Hello, this is my first post so sorry if my thoughts seem scattered. I am reaching out in hopes to get some advice on spotting scopes. I am looking to invest $1000-1500 on a good mid-range spotting scope that is versatile and not to cumbersome for backpack hunting. So far my choices have been narrowed to the Vortex Razor 16-48x65 angled, Vortex Razor 11-33x50 angled, or Leupold Gold Ring 12-40x60? Does anyone have any experience with any of these models or have any other suggestions? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Investment in glass
- Thread starter coug_nurse
- Start date
Welcome to the forum
Head over to the new members section and give us an intro.
I use the Vortex Razor straight 65. I love it, have had no issues and it fits in my pack easily. The angled is difficult for me to find my target and it also can be tight in the side pockets of some packs so take a look and make sure the angled scope will fit in your pack.
Head over to the new members section and give us an intro.
I use the Vortex Razor straight 65. I love it, have had no issues and it fits in my pack easily. The angled is difficult for me to find my target and it also can be tight in the side pockets of some packs so take a look and make sure the angled scope will fit in your pack.
Good Evening, I appreciate the reply and I will most certainly drop an introduction in the new member section. I have been heavily leaned towards the Vortex Razor 65 due to price point, clarity of glass, and Vortex VIP warranty. Again, I appreciate the information!
yes, we have a cabelas outpost in Yakima. I have looked at the vortex before. For some reason or another the guy behind the counter wasn't fond on Vortex and kept pushing Swarovski. Which is great, but the price point is a little high for me. I just want something that will give me a good magnification in a decently small package and clear picture.
Honestly get the best you can afford. You can always upgrade later. I've put the Vortex and Swarovski side by side and for me I can't justify the cost but that's me. From what I've heard is the biggest difference is low light.
Catahoula12
Very Active Member
Spend as much as you honestly can. As mentioned, good glass goes a long way.... especially on your eyes.
Glass is what does your walking. It prevents headaches with quality.
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That's the truth. Headaches are horrible while glassing. Since I went to good quality glass I don't have that problem anymore
Bonecollector
Veteran member
A lot of truth in what others have already stated. That's the great thing about this forum. 
Also...just my $0.02 - Keep in mind how often you'll use it when being honest in your assessment and how much you can spend. I have the Vortex Razor 65. It is great. I've been west the past 6 years and have used it on one trip. This was also based on where I hunted. But something to keep in mind. A good set of 10x42 nocs will go a long way for most folks and on most trips.
That said, I got a super great deal on mine and won't be giving it up anytime soon as I'm sure the day is coming when it'll pay for itself.
Also...just my $0.02 - Keep in mind how often you'll use it when being honest in your assessment and how much you can spend. I have the Vortex Razor 65. It is great. I've been west the past 6 years and have used it on one trip. This was also based on where I hunted. But something to keep in mind. A good set of 10x42 nocs will go a long way for most folks and on most trips.
That said, I got a super great deal on mine and won't be giving it up anytime soon as I'm sure the day is coming when it'll pay for itself.
Hilltop
Veteran member
I am currently using a spotter that was very inexpensive- I do my searching with good quality binoculars and use the spotter to verify when needed. That said, I love the vortex line and would purchase one if I ever felt the need to upgrade what I have. I use Vortex Vipers for my main binoculars.
280ackimp
Active Member
Gents, its funny we all seem to have the same dilemma at one time or another ? I am also looking for a straight spotter in the 60-65 mm objective lense size and a light weight.
My selection cross roads have been
1, cost
2, weight
and
3, lens & unit quality
....when I am able to get a handle on the above 3 prime questions I find myself asking will I use it on the hunt or any other time ? ? Thats when my story falls apart. 10x Khales binos that I have work well, I don't carry a spotter now, and I don't go birding....
Swaro has the quality w/o question and is at the high end for me 2k-2.4 K for 20-60 x 65 s model
Vortex has the warranty, quality is pretty good until you get to low light times or bad weather ...cost is better but not a big value from what I see ....
My Flawed reasoning:
What good will a lower performing scope be at dusk and dawn or when the weather impacts the viewing conditions? -None
Will I have gladly spent the extra 800 on the swaro ? - YES
Will I use it ... yes at the beach for "birding"
I also convince myself that a Swaro will be a great gift for my sons ....when they go hunting .....
Of course I try and say this all with a convincing tone !
It's been my experience that paying for the better end of things allows us have confidence on our gear and fixate on other very important stuff like bullet weight 180's or 200's - what knife, blade design and length and so on...you know things that keep us up at night.
I just may be a label hound, Swaro seems to be getting the nod..damn the price ! But I know it will perform.
My selection cross roads have been
1, cost
2, weight
and
3, lens & unit quality
....when I am able to get a handle on the above 3 prime questions I find myself asking will I use it on the hunt or any other time ? ? Thats when my story falls apart. 10x Khales binos that I have work well, I don't carry a spotter now, and I don't go birding....
Swaro has the quality w/o question and is at the high end for me 2k-2.4 K for 20-60 x 65 s model
Vortex has the warranty, quality is pretty good until you get to low light times or bad weather ...cost is better but not a big value from what I see ....
My Flawed reasoning:
What good will a lower performing scope be at dusk and dawn or when the weather impacts the viewing conditions? -None
Will I have gladly spent the extra 800 on the swaro ? - YES
Will I use it ... yes at the beach for "birding"
I also convince myself that a Swaro will be a great gift for my sons ....when they go hunting .....
Of course I try and say this all with a convincing tone !
It's been my experience that paying for the better end of things allows us have confidence on our gear and fixate on other very important stuff like bullet weight 180's or 200's - what knife, blade design and length and so on...you know things that keep us up at night.
I just may be a label hound, Swaro seems to be getting the nod..damn the price ! But I know it will perform.
The question is, what kind of hunt in the West will you be doing? If I am looking at a big basin for mule deer, spotter is a must.
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side by side vortex is better than leupold by a good enough margin to suggest vortex over it. A 50mm will be ok for seeing if an animal is an animal at distance, but don't expect great detail or image clearity if the sun is not out.
another scope to consider which you can find cheaper than the vortex (but they don't make anymore) is the Nikon ED60. Much closer in comparison to the vortex, but the vortex does edge it out.
another scope to consider which you can find cheaper than the vortex (but they don't make anymore) is the Nikon ED60. Much closer in comparison to the vortex, but the vortex does edge it out.
Appreciate it gentleman, I have a pair of binos that I am happy with I am just looking for something to extend my range and let my eyes cover the ground. I'm glad to hear positive things about the Vortex Razor 16-48x65. It's nice just hearing your experiences with a piece of equipment I am looking in to.
Sir, I am headed to Wyoming for Antelope, hunting elk, mule deer, and black bear in Washington state. I live on the east cascade slopes where the terrain looks like the devil drug his hand through it. If I had a spotter I could eliminate ground with my eyes and save my legs. I was just wanting some experience based opinions on good spotters as to make a more informed purchase.
tim
Veteran member
personally spotters are very terrain specific. In open country, they make great sense. In trees so thick you can't see the ground country. there weight is just not worth it.