Compact Spotters

[jay]

i ended up ordering the minox spotter and a vortex diamondback BDC scope for my browning 30-06 i recently purchased. Got both for right around 400, pretty happy bout that, thanks guys for all the info, now lets hope i like em' when they get here...

 

[buckbull]

yes, I purchased the angled model from Bitteroots recommended website. Even though it was a demo model, mine is in NIB condition. Really a great deal.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

i ended up ordering the minox spotter and a vortex diamondback BDC scope for my browning 30-06 i recently purchased. Got both for right around 400, pretty happy bout that, thanks guys for all the info, now lets hope i like em' when they get here...

I bet you will like both of them. Be sure to post some impressions when you get them.

Now the long wait for the delivery truck begins ...

 

[Jon Boy]

Mine was NIB as well. I finally got some good field time out of it and im still very impressed. I highly recommend it to any one on a budget. Now I just need buy a new tripod.

 

[westernwannabe]

Bitterroot they should be paying you commission! Ordered mine today wish I would have pulled the trigger while they still had the straight demo scopes. Saw that they up the price on them. They must have almost sold all of them now.

 

[jay]

let me know how you like yours westernwannabe...

 

[westernwannabe]

It's coming tomorrow. I'll be testing it out on the farm this weekend for sure!

 

[jay]

i got mine yesterday but haven't had a chance to really try it out, trying to look out my office window with it, pretty sad...

 

[Tim Sandstrom]

Bitter,

I am at a cross road. Does a guy go for a compact spotter or does he go for a more of the "middle of the road" like say a 65 objective? I cannot decide if I want to basically set myself up for the need for two spotters by going with a compact and then wishing on scout trips, etc that I had a bigger objective for nicer viewing and light capture.

Is there a middle of the road that would be somewhat friendly to the backpack and also be friendly to having that "top tier" spotter?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Tim,

Welcome to Eastman's Forums. I am sorry I did not respond earlier, but I have been out chasin' elk.

My philosophy is that a premium 50mm spotter like the Nikon ED50 is much lighter and performs at a level very near a good 65mm spotter. To really benefit from the objective size increase, it is my optinion you want to go to the 80mm/85mm spotters.

Now that is my opinion from owning some excellent 65mm spotters (Zeiss Diascope and Pentax 65 EDA). Others find the 65mm spotters the perfect solution for their needs. If I did go back to a 65mm spotter, it would be the Swaro 65HD, as it is not only high performing but also fairly light and compact, with its magnesium body.

 

[A3dhunter]

For those that have tried the Minox vs Nikon 50mm scopes, if the Minox was $260 plus tax and shipping, and the Nikon could be had for under $600, is the Nikon worth another $300?

Would prefer a straight scope instead of angled if that matters.
Would either/both be an upgrade over the Vortex Nomad scope?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I own the Nikon ED50.
I have used the Minox MD50.
I once owned a Nomad.

The Nikon is easily the best in sharpness, field flatness, color rendition, and (especially) Chromatic Aberration control.
The Minox is close behind everywhere but CA control.
My Nomad showed gobs of CA, and lacked contrast. I love Vortex products, but the Nomad left me flat.

 

[A3dhunter]

I own the Nikon ED50.
I have used the Minox MD50.
I once owned a Nomad.

The Nikon is easily the best in sharpness, field flatness, color rendition, and (especially) Chromatic Aberration control.
The Minox is close behind everywhere but CA control.
My Nomad showed gobs of CA, and lacked contrast. I love Vortex products, but the Nomad left me flat.

I agree about the Nomad. I have switched to using some Viper 15x50 binos most of the time, it is just not enjoyable using the Nomad. That being said, in your opinion, is the Nikon worth double the cost of the Minox? Is it truly a noticeable difference?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I agree about the Nomad. I have switched to using some Viper 15x50 binos most of the time, it is just not enjoyable using the Nomad. That being said, in your opinion, is the Nikon worth double the cost of the Minox? Is it truly a noticeable difference?

The difference was worth it to me. I bought the ED50. YMMV.

 

[griz]

Bitterroot Bulls. Do you think the swarovski 65 would be worth the extra 650.00 plus or would you stay with the ED50? Have 15-45 wind river now. Don't want to buy another after this one! What's your thoughts? Thanks

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Bitterroot Bulls. Do you think the swarovski 65 would be worth the extra 650.00 plus or would you stay with the ED50? Have 15-45 wind river now. Don't want to buy another after this one! What's your thoughts? Thanks

I prefer the image of the ED50 to the non-HD Swaro 65. The ED50 is close enough to the HD Swaro 65 in image for me to make good use of the weight and size savings of the ED50. I have the scopes I want: The Nikon ED50 and Vortex Razor 85HD. I found great deals on both and together they were less expensive than a Swaro 65HD w/ eyepiece. I use the ED50 on my solo trips and take the Razor when hunting with a partner. One guy takes the tripod while the other takes the spotter.

Am I done buying/trading spotters? I probably should be, but as I have said before, I am an optics addict, and i am always looking for some new advantage.

 

[griz]

Thanks for your imput! Sounds like I can save some money!

 

[mcseal2]

I agree about the Nomad. I have switched to using some Viper 15x50 binos most of the time, it is just not enjoyable using the Nomad. That being said, in your opinion, is the Nikon worth double the cost of the Minox? Is it truly a noticeable difference?

off the subject, but how do you like those binos? I've been considering getting them, the Vortex Kaibab, Minox 15x, or the Swaro 15x56. The weight of the vipers sure looks good compared to the others, but I didn't know how much I'd give up in low light with the 50mm.

 

[A3dhunter]

off the subject, but how do you like those binos? I've been considering getting them, the Vortex Kaibab, Minox 15x, or the Swaro 15x56. The weight of the vipers sure looks good compared to the others, but I didn't know how much I'd give up in low light with the 50mm.

I like them but it is hard to get the focus adjusted "just right".
A little too far and object blurs, not quite far enough and it is still blurry, causes a lot of eye strain.

I also have the Razors and they are better glass. I just wish they were 15 power.....

I would suggest you stay away from the Viper's unless the newer model has better focus adjustment.

 

[mcseal2]

Natchez shooters supply just got the ED-50's back in stock. Refurbished for $369.95 with eyepiece. I have one ordered and will post my impressions when it arrives.