. I don’t need a spotter a ton so the lower mag range for me is perfect.
 
Mr. Jay Nichol made a video a few months back about the new Sirui S6080A spotting scope. Sounds like it holds up for its price, though I haven't personally tried it out or know of anyone who has.

 
Athlon Ares G2 15-45 is what I went with a few years ago on recommendations from everyone here and I have been super happy. It’s compact and got good glass. I don’t need a spotter a ton so the lower mag range for me is perfect.

I just bought one of these an I’m really impressed with it.
 
Wish I saw this thread sooner but I 2nd the Athlon Ares UHD Gen 2. I’d prioritize a good set of binos over spotting scope but I’ve been using my Athlon for 4ish years now and it does a fine job glassing deer in the summer beans.
 
If you are wanting to stay compact, the Maven S2 is a good little spotter that you can find here in the classifieds and on the local (big News Station) classified regularly in the $600 range. I have one and it has a great view. It is limited due to its magnification and size, but the Flourite glass in them makes the image stellar.

I also have a Maven CS.1S 15-45x66 that I am going to let go now that I have a new 80mm scope. For a scope of that magnification, it is really small and trim. The Athlon Ares is another excellent scope in that price range that is small and easy to pack. I found both the Maven CS1 and Athlon better than the Razor when I was doing side by side comparisons.

I am in Northern Utah and you are welcome to come look through mine if you would like.

FH
Just curious what 80mm scope you upgrade to? And the reason you let go of your maven cs1s
 
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