I need a new spotting scope, mainly to use in hunting situations where, for a matter of opportunity, it won´t be treated as much as desired (in some cases even reccomended !)

Should accomplish the following requierements:

waterproof

shockproof

fog proof

fully multi coated lens

high resolution optic system (as much as possible, at least !)

magnification around 20 - 60 (could be something in between, like from 15 to 60 - maximum magnification should not be less than 45)

Diopter adjustment desired

objective diameter not less than 50mm (2´), 60 (2 1/2´) more desirable

preferably with full rubber armor

price upto 600 USD (could be a little more )

Would really appreciate your suggestions and / or advices

Thank you all in advance !

Martin

------------------------------------------



Μολὼν λάβε
Duc, sequere, aut de via decede.

In your price range you may find a useable spooter in the 15X45X60mm size,but the 20X60 eye piece in this price range would be lacking the best spotter with a 20X60 eye piece is the Swarovski,but carries a much higher price tag.Look at the Nikons and the Bushnel Elites

I agree with JWP. I would take a look at the Bushnell Elite's or the Nikon spotters. Nikon is coming out with a new ProStaff spotting scope which sounds like a nice product.

I have had good use out of the Leupold gold ring 12x40 spotting scope......it is small,light , armoured and has good lens-coatings.......I used mine in a duty kit as a LEO and for personal use in the field and at the range......the straight eye peice allows easy target pickup...after a short familarization period and if you can live with the 40x upper end I think it would fit you needs and it has the Leupold name and warranty if ever needed.........good luck and good shooting!!

Kowa spotters are good to go.
Nikon's as mentioned, are good on a budget.

I'm pleasingly satisfied with a Minox 15-45x that is in your price range. Clear glass and focus adjust is great. Might be a bit large for on the go tho, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

Thank you very much for all your advices, guys ...

Hey cheaptrick, can you tell me more about this Kowa ? I have seen them mentioned here and there and want to know a little better about them ...
What is your overall opinion about them ?

Regards,

quote:

Originally posted by Afrikaander:
Thank you very much for all your advices, guys ...

Hey cheaptrick, can you tell me more about this Kowa ? I have seen them mentioned here and there and want to know a little better about them ...
What is your overall opinion about them ?

Regards,

I have looked through a couple Kowas and have been VERY impressed.
A buddy, a long time BR shooter swears by them.
He actually likes the Kowas "as good" as the Leicas and Swaros. For the money he chose Kowa and has no regrets.

That's a pretty big statment to make.
Leica and Swaro are the gold standard in spotters as far as I'm concerned.

The only reservation I have concerning your application, is that they may be a little heavy to pack around hunting.
They may be more of a BR type spotter.
Then again, maybe not.
The Kowas are rugged enough for hunting use though.

Pentax spotters are great as well.
Outstanding glass quality.

I would encourage you to go and see for yourself
any spotter you are interested in before purchase.
I should have read your first post a little more throughly before I posted.

Regards......

Thank you, cheaptrick !!!

Seems your friend was impressed by this Kowa as I was impressed by the IORs

Thank you again for your advice !

Regards,
Matin

I own a Kowa TSN-1 (77mm angled eyepiece) and will never part with it. I think Kowa has a lot to offer. Great glass and well built. They are about all you see on the line at camp perry, which says a lot. You can find used ones on e-bay or new ones from Creedmore. The TSN-1 and 2 are not waterproof but I have never had a problem in rain. The new ones are waterproof (821, 601, etc).

Had a Kowa for years and was quite pleased with it, that is until I was offered a peek through a Swaro AT80HD... Having entered another world, I couldn't sleep until I got my own.

Since then, I've forgotten the (heavy) price I paid and still enjoy the quality every day.

I love my kowa 821. Before you buy one it would be worth checking with Jim owens,,He handles kowa and another brand he likes,, www.jarheadtop.com is his website,,Clay

quote:

Originally posted by Afrikaander:
Seems your friend was impressed by this Kowa as I was impressed by the IORs

Touché.......