Spotter suggestions

tdcour

Veteran member
Feb 28, 2013
1,100
26
Central Kansas
I know there are a few posts like this, but I am looking for a spotter that is fairly light weight for backpack hunts. I don't really know what power or diameter I need, but I will be using it in central South Dakota and Western Kansas for the most parts but will use it in my future Elk and deer hunts further out west. I have some good 10x binos but need a good score to go with them.i don't want to spend anything over 600 or so and would like to be around 500 if possible. Any suggestions?
 

DryFlyGuy

Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
155
0
Cody, Wyoming
TD,

Based on what you just described, I would push you to either the Nikon ED 13-30x50 or the Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50. I have the Vortex and my buddy has the Nikon. They are both top shelf for lightweight backpacking spotters.

Here is a link to both for comparison's sake. If you decide to purchase from Cameraland, I'd suggest you let them know where you got the recommendation. It may save you a buck or two.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexrazorhd11-33x50

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/nikon.pl?page=nikon8320
 

tdcour

Veteran member
Feb 28, 2013
1,100
26
Central Kansas
TD,

Based on what you just described, I would push you to either the Nikon ED 13-30x50 or the Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50. I have the Vortex and my buddy has the Nikon. They are both top shelf for lightweight backpacking spotters.

Here is a link to both for comparison's sake. If you decide to purchase from Cameraland, I'd suggest you let them know where you got the recommendation. It may save you a buck or two.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexrazorhd11-33x50

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/nikon.pl?page=nikon8320

Thanks for the info. I feel like I may need more magnification than 30x, but I'm not really sure. I have been using my dads spotter that he bought roughly 20 years ago and its not great, so maybe getting a clear picture will help more than magnification? I like the Nikon for the fact that I can get it for 600 on demo where the Vortex is still 700. Is the Vortex worth the extra 100? I know they have a great warranty.
 

DryFlyGuy

Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
155
0
Cody, Wyoming
Is the Vortex worth another bucks? That is hard to say. It has slightly more magnification and a fine focus adjustment knob. It is also several ounces heavier and a little bit larger. I can see pros and cons either way.

I went with the vortex because I got it on a good deal, the vortex warranty, and I liked the fine focus knob. I'd say optically, they are hard to separate.

You might want to handle both 50mm spotters and compare with a similarly priced 65mm spotter before purchasing.
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
As a former ED50 owner, I would go the Razor 50 route for the warranty advantage. I think optically they are pretty similar.

if you call a reputable Vortex dealer and ask for their best unadvertised price, you can likely even out the cost difference.
 

clacklin009

Active Member
Apr 1, 2012
189
0
SLC, UTAH
From what I can tell it looks as though the price range is going higher, if so, look at the Vortex viper 65. You will get more magnification (which sounds important) and you should be able to get it for a better price especially if you can find a guy giving special pricing. I would prefer the viper to the 50mm Razor-IMO very poor edge quality on the little 50mm. If the price is too high look at the Nikon Prostaff 5 in either the 60mm or 82mm version. Nikon has $100 instant savings deals so you could pick up a 60mm for $399 and a 82mm for $499. Prostaff 5's are lighter weight than the Viper's.
 

JNDEER

Active Member
Mar 11, 2011
337
0
for lightweight backpacking the ED50 and Vortex 50 are your best bet hands down.

If you don't mind carrying more weight I really like my ED 60. They are discontinued and I picked it up real cheap on ebay.
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,821
275
Oakdale Ca.
I have the vortex and I love it, I was going for the larger spotter and opted for the 50mm. It's going for the big test this week The Missouri Breaks.
 

tdcour

Veteran member
Feb 28, 2013
1,100
26
Central Kansas
I have the vortex and I love it, I was going for the larger spotter and opted for the 50mm. It's going for the big test this week The Missouri Breaks.
Where are the Missouri Breaks? I'm heading to central South Dakota this weekend for about a week to chase deer with a bow along the Missouri River.

I really think its going to be hard to beat the Vortex either way with their warranty. I think I'll be happy either way, but I think I am trying to decide between the Razor or Viper... bigger or smaller, lighter or heavier, more magnification or less magnification... tough decisions. Can't wait to get them side by side to test them out somewhere
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,821
275
Oakdale Ca.
The Breaks are east of Great Falls, we will be hunting slightly south of the Missouri River, a lot of sand stone cliffs just beautiful country. I had the same issue either the larger spotter or the 50mm. I went with tye 50mm easier and lighter to pack. Vortex's warranty is unbelieveable.
 

mcseal2

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,171
195
midwest
I have and love the ED50. When I bought it the Vortex wasn't available. I'd still go Nikon for the weight advantage I think although I am a fan of Vortex. You probably can't go wrong either way, I just figure the heavier a spotter/tripod is the more likely I am to leave it behind where it does me no good.
 

Eric Hunter

New Member
Mar 20, 2012
20
0
I have the ED 50 and the Viper HD 15x45x65 side by side here on my deck. Both at highest magnification, I have a bit of better details at long range (about 1000yards) with the Nikon but the eye relief is better on the Vortex with my glasses. I like to use the Vortex from the road but I pack the Nikon even for a short hike. A bit more light with the Vortex as well. But if not side by side I wouldn't see the difference between the two except for the eye relief.
The Nikon is mounted on a Vortex High Country tripod and the Vortex is on a cheap Slik.
Eric.