I'm buying a spotting scope soon. Would like some reviews or reccomendations for scopes less than $1000 Cdn. The only ones I have in mind right now are the Leupold Wind River Sequoia 15-45X60 and the Weaver Classic 15-40X60.

Thanks,

GordM

I am still a big fan of the B&L Elite 15-45x. Compact, lite and clear.

I kick myself for selling mine. I bought a used Swarovski at a gun show and thought I didn't need two. I guess I don't really, but I do miss my old B&L.

Cheers,
Canuck

The B&L Elite 15-40 scopes are at an amazing price right now..

Reliable Gun & Tackle in Vancouver is selling them for about $499, and there may be some even cheaper out there.

I'm thinking I may sell my other spotter and buy this one, as it's so much lighter.

Hello,
Take a look at the Kowa line of optics, spotting scopes. They are top in quality and reasonable in price compared to the European glass these days (dollar exchange, etc.)
Favor Center!!
dsiteman

I've had an older Bushnell 15-45 (pre merger with Bausch & Lomb) for quite a few years, and it serves me very well. I lot depends on what you'll use your spotting scope for. I only use mine at the range, generally for 100, 200yds. The optics are quite clear, and it's dependable. There are better ones out there to be sure, but usually they're not needed. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Good input thus far! It seems the Elite
15-45X60 would be a really good choice based on price, availability and reccomendations.

But I must inquire further, "Is there leaps and bounds to be gained by saving a little more dough and springing for the top end Leupold or a euro brand?"

My intended use for my new spotting scope will be shooting range (mainly 100-300yds), elk, muledeer and possibly sheep hunting. If you were stuck with one spotting scope for the next 10 years or more, would you be content using an Elite 15-45X60?

Thanks again,

GordM

quote:

Originally posted by GordM:
My intended use for my new spotting scope will be shooting range (mainly 100-300yds), elk, muledeer and possibly sheep hunting. If you were stuck with one spotting scope for the next 10 years or more, would you be content using an Elite 15-45X60?

Answer: YES.

The best all-around spotter I have tried is the top end Leupold. Its compact, light and has great glass. But, its also 3x the price of the B&L Elite. If money is no object, I usually recommend the Leupold. The Swaro's and Leica's are great, but they are generally too bulky and heavy for hunting applications where it will sit in your pack most of the time, IMHO. And they empty your pocket's quick-like!

For hunting situations where you should spend a lot of time "looking", my preference is to have the best binoculars I can afford to find the game, and a decent "big eye" for trophy evaluation (ie. counting points, judging full curl, etc).

I really enjoy my Swaro spotter from an optical point of view, but I really miss the size and weight of the B&L's.

I would like to field test the newer Swaro STS-65 HD's sometime. They are almost as light as the Leupold's and the optics are reportedly phenomenal. Unfortunately, I can't justify $2000 bins and a $2000 spotter!!!

Cheers,
Canuck

I have a Burris Landmark 20-60x80. It is a cheaper spotting scope, I got it from BearBasin for 218USd w/nice case.
Scope is not waterproof, but from what I know doesn't soak water too.

When you buy a good and heavy spotting scope you must invest in good quality tripod, without one the scope is useless

Greetings

I have a B&L Elite 15X45X60 spotter.A friend of mine has a Leoupold 15X40?X60 you know their top of the line model.Anyways we are out sheep hunting and spy a muley buck sleeping under a tree on the other side of the river valley.We both bring the buck up for comparison of glass quality.My buddy was'nt impressed when his leupy was definately brighter imaged....but my B&L Elite was showing browtines for detail.Sold me once and for all.RB

Leica 62...worth it!

Of the above,I'd go with the elite