16 September 2014, 20:11
Opus1Spotting Scopes
Looking for a new spotting scope. Weight is not a huge issue, however, clarity and excellent optics are. Mostly use for game spotting from tripod. Budget is in the $1K to $1.5K range. Any suggestions?
Have not found a good comparison site that really dissects the various manufacturers and models.
16 September 2014, 22:42
Pa.FrankI forget the model number, but the 88mm Kowa is tough to beat.. Zeiss makes a decent one too and is in the $1k range.
As with rifle scopes, quality glass is not cheap, and you get what you pay for..
Good luck
17 September 2014, 00:34
Opus1Yep, the Kowa 88mm are certainly great, but at $2,400 it's more than I wanted to drop on a field scope. Interestingly, I used a Zeiss Diascope 85mm a week ago and wasn't blow away by its clarity. At $3,100 a copy, it's off the list.
If money wasn't the limiter, I would take the Kowa hands down over the Zeiss.
17 September 2014, 03:55
505EDI have the older model of this:
http://www.cameralandny.com/op....pl?page=vortexrazorIt does what I need it to do.
With a 20x60 eyepiece this is about 1300...
http://www.cameralandny.com/op...l?page=kowa_tsn-82svEd
17 September 2014, 18:20
Opus1SR - Thanks for the link. I have been reading more and more about the Pentax 80ED. Pound for pound looks to be the best combination of $$$ and performance. Will get one in my hands and see what I can see...
17 September 2014, 22:21
Pa.Frankquote:
Originally posted by Opus1:
Yep, the Kowa 88mm are certainly great, but at $2,400 it's more than I wanted to drop on a field scope. Interestingly, I used a Zeiss Diascope 85mm a week ago and wasn't blow away by its clarity. At $3,100 a copy, it's off the list.
If money wasn't the limiter, I would take the Kowa hands down over the Zeiss.
Okay, so how about an older Kowa? Like the 660 or 664? Maybe even a 770.. You can pick them up within your price range..
17 September 2014, 22:34
JTEXA couple of guys at the range have got Konus spotters.........man, for the money those are some fine scopes!
.
18 September 2014, 03:25
JGRaiderI would agree with 505ED. For your budget, the Razor is hard to beat.