Spotting scopes…

[TaperPin]

I’m sure it’s been posted, but my search results are mostly discussing specific models. I am brand new to the spotting scope world, I’ve only ever needed binos. With an elk hunt coming in September I’m in the market for a spotting scope as well as a phone attachment. I’ve heard that the novagrade phone attachment is by far and away the best attachment, however I have no idea where to start for the actual scope. I’m sure budget is helpful to include, I’d be willing to look at anything 600ish and below currently. If there’s something wildly better for a bit more I could be convinced. TIA for all knowledge and advice!


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I think a spotting scope is always worth while, despite what kind of binoculars you have. Last year a family member was going elk hunting so I packed him my loaner scope - a $200 Nikon fieldscope 2 bought used directly from Japan - and a really stable $300 Gitzo tripod and uniball Arca head. The only elk they saw the whole trip was a small herd too far away to see with binoculars, but was picked up with the scope. Went there and pulled the trigger. Another family friend went along with his $$$$ Swaro spotter and it was unusable in the wind with a cheap tripod and he couldn’t see the elk at all.

Same thing happened a few years ago in Yellowstone - a couple we were looking at wolves and bears with had a brand new swaro and cheap tripod - that cheap loaner spotter and big tripod of mine could see everything they could if there was any wind at all. I didn’t worry at all about leaving the cheap spotter in the vehicle, but I would have a hard time leaving a Swaro unattended - the meth heads break windows for stupid stuff anymore.

That’s a long winded way to say, spend money on a good tripod, not just the glass. A cheap used spotter makes a great range and loaner scope - you’ll find a way to get a high dollar scope down the road if you use the cheap one enough and get tired of its limitations.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I think a spotting scope is always worth while, despite what kind of binoculars you have. Last year a family member was going elk hunting so I packed him my loaner scope - a $200 Nikon fieldscope 2 bought used directly from Japan - and a really stable $300 Gitzo tripod and uniball Arca head. The only elk they saw the whole trip was a small herd too far away to see with binoculars, but was picked up with the scope. Went there and pulled the trigger. Another family friend went along with his $$$$ Swaro spotter and it was unusable in the wind and he couldn’t see the elk at all.

Same thing happened a few years ago in Yellowstone - a couple we were looking at wolves and bears with had a brand new swaro and cheap tripod - that cheap loaner spotter and big tripod of mine could see everything they could if there was any wind at all. I didn’t worry at all about leaving the cheap spotter in the vehicle, but I would have a hard time leaving a Swaro unattended - the meth heads break windows for stupid stuff anymore.

That’s a long winded way to say, spend money on a good tripod, not just the glass. A cheap used spotter makes a great range and loaner scope - you’ll find a way to get a high dollar scope down the road if you use the cheap one enough and get tired of its limitations.

To @TaperPin point. In that linked optics review we had a deer at 1130yds. None of the binos could describe anything about it and I doubt they would have seen it if not pointed out in the shadows. All the spotters (even the minis) could see it.