Which spotting scope should I buy from this list (lowest prices found listed)

[Lavos]

I have a habit of overanalyzing everything I buy and I'm on day 3 of researching this, so please help me choose from this list! Listed the lowest prices I could find

Vortex razor 16-48x65 (gen 1)
~$650 pre-tax

Vortex razor 22-48x65 (gen 2)
$999 pre-tax

Vortex razor 20-60x85 (gen 1)
~$750 pre-tax

Vortex razor 27-60x85 (gen 2)
~$950 *no tax*

Swarovski ATS-65 w 20-60x eyepiece
~$1750 *no tax*

Leica Televid 65 with 25-50x WW eyepiece
~$1700 *no tax*

Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55
~$1150 *no tax*

Feel free to add anything comparable in this price range if I missed it

 

[hereinaz]

The Kowa 553 is the best bang for the buck, IMO. Look at birder reviews, the glass is fantastic. The flourite they use for lenses is lighter and doesn't shift colors like glass. Its clarity rivals Swaro.

 

[peaceman]

I have the Kowa and Swaro. I tried a couple Vortex's and i don't believe they compare and send them back. If you want lighter weight and a lower variable magnification go Kowa, otherwise the Swaro.

 

[pacoalcracker]

swaro or kowa.....forget the others. you get what you pay for. you won't remember paying more for better, but you will if paying a lot for less.

 

[BjornF16]

It would help to know what your uses are…purely range work or any backpack hunting?

 

[handwerk]

I'd go either swaro or Leica.

 

[MustangHX]

If you don't mind the narrower FOV, go Kowa 553, the most affordable scope with fluorite element on the market

 

[bojangles808]

I have a habit of overanalyzing everything I buy and I'm on day 3 of researching this, so please help me choose from this list! Listed the lowest prices I could find

Vortex razor 16-48x65 (gen 1)
~$650 pre-tax

Vortex razor 22-48x65 (gen 2)
$999 pre-tax

Vortex razor 20-60x85 (gen 1)
~$750 pre-tax

Vortex razor 27-60x85 (gen 2)
~$950 *no tax*

Swarovski ATS-65 w 20-60x eyepiece
~$1750 *no tax*

Leica Televid 65 with 25-50x WW eyepiece
~$1700 *no tax*

Kowa TSN-553 15-45x55
~$1150 *no tax*

Feel free to add anything comparable in this price range if I missed it

where are you getting a kowa 553 for 1150

 

[Wyo_hntr]

Kowa

 

[jimh406]

Vortex razor 27-60x85 (gen 2)
~$950 *no tax*

 

[Mojave]

Kowa is best, and has the most usable eye relief.

Swarovski is ok if you have 20-20 vision and are not near sighted.

 

[MustangHX]

Maybe you also want to check Kowa 66a (not the older 663), reviews suggest it's better than ATX65. If you can find a reasonably priced 883, that'll be great too

 

[NickyD]

I was deciding between Vortex razor 27-60x85 (gen 2) and Swarovski STS 20-60x80. I spent about 4 hours over a few glassing sessions in various lighting conditions. The Swarovski was definitely better in the evenings, but not worth the upgrade with my budget at the moment. I have ELs as my primary bino for reference.

I was very happy with the spotter this season and don’t see myself upgrading anytime soon

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

I have three pairs of NL Pure- 8, 12, and 14. I also have the Swaro STC mini spotter. Love swaro glass. But my “big” spotter is a Kowa. After looking through one I bought one off here. And it’s the first gen. Spent a lot of time behind it the last couple days and can absolutely say it gives nothing up to Swaro.

If you can afford either of those brands, don’t settle for anything less. While brands like Vortex are very useable and typically cheaper, you’ll always wonder what could have been.

 

[kcm2]

Used Nikon 13-30 ED if you're on a budget.