My old Nikon is in need of replacement. I was wondering what everyone uses? Pro's/con's?

I am leaning towards a Brunton, maybe Swaro, or Leica! Can not make up my mind for fixed or varible either. I think fixed 20x is good for most everything unless the higher end stuff conquers heat waves.

I will be watching this thread as well...I was using my junk spotting scope today and I am wanting one with more magnification then 36x, but I dont know how this will affect the heat waves that Kudu speaks of.

Leica 77 with a 20-60 eye piece is my choice. For hunting I would buy the straight model with the nice but expensive travel case ($199). You can access the controls through the case. Leica also makes a 20 fixed eye piece with very good field of view. Swarovski is as good but I didn't like the cast of their lens color. I can see 5.56 mm bullets in the black at our 300 yd range.

For me, I've only owned Swaro or Leica.

Either one, I can't tell much difference b/w the 2.

I currently have the 85mm Obj Swaro and have no regrets. I'd buy the Leica just as quick.

my leica 77 apo 20x60 has never let me down,
if i ever do it again and i doubt it.... i''d change one thing ,i''d go fixed power zoom 40 -45 power. zeiss also makes fantastic spoting scopes.
regards

The Brunton and Swarovski both have the E-glass coating. From what I have read it improves clarity. I am a believer in Swarovski, my son has had one for 7 years and uses it from Sept. until Dec. He swears by them. But his were before the glass coating. I just can't believe there is that much difference between the three and also including Ziess.

I figure this spotter will last my lifetime and probably be handed down to one of my sons.

I have taken the Leopold 20-40x to the Brooks Range for sheep twice and have enjoyed it very much. It's what? $800.00 or something like that on Midway?

I have also used Leopolds lesser models and been disapointed.

I also use the Leupold Gold Ring, 12-40 x 60. It is a great scope and can be found for $600-800. I have put it against a Swarovski and Zeiss. There is a slight difference, but not enough for me to pay the extra $1,200. Even the Swaro and Zeiss guys were surprised at the lack of difference. I like how it packs also.

Another vote for the golden ring leupold 12-40x60. I've used mine for about 9 or 10 years, and haven't needed anymore. Its excellent for backpacking.

A follow-up question, please: do any models of the ss discussed (or any others) have attachents that allow for a camera to be used with them?

TIA,

KG

Kamo, the swarovski has a neat little donut looking adapter that comes with the ss that fits any digital, as a promotional gift. The others do to but I don't know anything about them. I think you can buy an adapter for any of the above mentioned, with the exception of Leupold, which I don't know.


I have owned two pair of Brunton bino's and the company has stood behind them better than any I have ever dealt with. That is why I was wondering about the spotter. I found refurbished Brunton spotters for $700, but I can't find anyone who has used one. Right now I am leaning towards the zeiss, they have a free neprene case and tripod offer if you buy it before the end of the year. But "BUT" money talks, the refurbished Brunton is half the price!

Thank you for the response!

KG

I also use the leupold 12-40x60. It is not as good as the Swarovski, also not as expensive.

Heck of a lot better than Nikon though. I bought a Nikon from Cabelas, set it up, took one look through it and sent it back.

Unless weight is a big issue, I would never go with a fixed power. They have their place, but I have never had the use for one. I rarely ever use mine to glass, only to confirm after spotting something interesting. Locate it, and crank it up.

While it is not the best spotting scope, $ for $ that Leupold is hard to beat.

I have considered a pair of 20x50 bino's, wider field of view, less eye strain. But weight is an issue with that. I am headed to Sportsmans warehouse sunday, I will look through the glass on some and try and decide. I want to investgate the Brunton. Zeiss and Leica are also possibilities.

I really like my nikon 50mm ED fieldscope. Light weight, great resolution, reasonable price.

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/product.php?group=16&subgroup=12&product=8304