What spotter to get for packing out ?

[MattB]

Well said Joe especially your last line there!

I went from a Swaro 65mm non-hd to a 65mm Swaro HD, then picked up a 85mm Zeiss 20-75X 3 years ago. I prefer it over the smaller swaros cause of the extra light and zoom. But I didn't initially like the extra bulk nor the extra 1.5 pounds over the Swaro. So I picked up a Vortex 50mm. Cute little guy and funny that the objective is the same size as one of my binocular objectives on my 12X50 Razor HDs

That said I rarely felt a time when I was reaching for the little vortex when I went to the field. The extra 3 pounds in the pack always seemed worth it cause I was nervous about giving up that 75X zoom.

If you are just looking for antlers on an animal inside 3 miles in most cases the 50mm Vortex is just what you need. If you are looking at counting tips and tines then likely you'll be disappointed Its a great little scope, just really comes down to your needs/expectations.

I bought a Nikon 50mm ED because my Swaro 80mm is big and heavy, but I do not think the Nikon has ever left my house for the reason Luke stated - it just doesn't do that much more than my binos.

 

[matt1glenn]

Ok thanks guys if i still want something small should i do the gold ring over the vortex because it goes to 40 or not worth the diff in price ?

 

[Ramshead]

I have been using the Bushnell 15x45x60mm Elite (formerly Bausch & Lomb) for around 20 years. Mine weighs 22 oz with the rubber armor removed, just under 44 oz. with a nylon case and Slik Compact 11 tripod. I also have a Pentax 65 ED but rarely carry it. Most of my hunting is solo backpacking in British Columbia and this is one compromise that has worked well enough for me. If an animal looks promising, I just walk a little closer until I can determine its size.

 

[rbljack]

Ive been wanting a spotter too, but don't want the big bulky, or the extra weight. After looking around a bunch, I read a lot of good reviews on the leopold compact kit like the GR 15-30x50mm. I have little experience with spotters, but for an economical solution that is still somewhat lightweight and portable, this seems like a good choice as well. Looking for more inputs on the topic. Option b that Im considering is just spending more cash on a decent pair of binos with better glass, combined with a tripod, and not mess with the spotter. Primarily wanting it for deer and elk hunting, and some range work.

and as another posted above, they have another kit that will hit the 40 power mark, but its more than twice the price.. 624 vs 1749

 

[matt1glenn]

I think I'm going to get the razor , now question is should I get angled or straight . I'm mostly glass from a high point ( leans toward straight ) , my last straight kind of bugs my neck ( angled would be better) , Most of the time i sit , What would be better for a phone scope ?

 

[rbljack]

I think I'm going to get the razor , now question is should I get angled or straight . I'm mostly glass from a high point ( leans toward straight ) , my last straight kind of bugs my neck ( angled would be better) , Most of the time i sit , What would be better for a phone scope ?

LOL...boy you and I think alike. I was looking at the pro's and con's of straight vs angled today in fact. I cant help, but am still following this thread close, because I am in the same boat. Trying to figure out what spotting scope, which tripod, etc, and still have something packable for back country trip when everything is on my back.

 

[Shrek]

I had a straight spotter this year and it's already sold. It was great glass and the performance was everything I could want but god did I want it to be angled every time I set it up. Angled is so much easier on the neck.

 

[Flatbow]

everyone always forgets to include KOWA. when I bought a scope I had a Zeiss, Swarvo, Leica, and Kowa side by side. my eye could not see that much of a difference between them. I went with the KOWA because it was lighter and shorter, not because it was a grand less than the others...

 

[Clarktar]

I got a kowa tsn84 and am very satisfied!