The best of the worst: Spotters

[RockBridge]

Sorry, but your wrong.

The Vortex Nomad (Diamondback now) is a pretty decent spotter up to 40x....I spotted TONS of animals with mine. Oh yeah, my dad used his to spot the 30.5" Muley that my nephew shot last year.....

I picked up a nomad for $200 in like new condition two months ago. Probably could have done better but I was in a hurry.

 

[RosinBag]

I would save your money and not buy anything for $150.

What about a good hunting partner looking for a spotter. Pool your money and be partners in an optics purchase.

 

[5MilesBack]

If I had $150 to spend on a spotter, I'd send 5milesback a PM and buy his Redfield 20-45x60mm rubber armored waterproof spotter with table top Bushnell tripod TYD for $125.

The scope is in great shape and I used it for several years before getting a Swaro.

 

[stephen b]

That Redfield 5milesback has would work for you for just spotting and clarifying.

Also the Alpen Chinese made spotters are really not bad for the price. They will work for your needs and are better than most people here would suggest.
The Alpen 15-45 x60 ( straight or angled run) about $175. I have an older 728 model ( angled one) that works for what you are describing a need for. I have compared it quite a bit to a Vortex Razor 65 mm and it is surprising that the little 28 oz Alpen does not fall as far behind as I would have thought. Now I am not saying the Alpen is just as good by any means- but I can look at antler size and clarify and judge animals across a 2 mile valley. The Razor definitely does better really picking apart shadow areas and is a lot crisper. But I would have no hesitation loaning out to one of my son in laws, or even use myself the little Alpen. Now I may be less likely to loan out a Razor.

If you need a spotter- get the one you can afford and go hunt and have fun. I personally would not tell you that what your going to buy for your budget was a POS and forget wasting your money. Sometimes people like to be snobs. But truth be told, not every young person or older person can afford all the best stuff. Sometimes you just have to dance with who you came with. Much better than staying home and sitting on the internet and fretting about all the great gear you do not have and not getting out there.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I sold a like new Nomad for $175 not too long ago. Also seen them go for $150.

The statement you took issue with said "new". I do agree if he could find a used Nomad for $150 he should be all over it. However, I stand by my original statement that there isn't anything new for <$300 that's worth it. I went through several budget spotters that became nothing but extra weight.

I think the new rental option should be seriously considered.

 

[Mtnboy]

I musta missed the "new" part. My bad, I would agree that there probably isn't much option in the $150 range new that is very good at all.

I just get a little tired of the "best of the best or nothing" attitude that is on here sometimes, seen countless threads where someone asks for feedback on a specific product/products and it turns into "don't waste your time, save for the Kifaru/Swaro" which really offers no help to the persons question.

 

[Bmcox86]

I really like my vortex nomad. For the price used it can't be beat. If I ever upgrade I'll keep it as my range spotter

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I musta missed the "new" part. My bad, I would agree that there probably isn't much option in the $150 range new that is very good at all.

I just get a little tired of the "best of the best or nothing" attitude that is on here sometimes, seen countless threads where someone asks for feedback on a specific product/products and it turns into "don't waste your time, save for the Kifaru/Swaro" which really offers no help to the persons question.

No worries. I feel the same way about threads that head that way. There are certainly budget friendly options that have been tested and proven here. I run an REI pack, vortex spotter and tripod etc. I find this forum to be one of the most valuable tools around for a guy who can or can't drop top dollar but has an insatiable love for gear.

Vortex is a company that truly has served us well.... I've looked through all of their glass and can honestly say I think all of them performed beyond their price range. The same can't be said for other optics companies that rely on their name to sell some of their lower price point optics. (My Leupold green rings come to mind).

 

[BigSky]

Find a used Bausch & Lomb Discoverer - I have had one at three different times in the past 20 years. I think they are very good scopes for what you pay. I think I paid $150 for my first one. Last one I bought I think I paid $100. Last week, I saw two in a pawn shop, both in like new condition, for $60 each. I almost bought them both just because of the value. I still might, I like them that much.

 

[WRO]

Say you have a tiny budget. You already have a good pair of binos & you need a spotting scope.
Your budget won't let you buy the kind of glass you can use to count points at a mile distance.
You need something that'll let you know if there are Elk across the valley, but you don't need to know if any of them are bulls.
You can spend $150 and not one cent more.

What do you do?

No cop-out "Save & buy Zeiss/Swaro" answers please.

http://www.optics4rent.com/productdetail2.html

Thats what I'd do..

 

[ericfamilee]

I would second the Alpen recommendation. I have been a loyal Alpen customer for many years. I love the 18 x 36 x 60 spotting scope. Good comprise between weight and quality. I recently scratched the lense and decided it was time to replace it. I decided to send it to Alpen just to see what they would do. A couple of weeks later they sent me a brand new one, no charge at all. Great optics, especially for the money and a great company who stand behind their products.