Spotting Scope

[TheKid]

Anyone have a suggestion for a good spotting scope? I have a $1000 budget.

Thanks,
Milan

 

[gr8fuldoug]

There are excellent options from Athlon and Kowa

What's intended use? Will you be packing with it? Will you be taking photos through it?

We'd be glad to discuss different options with you

 

[idahohikker]

I’d get an Athlon Ares if you want something totally adequate for $500. If you want a step up and more top of the line I would get a Kowa around $1000. Independent opinion but same as Doug.

 

[TheKid]

There are excellent options from Athlon and Kowa

What's intended use? Will you be packing with it? Will you be taking photos through it?

We'd be glad to discuss different options with you

Thanks for your reply doug. My main use is just for glassing and don't plan to take many pictures through it. Most of my hunts are long pack-ins. I just want something with good quality that will do the job.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Do you have a few minutes to give a call?
Doug
516-217-1000

 

[TheKid]

I’d get an Athlon Ares if you want something totally adequate for $500. If you want a step up and more top of the line I would get a Kowa around $1000. Independent opinion but same as Doug.

Thanks for your reply. I will be sure to check those brands out.

 

[Decker9]

Another worth looking at is the pentax ed65, it holds its own side by side with my swarovski 65 hd.

 

[TheKid]

Another worth looking at is the pentax ed65, it holds its own side by side with my swarovski 65 hd.

Cool I’ll make sure to check it out. I’ve heard people talk about the Vortex Scopes but so far no ones recommended it. I guess its not really the quality everyone makes it out to be?

 

[Ogrenerd]

I'll vouch for vortex. Unbeatable warranty. Good glass. Check out aaoptics. He sells a lot of refurbished vortex. These are just as good as new, only cheaper. If anything goes wrong vortex will still fix it. I believe they are a decent weight for packing as well.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I got a new gen 1 razor 65mm a few months back for under $600. I personally think it’s great. Not the lightest, not the best glass, but I’m a big fan of the “old style” finger focus vs the barrel setup on the gen II vortex and most others, so it works for me and the price was great. The Kowas have that same focus system and I’m sure a few others. I also got the wide angle /LER lens for it and think that is a good addition for under $200.

 

[Ram94]

That 65mm Athlon is pretty sweet for the price. Fair bit smaller than other 65mm scopes and very clear picture. I compared side by side with a Gen 1 Razor and well, I now have the Athlon Ares.

 

[Decker9]

Cool I’ll make sure to check it out. I’ve heard people talk about the Vortex Scopes but so far no ones recommended it. I guess its not really the quality everyone makes it out to be?
[/QUOTE]

My dad has a older viper HD spotter, it’s nothing to write home about. I have the viper binos and ranger 1000, both have had problems.

Iv never looked through the razor line, I hear their not bad units.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

That 65mm Athlon is pretty sweet for the price. Fair bit smaller than other 65mm scopes and very clear picture. I compared side by side with a Gen 1 Razor and well, I now have the Athlon Ares.

The Athlon Ares 15-45x65 ED for $469.99 is hard to beat:

• ED Glass: ED glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes
• ESP Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
• Aluminum Central Chassis: Aluminum Central chassis offers you the strength of a metal chassis and the life time durability.
• XPL Coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
• Bak4 Prism: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes thus will give you brighter and sharper image.
• Advanced Fully Multi-Coated: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses bring you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
• Argon Purged: Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protect the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidently submerged underwater
• Rotating Ring: Rotating Ring allows you to rotate the scope around tripod supporting ring into the most comfortable and convenient angle for observation

 

[hoythunter]

Ive had a gen 1 razor i ordered from cameraland the week they came out, its been a great spotter

 

[HookUp]

For packing in and value the Athon Ares 65mm is your scope call Doug