Spotting Scope

[jzfrench]

With all of the new spotting scopes on the market, it is difficult to navigate and make a decision on this significant investment. The majority of my hunting in backcountry DIY hunting and I'm trying to decide on a quality scope, while considering weight for pack purposes. Also, I'm trying not to break the bank with a $3 - $4k scope but also don't intend to go cheap and sacrifice quality. The last scope that was recommended to me by a friend is a Swarovksi. Any thoughts/recommendations?

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Sounds like a Vortex razor 65 HD might be in your future. I will be checking this model out soon (I hope). I have used the 85HD a lot, and it compares to the best in many ways.

Initial reports on the 65mm are quite positive. Time will tell.

If you don't mind hauling 4 pounds around, the Meopta S2 spotter is absolutely top shelf in every way (except for the eyepiece cover), but will still cost you $2K.

Deals can be found on the ATM/ATS 65HD, which would also be a great choice.

[Shaun]

X2 on Razor 65 I own a atm80hd but if I diddnt fing deal I did I would have picked up the Razor

[Ikeepitcold]

Sounds like a Vortex razor 65 HD might be in your future. I will be checking this model out soon (I hope). I have used the 85HD a lot, and it compares to the best in many ways.

Initial reports on the 65mm are quite positive. Time will tell.



If you don't mind hauling 4 pounds around, the Meopta S2 spotter is absolutely top shelf in every way (except for the eyepiece cover), but will still cost you $2K.




Deals can be found on the ATM/ATS 65HD, which would also be a great choice.

X3 on the Vortex

[clacklin009]

The trend is to compare the Swaro 65 to the Razor 85. If a 65 is as quality as an 85 you know which one is higher quality. Going with the Swaro 65 or 80 will save you ounces. Saw the Razor 65 and 50 in Sportsmans this week in Midvale UT. Swaro 80 weight will be comparable to the Razor 65 and the Swaro 65 will be half the weight of the Razor 85. Don't get me wrong the Razor is a great scope but is not the same as the Swaro. If looking at the Razor 65 you should also look at the Nikon Fieldscope 60mm ED.

[ProjectCO87]

I just went to Cabelas over in Colorado and checked out a bunch of different scopes. I ended up with the Euro HD. This had amazing clarity and was comparable to scopes that were about $1,500 more. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...h-All+Products

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I just went to Cabelas over in Colorado and checked out a bunch of different scopes. I ended up with the Euro HD. This had amazing clarity and was comparable to scopes that were about $1,500 more. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...h-All+Products

That is an incredible scope. It is the Cabelas version of the Meopta S2 I referred to above. You could also get the Meopta branded 30-60 WA eyepiece, if you'd like.

[jzfrench]

Thanks for all of the info. Sounds like multiple good options. I need to get out and try and compare and make a decision. Looking forward to pulling the trigger.