Spotting scope on a budget

[ScottEinsmann]

I have a pair of Vortex 10x42 binoculars but I'm planning on a high country mule deer hunt and would like to pack a spotting scope with me.

I don't need a scope for judging trophy quality just for finding animals and digiscoping.

I will be trolling the classifieds for deals but I'm not sure what some good options would be. What models and power do you recommend?

My budget is $500 or less

 

[kipper09]

vanguard endeavor is about as good as it gets.. its a true value at the price search the threads here.. gets rave reviews.

 

[6mm Remington]

Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm compact spotting scope. Very light, compact, and good optics on it.

 

[InIt2Live]

vanguard endeavor is about as good as it gets.. its a true value at the price search the threads here.. gets rave reviews.

+1, based on what I've read. When I finally decide to upgrade from my Redfield Rampage, I plan on going with the Vanguard, but the Redfield does everything I need for now.

 

[wyosteve]

pm sent

 

[jquarnberg]

My brother was trying ti sell a brand new vortex diamondback scope. 60mm. He was asking $375. Its brand new never used. Still in the sealed package. He got it in some sort of work incentive and doesn't need it. Let me know if your interested.

 

[duckhunter175]

Vanguards have good reviews. If you can stretch your budget a bit and just 'buy once, cry once' then there are always 16-48x Razor HDs for sale on here that are going for 800ish shipped.

Another options for a new spotter would be the 11-33x50 Razor HD-- $700 or less new with shipping and cheaper used.
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/385-vortex-lightweight-spotter

 

[jmharrington]

I've got a Nikon Ed 50 that fits in your budget. Great little scope. Also have phone skope adapter that fits it. Text or call if interested. Mark at 806.239.0675

 

[dotman]

Vanguards have good reviews. If you can stretch your budget a bit and just 'buy once, cry once' then there are always 16-48x Razor HDs for sale on here that are going for 800ish shipped.

Another options for a new spotter would be the 11-33x50 Razor HD-- $700 or less new with shipping and cheaper used.
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/385-vortex-lightweight-spotter

From a guy that has owned and used both, but once doesn't count with the vortex razor spotter, Vanguard HD is equal to it at half the price. Unless your going to spend $2k+ on an on sale spotter the Vanguard HD is the best value out there.

I'm not just saying this from reading other people's reviews but from actually using and spending plenty of time behind both, save your money and get the Vanguard over the Vortex Razor.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Only one ive tried in your price range is the Nikon 50ed. I still have it, it's a great little scope.

 

[209hunter]

I just picked up a Nikon Prostaff 5 16-48x60mm on ebay for $320. Its a $500 msrp scope but I saw a few on ebay for quite a bit cheaper than that. Seems pretty clear but Ive only messed with it in the yard. Its pretty light too at around 34oz

 

[HookUp]

Be careful with that Nikon Prostaff 5. Their is a design flaw and the eye piece easily breaks off the scope body. I broke two on day hunts and finally sold the third one brand new in package. Optics were great but serious durability issues. I codled mine in a scope pocket and that's where they broke.

 

[ScottEinsmann]

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[wyosteve]

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[209hunter]

Be careful with that Nikon Prostaff 5. Their is a design flaw and the eye piece easily breaks off the scope body. I broke two on day hunts and finally sold the third one brand new in package. Optics were great but serious durability issues. I codled mine in a scope pocket and that's where they broke.

Man I wish I would have read that somewhere before I bought one lol there really aren't any reviews out there so I kinda took a leap of faith. Well, I'll run it this year and hopefully I don't have any problems...