What spotting scope do you use?

[monthunter]

I am looking to get a spotting scope and looking for inputs.

I am looking around the $500 tops range.

I have read a bit about the Konus spotting scopes as a dang good deal for the price anyone use them or can point me in a direction of one they have used and liked? I will use if for bench shooting and for glassing for bear/moose ect. Kind of want a 20-60x80 if possible.


Monthunter

 

[stid2677]

I have used a Pentax PF-65ED II for the last few years and found it to be a very good mid priced scope. It has been my experience that on most days the most you will be able to use is about x45 after that the heatwaves will wash it out and you are just carrying extra weight. Research some of the birding websites as they use spotters way more than the average hunter. With glass you get what you pay for. I have had no problem aging sheep with the Pentax PF-65ED II.

This photo was taken by holding my point and shoot camera to the eye piece.

Steve

 

[bnkwnto]

One of my friends had a Konus spotting scope and I was very impressed with it for the money. At the time I had a leupold Sequia and the konus was a lot clearer. I suggest you pick up a few and decide whether or not you really need a 80 objective. Big heavy spotters are fine for the range but they suck on hike in hunting trips. Take your time and try to find the best one you can. Don't be afraid to check out some used spotters. Everyone is always trying to upgrade the glass they have.

 

[Chisana]

I have used a Pentax PF-65ED II for the last few years and found it to be a very good mid priced scope. It has been my experience that on most days the most you will be able to use is about x45 after that the heatwaves will wash it out and you are just carrying extra weight. Research some of the birding websites as they use spotters way more than the average hunter. With glass you get what you pay for. I have had no problem aging sheep with the Pentax PF-65ED II.

This photo was taken by holding my point and shoot camera to the eye piece.

Steve

Just think how much better it will be when the new Zeiss Spotter arrives!

 

[AK Wonderer]

I'm also using a Pentax PF-65ED II. I've found that my 65mm will out perform lesser spotters in 80mm but I'm sure that's not always the case. Sorry, I can't speak for the Konus.

 

[AGL4now]

Still using the "Bausch & Lomb" 15X to 45X

 

[headhunter353]

I have 2 old leupold goldrings a straight 25 and the 15x40 vari.Like them both.
I do not like the sequia or the wind river they make.
I have spent 2 many hours looking though them.

 

[tyrex13]

I have a Leupold compact gold ring 10-20x and a Minox ED 62W 20x-45x. I like the Minox pretty good, I think the XL II Spotter, the Pentax mentioned above, the Nikon Prostaff, and the Bushnell Elite are all pretty good in your price range. I would avoid the Leupold green ring stuff and Burris.

If I was going to buy a new one I would be sure to check out the new Vortex Viper HD.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-15-45x65-Viper-HD-Spotting-Scope-P48318.aspx

 

[akndnlawyer]

You can't beat the Leupold Golden Ring compact; I've used and appreciated mine for years.

 

[yogibear]

monthunter-I have a Pentax PF-65ED that I bought new in 09 that I will sell for $500. It was $750 new. If you're interested PM me and you can check it out. It comes with the canvas cover and original packaging.

Yogi

 

[6XLeech]

I bought the same PF65EDII in 2009 after searching these forums; great value for my applications thus far.
Some of the best AOD advice comes from Snyd. He first pointed me at birdwatcher's forums, which often have good tips on optics and tripods too. http://www.birdwatching.com/optics.html, http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/binocularpicks.html, http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2007roundup/binoculars_midpriced.html.

Here's another AOD thread too: http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php/19047-Which-spotting-scope

Good luck.

 

[nomeite64]

Mr. Yogibear, my apologies as I can't pm yet.
Is that pentax spotting scope the angled or straight version? I am a couple months out of having all the money saved, but I might convince the C.F.O. it's worth it to get it early with some savings. I hope I am not horning in on monthunter and I understand that they have first crack at it.
Thanks