Need help with spotting scope purchase -Leupold-Nikon-Pentax

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Northman999

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Fellows,

I'm seriously looking into getting a spotting scope. My budget isn't really high, I'm looking at $300-$500 units. Right now it seems I'm comparing kits (scope, bipod, case) from -Leupold-Nikon-Pentax. Any suggestions? I'm kind of leaning towards Nikon right now, but reall I've got no experience with spotting scopes and so no biases one way or the other. I'd be using it for shooting up to 500 yards and predator hunting mostly, with some general wildlife viewing as well. Any differences in these brands performance in winter conditions etc?

Thanks!
 
Visit birding reviews and forums. These guys look at optics like we look at precision rifles.

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/Pentax-65-mm-Spotting-Scope.php

After looking at this review and using a larger version during the Frosty Farky, I bought it. WOW, it is really great glass.

I had a Nikon XL before it. Very nice compact, all in one spotter for max portability. Worked quite well but the glass is not as good as the Pentax ED and upgraded eyepiece. For general game spotting, not bad but the eyepiece is hard to use if you have glasses.

Boils down to budget and what you want to achieve. If you are trying to see bullet holes at LR, you will need the very best glass money can buy.

For spotting game at long range, having that clarity is also critical. If all you want to do is tell if that is a doe or buck, just about anything will do.

If you want to count the points or look at annular rings, you need glass.

I tested the Pentax on some cold clear winter days. I had no problem resolving the bark texture of a pond pine tree at 2000yds (yes, I can range that far accurately).

For a compact scope, that was my choice with the upgraded zoom eyepiece from the 80mm spotter.

Have a read and there are lots of good info in their reviews. They also compare the Nikon and Leupold. If you need weather protections, don't think the Nikons are waterproof. The pentax is and suspect Leupold will be too.

In better spotters, you can swap out the eyepiece. That is as critical to viewing performance as the scope itself. Pentax has some of the best eyepieces in the world. Definitely one of the best zoom lenses too.

I am about to sell this Pentax because I am going wireless camera for my target spotting needs. PM me if interested.

Jerry
 
If you need weather protections, don't think the Nikons are waterproof.
Click to expand...

Yup, they sure are. Nikon offers great bang for the buck in the spotting scope world. I definitely prefer it over the Leuppy but haven't looked through the Pentax.
 
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