Anyone own / use a Leupold Compact Golden Ring Spotting Scope?

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I'm considering one of these compact spotting scopes for use *in place of* binoculars, while in the field, and will primarily be used in the "handheld" fashion.

Anyone else use this scope for general game viewing / spotting?
How does it fair in low-light conditions?

I don't want a set of heavy bino's in my pack, ditto for a heavy spotting scope..... I'm thinking that this might be a good compromise?
 
I have the 15-30 x 50mm model and use it quite extensively for viewing, though I would never replace my binos with them. In all honesty while they are great if you have a steady rest, but target aquisition especially at full zoom can be difficult from an offhand hold as it does have a smaller field of view and very high magnification (compared to binos). The glass is fantastic and I am really pleased with mine, but for quick viewing nothing beats a pair of binos. Incidentally I found the smaller compact version to be a bit too small, and harder to steady in my hands, though that may just be me.
 
I'll agree with MuleyMadness on this one. I've been using the same (15-30 x 50mm model) at work for the better part of two years. You'll really need a rest (tripod) when using them at the higher magnifications. I also find that compared to other spotting scopes I've tried in the past - both higher and lower cost, these seem to be a little lacking in the area of light gathering. Don't know if it's my aging eyes, but the sight picture seems to be noticeably darker than other scopes I've used... All in all, I'd say that for the price, they are decent as a spotting scope, but I definately wouldn't use one in place of a good set of binos... Just my $.02

Cheers,
hsld
 
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