Spotting Scope for Sheep Hunting

[DeskJockey]

What's everybody using? What's your thoughts on the balance of power vs weight?

[AK Troutbum]

I have a Leupold, but don't necessarily recommend it. I got it as a present and as soon as I can afford something very good, I will be making a spotting scope purchase. I shave wt. on everything, but I don't think wt's. going to be much of a consideration for me when I start looking to purchase. I just think that when it comes to sheep hunting and good/powerful spotting scope glass, I won't let a little extra wt. interfer with my choice.

[stid2677]

I have used a Pentax for the last several years, but upgraded to a Zeiss dialyt spotter for this season. It has been my experience that atmospheric conditions make it hard to use anything stronger than 45 power on most days. Get the best glass you can afford and hunt with your eyes and not your feet. Good glass holds it value and can be sold if necessary. It has also been my experience that the low end scopes just don't have the resolution required for sheep hunting.

JMHO,,

Steve

[AK Troutbum]

It has also been my experience that the low end scopes just don't have the resolution required for sheep hunting.

JMHO,,

Steve

That's been my experience with my Leopold.

[Kay9Cop]

I'm using a Nikon 15-30x50 ED. I had a Leupold Sequoia before that and I couldn't really use it above 30x most times, so I don't feel too limited by going to the lower power Nikon. I might not feel that way if I had some really high quality glass. The Nikon gets really great reviews from bird watchers, and they spend a lot of time behind glass. I've found it to be really great glass and haven't had any of the resolution problems I had with my Leupold. And the weight savings is amazing!

[Alaskan22]

Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica...

Anything "can" work. Those three, WILL work.

Yup, they aren't cheap. Neither is a hunt of a lifetime.

[Jim~]

Zeiss diascope, 85mm. I like to count the annular and dont mind the weight if it means I can verify age on a ram that may happen to be double broomed.

YMMV,

Jim

ETA: Quality is heavy.

[LuJon]

I hear this a lot and I am on the fence.... I can afford right now to "upgrade" to the Zeiss but I hesitate due to the lower power. I know that I can't really get the most out of my spotter on high power looking over long distances due to the heat waves. I have not yet been close enough to a ram to really get into judging that last inch between legal and not legal. At 3-400 yards I could see the 60x swaro or even my pentax being useful to get a right up close and personal view. Is this not the case? At this range is the mirage still an issue causing over 45x to not be useful? If the consensus is that 50-60x is still not useful in that situation then I may well sell my pentax and make yet another call to Doug at CameralandNY. I know the compact size and shape of the new zeiss sure is desirable.... Does anyone local to the Valley have one? I would like to make a run or two up Pioneer ridge or twin peaks and put them head to head. Heck even judging ewes should provide some real answers!

[AK Troutbum]

I would like to make a run or two up Pioneer ridge or twin peaks and put them head to head. Heck even judging ewes should provide some real answers!

When do you plan on running up Pioneer next, I'd like to see that.roud:

[LuJon]

Perhaps "run" wasn't the best term... After 17 months in the desert working on computers.... well suffice it to say no one wants to see me lumber up a mountain! I definitely have my eye on a miserably steep but very isolated trail that I will stumble/crawl up for a few weeks before I embarrass myself in front of others!! I may just go ahead and order the zeiss and sell it if I decide I want more power.

[Marc Taylor]

Stid hit it right on. Anything above 45x will be too heavy to carry away from base camp anyway.

DO NOT overlook Vortex. The Viper and Razor line is AMAZING and mid-range for price. I'll be getting a 15x45x60mm Viper with High Density glass this year.

Taylor

[mossyhorn]

What do you guys think about Kowa's?

[kahahawai]

Whatever you guys buy, don't buy anything more than 65 power and don't get the angled eye piece.....trust me, get the straight eye piece.

[LuJon]

Whatever you guys buy, don't buy anything more than 65 power and don't get the angled eye piece.....trust me, get the straight eye piece.

I like the angled, but at 6'5" anything that helps me not have to stoop over is a blessing!

[Indian Summer]

FYI I just received the new product catalog from Leupold. They are now making a 20-60X80mm Gold Ring for those who like Leupold but wanted more than 65 power magnification. Their prices are lower than Zeiss and Swaro... but I buy them on the outfitter program. Hard to get at the moment but may be an option to consider.