Best recommended spotting scope for backpack hunting?

[Brady]

I'm looking at spotting scopes and I'm wanting to know your opinions on what a good scope is for backpack hunting that is a good combo of quality, lightweight, etc. please give your opinion(s) of the scope you recommend and why. Do you have a high price scope and a working man scope price recommendation? I assume the Swarovski type brands are going to cost more than another brand with similar specs. I'll be using them in mountains to glass aoudad, elk, and mule deer and will probably use them once or twice a year. Thanks in advance for your help guys!

Brady
Fort Worth, Texas

 

[Bonecollector]

This was just posted on this site:

http://www.eastmans.com/forum/showthread.php/10114-For-sale-Vortex-Razor-Hd-50mm-spotting-scope?p=134284#post134284

 

[Grantbvfd]

A great scope for the working man is the vortex razor 65. It is a happy medium for weight, size and quality. The unconditional lifetime warranty is great. With a descent tripod and head you can have a great setup for around $1500

 

[Firefighter44]

The vortex is a great route and I run a leupold gold ring when I am headed deep into the backcountry. Extremely compact, lightweight and surprisingly clear. I was skeptical, then the optics guy at cabelas had me try them and was pleasantly surprised.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[ElkTrout]

I also have the Leupold gold ring compact. Very compact and light weight. I really like mine for the price. I have been impressed with it. I agree with Firefighter44!


Sent from my iPhone

 

[ore hunter]

i have a nikon e d 50,,,super light for backpacking and awesome glass for a 50 mm,,,at about $750 its my best glass money spent for bang for the buck.

 

[Musket Man]

What binos do you have?

 

[ColoradoV]

I run either a Zeiss 85mm or a nikon ed 50.. Both are great glass that can be found for cheaper than one might think if you spend the time on hunting classifieds, ebay, and the like.

End up with the Zeiss 85 in my pack almost every day scouting, looking around, anytime I am taking pics, hiking pre season ect. Then switch to the ed 50 for the seasons and never take it out or I hunt every single day with a ed50 scope in my pack.

Edited to add binos - I run 10 x 42 vortex razors and beat the heck out of them also good glass for less $..

 

[ScottR]

http://blog.eastmans.com/choices-choices-choices-picking-the-right-spotting-scope/

This article talks about the pros and cons of a few sizes of scopes. Hope it helps.


Eastmans' Staff Digital Media Coordinator

 

[6mm Remington]

The Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm compact scope is pretty darn clear, light, and compact. I used my fixed 20x Gold Ring Leupold on my goat hunt but I wished they had made the small variable before I purchased this one. I'm happy with it but the variable is just a bit better and has a larger eyepiece.

 

[Musket Man]

I have to disagree on the Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm compact. I bought 1 a few years ago. I could see a little more detail in some conditions but over all it didnt do enough my 10x42 Swaros wouldnt do to be worth packing and it was horrible in low light. I took it on 1 backpack trip and and returned it to Cabelas. IMO it was a complete waste of money and not worth having it.

I have a 65mm Ziess that I have been really happy with but if I didnt have it and were looking at getting a new spotter I would really look at the Ziess Dialyte.

 

[Bughalli]

Leupold gold ring here as well.