So, like the tittle says im having a hard time deciding on a spotting scope to buy, I mostly just dont long range target shooting with a little varmint control mixed in ut weight isnt a big factor. I am stuck between the new vortex razor 27-60x85, the Leupold Gold Ring 20-60x80 and the swarovski ats 20-60x65... I really want to stay under 3 grand hence the swaro 65mm not the 80mm. I am curious if I am giving up all that much going with the 65mm objective instead of the 80mm. Also I have looked through the new razor it seems like a nice solid piece of kit and the swaro as well(only in store though under fluorescent lighting) the only one I have never gotten my hands on is the Leupold. The leupy caught my attention due to all of its military back ground i figure if it performs for a sniper team it will do what I need it to do, but its the only one i havent got my hands on so any info on these would be really greatly appreciated.
Spotting scope advice!
- Thread starter Rhys89
- Start date
mebiuspower
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Morontario
I have the Trijicon 20-60x82mm, the glass is made by Kahles. Very happy with it and it's under $3k.
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Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
So are you using this to SEE game and spot targets at LR
Or are you using it to see the air as well?
There are plenty of other very good options to add to your list for less money and plenty of performance. But it depends on your actual end use goals. Keep looking through this section, it has been debated not too long ago.
Jerry
Or are you using it to see the air as well?
There are plenty of other very good options to add to your list for less money and plenty of performance. But it depends on your actual end use goals. Keep looking through this section, it has been debated not too long ago.
Jerry
calvados.boulard
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria BC
Pentax PF-80EDA, and XW-10 eyepiece should run you about $1400-1500-ish. Mine has been stellar.
Thanks,
Cal.
Thanks,
Cal.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
And thus you need to be specific in what you actually want to accomplish. There are many excellent optics that focus on different applications.
if you are sheep hunting, your needs are likely a wee bit different then a wind coach for an F class team. Both excellent optics but very different goals.
SO, confirm WHAT you want to do and the performance you need... no problem meeting pretty much ANY end use goal with a $3k budget.
You might be able to get all you need for a lot less money.... but maybe, the solution might cost more????
Jerry
if you are sheep hunting, your needs are likely a wee bit different then a wind coach for an F class team. Both excellent optics but very different goals.
SO, confirm WHAT you want to do and the performance you need... no problem meeting pretty much ANY end use goal with a $3k budget.
You might be able to get all you need for a lot less money.... but maybe, the solution might cost more????
Jerry
A few months ago I bought a Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope from Amazon.ca. It is on the expensive side of the cheap scopes (about $250 if I remember correctly). I live 24 km from the ski hill and I can see the skiers getting off the lift at the top and skiing down the hill.
If you want to watch skiers 24 kms away or the craters on the moon, this is all you need. I do not know how good it would be for seeing the .17 holes in your target at 500 metres.
I am just pointing out that you have to decide what you want. Another thought would be that this is cheap enough that you can use it until you decide you want something else and have a better idea of your needs. Then sell it for most of what you put into it.
I don't know what is going to happen to scopes in the future but they have improved spectacularly in the last 10 or 15 years. They may make another jump next week.
If you want to watch skiers 24 kms away or the craters on the moon, this is all you need. I do not know how good it would be for seeing the .17 holes in your target at 500 metres.
I am just pointing out that you have to decide what you want. Another thought would be that this is cheap enough that you can use it until you decide you want something else and have a better idea of your needs. Then sell it for most of what you put into it.
I don't know what is going to happen to scopes in the future but they have improved spectacularly in the last 10 or 15 years. They may make another jump next week.
Homesteader
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a Wallow West of Edmonton.
I would add Kowa to your possibility list. Which ever size is suited to your uses, I couldn't decide either, but a good deal on a 774 helped 
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In that price range you may be able to get a Kowa TSN-774 with 25-60x-XD eyepiece, it beats the Swaro 65hd in a side by side comparison even with Kowa's non xd 20-60x eyepiece. The Kowa is brighter, sharper, and I like the focus wheels much better than the Swaro 65hd. My friend wishes he would have listened to me now, when he wants to tell how many points a mule deer buck has at great distances he looks through my Kowa.
