Spotting scope help

[savagelh]

So I've pretty much decided on a vortex diamondback buy I can't decide on 20-60×60 or the 80mm objective. Also torn between angled or straight eyepiece. It will be for mule deer hunting and observation. Using a phone skope and for use at the range. Just need some feedback on what to buy and why. Thanks.

 

[TheTooner]

My spotters are 16-30x50 and 15-45x60, plenty for my various purposes. But if I did want to use 60x magnification I'd opt for the larger objective lens. Both of mine have straight eyepieces. Angled would be a bit of an advantage on the range but straight is good enough, and angled is stupid on a car window mount.

 

[savagelh]

I never thought about the window mount. I suppose that would be awkward

 

[TrollGRG]

There was a thread not long ago on this same subject.
"need spotting scope suggestions" - it is a few pages down by now

 

[savagelh]

Thanks I will check it out. I have no luck with the search function here

 

[MG4A6]

I have a straight one on my swaro, wish I bought the angled one.
Looking at mountains or anything above ground level hurts after a while... especially after an hour of star gazing.

 

[Mudduck]

If you are backpacking the 60 mm is a lot easier to fit into a backpack and there is a substantial weight difference. Many packs that have a spotter pocket/sleeve are not big enough for the 80 mm - just something to consider. As for angled - I prefer it .... unless you are doing most of your viewing for a vehicle window

 

[savagelh]

Thanks for the advice. I'm using a badlands 2200 and not sure if the 80mm will fit in the spotting scope compartment. The 80mm gas better reviews so I'm really not sure what to do. I Was thinking the angled eyepiece would be good from the vehicle window since you can rotate the whole assembly

 

[TrollGRG]

Another thing to remember is that you wont be using it to full magnification. If it says 60 then you will get your best resolution at something smaller (say 45 for want of a number) if it says 80 then maybe 60 or 65

 

[BlackHorn]

My spotters are 16-30x50 and 15-45x60, plenty for my various purposes. But if I did want to use 60x magnification I'd opt for the larger objective lens. Both of mine have straight eyepieces. Angled would be a bit of an advantage on the range but straight is good enough, and angled is stupid on a car window mount.

A good quality spotting scope will rotate in his mount. Turned at a desired angle it can be, in many situations , more comfortable to use.

I just went through the process of upgrading from an old Spacemaster. I ckecked on final between the Diamondback and the Vanguard Endeavour. I choosed the 82A but the Vortex is as desirable.

 

[gks]

Hi, I have the angled Vortex Diamond 20-60X80 great scope for price , there is a set on eye piece that allows you to rotate the eye piece from vertical to the side

 

[savagelh]

Just an update, I just ordered a vanguard endeavor hd 82a off Amazon. I've been doing a pile of research and nearly bought a vortex viper but all the reviews on the endeavour seemed to favour it. I won't know until it shows up but I think I made the right decision. It was $644 to my door after the dust settled so still less expensive than the diamondback. Thanks for the advice.

 

[silverfoxdj]

I'd vote for an angled large as you could afford lense

 

[savagelh]

I did go with an angled eyepiece btw.

 

[ManitobaMan]

I have A 65 with angled and an 85 with strait,both Zeiss T FL Loutek

I have used the 85 for target work allot, as well as countless hours of glassing from
Afield and out of my truck Via window mount,

I picked up the 65 really only for weight savings, but have used it for paper too

I personally like the strait for locating game while glassing,
All you do is zoom out and landmark where you are looking, Than look above the scope, (most strait scopes have a sight line for this)
I took the 65 angled out afield a few times and it’s a huge pain in the butt to me when
Looking across a mountain or open prairie to landmark after taking your eye off the scope

A good test is if you can try both, find somthing to look at, take your eye off and than move the spotter a small amount and
Re find the object, In my experience the strait was much easier and quicker to re find a target.

Could just be I need more practice as well tho.

As far as objective size, For packing into a backpack the 65 is tiny and cool,
But I have never regretted having my big 85 period, and could shave the weight off
In allot of other places.

 

[sillymike]

Just an update, I just ordered a vanguard endeavor hd 82a off Amazon. I've been doing a pile of research and nearly bought a vortex viper but all the reviews on the endeavour seemed to favour it. I won't know until it shows up but I think I made the right decision. It was $644 to my door after the dust settled so still less expensive than the diamondback. Thanks for the advice.

let us know how it performs!

 

[savagelh]

let us know how it performs!

So the mailman dropped it off yesterday. It seems like a pretty well made unit. All the adjustments are nice and firm but not too stiff. It's too cold here to spend much time outside testing it out but I have a good view from our dining room window. Was looking at the power line 800y away with pretty good detail. I had a hard time focusing on anything past that but it's not a fair trial looking through a semi dirty window with -30 air currents and ice crystals in the air. Ordered a phone skope yesterday and can't wait to get out there and start digiscoping. I'll post a better review once I do.