spotting scope questions

[steveptr]

So with a budget of 700 to a Max of 1000 what are some good choices? I'm not really sure what to look for I'd like a 20-60 if at all possible, any help would be appreciated greatly. Thanks.

 

[6mm Remington]

GR 12-40x60mm Spotting Scopes | Leupold

I have the 15-30x50mm Compact Leupold Gold Ring spotting scope and I really like it a lot.

GR 15-30x50mm Compact Spotting Scopes | Leupold

 

[homebru.trout]

In that price range, look for a Gen 1 Vortex Razor...they pop up on Camofire or Hunt of the Day all the time for around 8 bills. The little 50mm Razor is in your price range as well.

Used Zeiss Dialyt might come in around 1K. Leupold Kenai HD should be at or just under 1K if you can find one that doesn't come as a kit. Cabelas Krotos, Athlos Ares (these two may be the same glass), Vortex Viper HD. Vanguard seems to be well liked by some.

 

[PowellSixO]

Sportsman's Warehouse is having a labor day weekend sale on the gen1 razor hd. 1050, for the 85 mm spotter. Cant beat that.

 

[mcseal2]

At that price range I'd either go for the Razor mentioned above or look at used spotters. Some deals can be found on forums or Ebay for Kowa, Leica, Zeiss, or Swaro stuff that isn't the most recent model but is still excellent glass.

 

[Brian Fahs]

Leica televid 77 apo.
The 62 is another option

 

[WestNE]

Leica televid 77 apo.
The 62 is another option

These are all over for reasonable money (obviously this term is subjective or I would own one). I just saw a 62 on a Craigslist ad for $500. But they are on eBay all day long under $1K. I've spent limited time behind one but to me they offered a WOW type view. Not sure you could top the quality/ dollar spend these used Leica's present in the market today.

 

[oenanthe]

Find a used Nikon ED III 20-60x 60mm, or its big brother the ED82 (25-75x, 82mm). They are a tremendous value.

There's an older thread here where these were discussed in detail.

I think there may be an ED82 in the classifieds still (not mine).

Good luck!