Optimal <5 pound spotting rig?

[DaveC]

I intend to purchase a spotting scope and tripod combo for backcountry hunting. I like to hunt solo and 10+ miles back, thus weight is at the top of the priority list. I'm not a trophy hunter when it comes to elk and deer, but will be hunting sheep in September so judging legality is a factor. I don't have a ton of money, but prefer to buy once and have fewer, nicer things.

The arbitrary goal I've set is 5 pounds or less for the whole kit.

For the scopes I'm considering the Minox ED50 and Vortex Razor 50mm. I'm open to arguments for larger scopes, but wary of the large increase in weight.

For tripods I haven't the first clue. How much extension will I want? How heavy does the 'pod need to be to stabilize the rig in high winds? I gather I need a head to go with the tripod. What is the difference between the various options, and what attributes will I want?

I appreciate your time on this.

 

[littlebuf]

the one aspect you should never count ounces in is your optics. you wanna buy once cry once? then make the commitment to a larger spotter. i personally wouldn't consider carrying anything but my 85 but the 65's on the market are more than adequate. if its going to be your only one dont go with the 50's and dont bother looking at the weight. Brock has a review on here of the sunpak carbon tripod he and i both use. its a great tripod, light weight for what it can do and is very affordable. so youll have more money for a lager spotter

 

[Justin Crossley]

What is your budget? If you can swing it, the 65mm Swaro HD (old one) would be my choice for what you're describing. With the right tripod and head you can meet your weight goal and still have a very capable setup. The new Swaros are awesome but they weigh more.

I personally would not be happy with a 50mm spotter.

 

[a3dhunter]

For deer and elk the minox md50 and the Velbon Ultra max tripod that Luke gave a review on has worked great for me.

If I was looking at sheep I would definitely move to a 65mm scope, without a doubt I would be looking for better glass than the Minox.

 

[DaveC]

I appreciate the thoughts everyone, keep 'em coming.

 

[fillthefreezer]

i dont have a ton of time with it, but im very happy with my combo of kowa 60mm and slik 634. i tried quite a few combinations before ending up here. it also doesnt hurt that im often able to take advantage of someone else packing an 80mm swaro.
my combo comes in at 81.7oz. i know that is slightly over, and if you went with the slik 624 (almost the same tripod, just shorter) it should put you right at the 5lb mark. i like the fact that the kowa has 60x when conditions will allow, and the quality of glass is hard to beat for the $$$.
if youve got more budget than me, id do as above and pick up a 65mm swaro.

 

[5MilesBack]

I had the Vortex Razor 50mm and traded it out for the 65mm........just didn't like that small of a spotter. I also sold my Swaro 65mm HD, so far I'm pretty pleased with the 65mm Razor. I have the Slik 634 as well as the Vortex Summit SS.

 

[DaveC]

Noob question: did you find the 50mm to come up short with respect to magnification, brightness, FOV, or a combination? As I said, I'm prepared to suck it up and haul more weight if that is what needs to happen. The Vanguard spotter Mr. Cooper reviewed here recently might be a good option for my budget.

 

[luke moffat]

Noob question: did you find the 50mm to come up short with respect to magnification, brightness, FOV, or a combination? As I said, I'm prepared to suck it up and haul more weight if that is what needs to happen. The Vanguard spotter Mr. Cooper reviewed here recently might be a good option for my budget.

In short, yes...if I want a spotting scope I want to really pull stuff in with MUCH more definition than my binos can give. My current spotting scope is a 85mm that is roughly 4.5 pounds but goes to 75X and use a tripod that is 2.1 pounds all up with the head on it. I like it and it works for me. If I were you I'd look very hard at a Swaro 65mm ATS or STS. 20-60X or 25-50X depending on the eyepiece you get and VERY clear as they only sell the HD glass model now. Not the cheapest but the best 65mm scope out there for the weight IMO. Its right at 3 pounds (48 oz) pick up a vortex summit tripod or the like and you'll be right at your 5 pound goal. Though even going up to 5.5 pounds to get a slightly more stabile tripod will really help you take advantage of a quality spotter like the Swaro 65mm.

 

[Jason]

My set-up
Swaro ATS 65 25-50w 47oz
Slik 634 tripod 32oz
Vanguard PH-111v head 14oz

It's a little over your 5lb mark, but worth it. Or you could get the Slik 624 to shave a few ounces.

 

[mtnclimber]

Spotter- Swaro 25-50x65hd

Tripod-Cullman nanomax 220 with foam cut off and bottom legs cut off.

Tripod head- Vanguard PH-21

Weight- 4lbs 15 1/2 oz

You could save a bit of weight with a different head, that ones a little heavy.

 

[DaveC]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the jumpstart on the research process.

 

[robby denning]

I can't quit beating this drum
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/182-swarovski-ct-extendable-spotting-scopes
I wrote that article three years ago and still feel the same. 10 ounces lighter than the other style Swaros and just as good optical experience.

 

[Steve O]

I never weighed my setup before tonight. 5lb 6oz for a 65mm Zeiss and a Silk Sprint Mini with a Jim White head. I guess I could find some other tripod to get it down below 5# but I've been extremely happy with every part of it for over a decade. I also have the quick attach plate attached to my 10x or 15x binos.

 

[Clarktar]

I am at 8 lbs, so I am over the OP limit.

But, I thought I would post the details of my setup

Gitzo GH2720FQR Series 2 Magnesium 2 Way Head Safari, 1.5 lbs
Gitzo GT1541 tripod, 2.5 lbs
Kowa 883, 85mm spotter with eye piece, 4.06 lbs.

If anything maybe the head will work for you. I have not used it in a hunting application so far, but from what I can tell in the yard, it seems to pan fine and handles the weight of the spotter...

 

[Buster]

I can't quit beating this drum
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/182-swarovski-ct-extendable-spotting-scopes
I wrote that article three years ago and still feel the same. 10 ounces lighter than the other style Swaros and just as good optical experience.

First review I've found on them, good to know.

 

[Yellowknife]

My older Leica 62 APO + Slik Mini II tripod + Manfrotto ball head as well as the associated lens caps, cover, etc comes in a bit under 5 lbs. 4.8 if I recall correctly.

If sheep is on the menu at all, I think 60mm is as small as you really want to consider. I like to go the used or demo route and get the good stuff.

Yk