Simple....$1k budget

Best spotter for hunting

Kowa

quote:

Originally posted by Rub Line:
Kowa

OK.....Kowa what?

Take your pick.........

Kowa Spotters Jarheadtop

Leupold 12-40x60 gold ring.

I would spend a touch more and get HD

I noticed some great deals on ebay right now for good used ones

quote:

Originally posted by Cat Power:
Leupold 12-40x60 gold ring.

I would spend a touch more and get HD

I noticed some great deals on ebay right now for good used ones

Tough to argue with that (Leupold gold ring) and the size is right for hunting if you're hauling it around on your back.

I bought the Nikon 13-30x50ED for the compact size, great price and good reviews. Meh. Glad I bought it, NEVER leave it behind if I'm cutting weight on a long hike but next time I'm going with a 60mm. The 50mm leaves a bit to be desired at long range, low light.

These would be my choices to look at sub $1000.

Minox 65mm HD

Vortex Razor 65mm HD

for a little more the Kowa 663 or 664. The Prominar Kowa's are as good as the alpha scopes IMHO. I've never had trouble seeing anything my buddy does with my 664. He uses a Swaro 80mm HD. His scope only outperforms mine in the last 15 minutes of light.

The Leupold never amazed me compared to the ones above. Not a bad scope, I just didn't care for it.

Jeremy

Also look at the Pentax 80mm with ED glass (PF-80). It is easily on par with the Kowa 883 88mm for a lot less $$$. And yes, I have both spotting scopes to compare to.

If you are planning on packing it, the 80mm scopes are boat anchors.

Also, budget $300-500 for a proper tripod with head, window mount and maybe soft case. If you don't already have these.

If you are not going to pack it, 80mm scopes give you a few extra minutes of spotting in the morning and evening.

Sometimes that is the difference between seeing a bull sneak into the timber or not. More expensive glass in a 65mm scope can negate this somewhat.

I picked the 66mm Kowa based on performance, weight and size. I can pack it in, easily carry it on the plane, and it is big enough for good low light spotting.

Jeremy

Whatever scope you decide on, get a Phone Skope attachment for it. This allows you to take amazingly clear cellphone photographs/videos through your spotting scope. Their bluetooth shutter button is also pretty slick as well.

Phone Skope

Buy a used scope from any of the euro big 3.

Iam a Kowa fan for sure.