Unique situation Spotting Scope recommendation

[KazzyfromOregon]

Hi all,

So here's my situation - I typically hunt the same bunch of small (1,000 acers or less) private properties. Open ground, not a tree anywhere. The spotter is MOSTLY used out of the truck however at times it is definitely packed around. I'm never spotting more than a mile away usually 1/4-1/2 mile. Outside of big game hunting I also use it while scouting for waterfowl, from the truck.

I am pretty convinced that I don't need something as big as an 80mm, I'm thinking 60-65mm? What are a couple "high-end" and "middle of the road" options in this size range? Anything else I need to be considering? Am I missing the boat on something? Thank you.

 

[GunsAreFun]

How are you using it scouting for waterfowl? Like what ranges and what information are you trying to discern?

 

[KazzyfromOregon]

How are you using it scouting for waterfowl? Like what ranges and what information are you trying to discern?

Looking for odd species, leg bands/neck collars or unique birds.

 

[AkMtnRunner]

What information are you trying to see on the big game?

 

[KazzyfromOregon]

What information are you trying to see on the big game?

I mostly use Binos to spot the game and the spotter for a closer look - count points or just notice details to differentiate animals. But I also want to be able to use the spotter to glass bedding areas for unseen animals midday,

 

[S-3 ranch]

I use a fixed power leupold gold ring 25x50

has been used all over, fits on my window of truck perfect

 

[GunsAreFun]

Looking for odd species, leg bands/neck collars or unique birds.

Depending on the distance, you’re probably going to want higher than 65mm for that level of detail.

I’m not an expert in any sense, but if I was never packing it a distance, I’d go big.

 

[KazzyfromOregon]

I use a fixed power leupold gold ring 25x50

has been used all over, fits on my window of truck perfect

This actually what I have right now but it just doesn't have "it" when it comes to low light, especially at distance. I definitely need something a little bigger or at least newer/better quality glass.

 

[KazzyfromOregon]

Depending on the distance, you’re probably going to want higher than 65mm for that level of detail.

I’m not an expert in any sense, but if I was never packing it a distance, I’d go big.

Usually not further than 500 yards. My 25X50 Leupold has been sufficient in nearly every instance for this. I feel like an 80mm unit is pretty large to be putting in a window? Maybe not?

 

[kota]

I have used an 82mm scope on a window without issue. Perhaps a bigger question is what sort of window mount will you use it with. Might need to upgrade to something with a head that can handle the weight.

From my perspective the biggest advantage of a 65 mm scope is weight. Since you mostly use it from the truck, that shouldn’t be an issue.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Kowa 553/554.

 

[Honyock]

19 Best Spotting Scopes For Hunting | Backwoods Pursuit

Looking for the best spotting scope for hunting? Maybe you are looking for the overall best spotting scope on the planet or maybe the best spotting scope for

backwoodspursuit.com

This is a pretty good read. I use an Athlon Ares G2 UHD 65mm and have no complaints. Are there better scopes for a lot more money? Sure there are. But for the $ the Ares G2 punches way above its weight class.