I guess this should be in the optics section but I thought it might get be more relevant to British and European stalkers.

I have never used a tradional draw scope such as a Grays ( http://www.graytelescope.com/home/home.html ) but I was wondering how practical they are in the real world.
From what i have read the have good optics, they are light, easily repairable and relatively easy to use in the field without a tripod unlike more modern spotting scope designs.
On the down side, because they are not nitrogen filled/sealed, they are not water or fog proof although they can be easily dismantled at the end of the day for cleaning...
Anybody know how prone to fogging they are? I find it hard to justify spending around �800 on a scope which is not waterproof.

Currently I have a used Optolynth (sp?) draw scope similar to the Swarovski CT75 in concept., but I find it heavy and cumberson. I have no idea if it is waterproof or not, but it has not fogged in use so far.
It seems to have none of the advantages of the Grays but possibly all the draw backs!

Besides the Grays, does anybody know of any other companies which make good quality draw scopes today? Or maybe recommend any older brands to look out for on the secondhand market?

Regards,

Pete

Pete,

Having had a play with 1894's CT75, I went and got one for myself. I have used it a few times on Salisbury Plain where it has been quite useful as the roe deer here tend to live out in the open.

Regards

Pete,

I regard my CTC30x75 as useful but not essential for my arable roe stalking. It sits in my roe sac in a pocket next to my back and is easy to withdraw and use (the Gray seems more fiddly)

I use it for checking the sex of a roe in the antlerless Nov/Dec period that I have identified through binos and latterly in my attempt to improve trophy quality on one patch on checking antlers.

Prone over a roe sac is best but crossed sticks standing or kneeling will do at shorter ranges. The twilight performance is about on a par with my binos and scope.

I got mine for �485, I regard it as money well spent. It's clarity is such that I can make out a roe doe's anal tush at around 800m with a good rest.

Richard,



I picked up my Optolyth very cheaply "used" and even though it is heavy I still consider it a bargin as I believe they go for between �650 and �700....

Is is comparible to the CT75? After owning Swarovski binos and scopes, I seriously doubt it but a new CT 75 would have cost X10 what I paid for mine and I don't think it is x10 better!

Do Swarovski guaranty their draw scopes are 100% water/fog proof? I can't find any mention of this with regards the Optolyth, but I can't see how it can be sealed as it draws air in as it is extended??

Regards,

Pete

[ 09-10-2003, 17:06: Message edited by: Pete E ]

Pete,

The website is confusing about the waterproofing stating in one area that it is and in another 'not applicable' Mine hasn't fogged in light rain. I tend not to use it in heavy rain as my wimpy southern roe go into the woods then!

1894,

I was under the impression the CT75 were much more expensive than that??? I seem to recall seeing them for �1200 in one shop?

With regards the Grays scopes, although my gut feeling is that anything that unwaterproof can't be practical, they must be decent/worth the money otherwise they would not be in such wide spread use by Professional stalkers north of the border..

Regards,

Pete

1894,

Looks like I was was thinking of the CT85 body and eye piece along with the carrying strap and leather case as a package...and the place I saw it was one of those small (read "expensive") gunshops out in the sticks in Royal Deeside...

Regards,

Pete

It is my understanding that, contrary to rifle scopes and binos, the very construction of draw scopes makes it impossible to render them waterproof (= submerge in water). The best brands make them water resistant (= survive in heavy rain). As to their practicability, all professional stalkers I met in Scotland use them (NB.: from the ancient and crooked brass type to the latest Swaro).

[ 09-10-2003, 19:44: Message edited by: Andr� Mertens ]

Gents,

I have searched high and low for a "reasonably priced" less bulky alternative to my current 30x80mm Opotlynth and all I have found are the ones below:



for �35 from:
http://www.sherwoods-photo.com/yukon_nvis/yukon_dayscope_fs.html

And a slightly better looking item:



from : http://www.obm.co.uk/products/db/40142.htm

at �110...

Both scopes weight a fraction of my present one...

Regards

Pete

Pete,

I have a friend with something similar to the top one. (Russianbazaar I think) The clarity is so poor that one is better off using binos!

Adam,

I have not had a chance to look through either of those telescopes, but what you say does not surprise me at all as I am a firm believer in that you get what you pay for as far as optics goes. I was just hoping to find a lighter/less bulky draw scope of similar quality/price to my Optolynth, but it looks like you either have to settle for the cheap stuff or bite the bullet and buy a Grays.

I suspect the Opticron might be a bit better optically, but I bet you can't take it apart and clean/dry it like you can the Grays..

Anyways, it looks like I will be sticking with my Optolynth for the foreseeable future. Optically, it is very good; just a bit bulky and heavy thats all....

Regards

Pete

Hi Pete, I use a Grays. I have had one for about
10/12 years. Use it mostly for hill stalking but I do carry it in my roe sack as well.Luckly I bought mine secondhand, looked like it had never been out of the box I got it in. Clarity is very
good.25x magnification.I have used it if it has been raining.You need to carry a good handkercheif.If the scope gets wet when it is open all you have to do is dry the tubes as you close them.Never had any trouble misting up in the damp scottish weather.When you get back to the house open the scope and dry.