Leupold Spotting Scope? HD worth it?

[knightcc]

Hi Everyone

I am looking at a Leupold golden ring spotter (12-40X60) and there is a few hundred dollars difference between the HD and non HD models. Can anyone comment on whether this HD difference is worth the money or is it somewhat of a gimic. Also, is the kit version with tripod and case worth the money.

Thanks!!

 

[Fassteel]

Leupold spotters

IMHO
Leupold represent the least amount of value for the money in their binoculars and spotting scopes. Most of the product is made off shore then huge margins are added to it, making it below average value but folks will buy it just because it says leupold. FS

 

[jjohnwm]

+1. I am an admirer of Leupold riflescopes because of their durability and outstanding warranty service. A riflescope isn't an observation instrument...it's an aiming device that needs to give you a clear sight picture during legal shooting light hours, but you aren't going to be peering through it for hours.

I've also had two Leupold spotting scopes (not the model you are looking at, though) as well as one pair of Leupold binoculars, and I was thoroughly underwhelmed by all of them. I'll bet that they were as tough as nails, but I never used them so hard that I worried about that, or ever had to worry about service. Their optical quality was certainly inferior to a Bushnell of the same price point, and unlike a riflescope, optical quality is the be-all and end-all of these devices, at least for me. If you can, go to a shop that carries a good selection of scopes, and compare them directly. Forget the name...just look at the image. You will be surprised.

 

[Beargun45-70]

I dont know anything specific to the Leupold spotting scops. We had a bushnell for a few years and it was a complete joke. Since then my dad bought a swarovski and a year later i bought the same swarovski only i got the HD. In the case of out two scopes, HD was a waste of money. On a nothern sheep/cariboo hunt we had the scopes side by side for two weeks under all conditions and couldn't tell and measurable differance between the two.
Hope that helps a little.