Spotting Scope and Tripod

[MOhunter28]

Looking for some help with a selection for a spotting scope and tripod. Would like to make this a one time purchase for a years to come. as far as my budget goes I would be willing to be in the neighborhood of $1500 + cost of a tripod. Here is what I envision the type of hunting; mule deer/elk hunts in high country/spike camps and plenty of road glassing. I see myself using this a lot around the Midwest for whitetail hunting where I live so again it would be used in the truck a lot. Love to here your thoughts and what experiences you have with ones you have used. Would not be opposed to buying a used one if you have one for sale. Thanks a bunch.

 

[TimberJunkie]

Looking for some help with a selection for a spotting scope and tripod. Would like to make this a one time purchase for a years to come. as far as my budget goes I would be willing to be in the neighborhood of $1500 + cost of a tripod. Here is what I envision the type of hunting; mule deer/elk hunts in high country/spike camps and plenty of road glassing. I see myself using this a lot around the Midwest for whitetail hunting where I live so again it would be used in the truck a lot. Love to here your thoughts and what experiences you have with ones you have used. Would not be opposed to buying a used one if you have one for sale. Thanks a bunch.

Sounds like a great investment, Vortex Razor is great stuff, but if you can find a deal on Swarovski, it is second to none. I use a Vortex Viper HD 15-45x65 and love it. Compact and affordable, but the razor is worth the extra money. The high end leupold gold ring is another great option. Personally I think you should go look at them if you can. I have a friend with a $2500 Zeiss, it's a great scope but the eye relief is poor and doesn't work for people with glasses. You really need to find one you like handling and looking through.

Exciting purchase. Good luck.

 

[MOhunter28]

what is the weigh like on any of those? is it that big of a deal on a high country hunt were packing in you have to be mindful of gear weight?

 

[dkopriva]

I'll second the vortex razor scopes. Also look into their summit line of tripods. I have an summit xlt that I use a lot it is well built and pretty light. I do have one of there summit ss tripods for packing into the mountains it is enough lighter and smaller for me to justifiy having it for backpack hunts. The Vortex Razor 16-48 is roughly 3 lbs. I personally wouldn't go with the smaller 11-33 it is lighter but won't gather near the light as the larger one.

 

[mallardsx2]

I picked up that summit tripod and being able to stand up and glass is really nice. Its not heavy either. I cant imagine spending any more than 150$ on a tripod...This one works just fine.

 

[Maxhunter]

Yep I agree the Vortex razor. For the quality and price it can't be beat. I have one and it does want I need out of a spotting scope. There also fun to digi scope with. Weight isn't that big of an issues. I packed it on many hunts and scouting trips.

 

[highcountryhoy]

Tally my vote for the Vortex. Im running the 15-x45x65 Viper also and its great for my needs, but the Razor is a heck of a scope. I'd def. try to get my hands on one.

 

[Extractor]

I have both a leupold gold ring and a swarovski sts, both are older models. A friend of my sons brought along his new leupold gold ring HD on an antelope hunt last october. Looking through all three at different times of day in different lights I would rate the HD glass as far superior to older models. I would then recommend not picking up a used older model if not HD. Spend as much as your budget allows, within reason, you won't regret it 10 years from now. I also would stay with a 65mm objective, jumping to 80-85 does jack up the weight and cost.

 

[300bee]

what is the weigh like on any of those? is it that big of a deal on a high country hunt were packing in you have to be mindful of gear weight?

I just got a Vortex Razor 20-60x85 and it is unreal clear and crisp. Haven't been in the field with it yet just around the place out to about 3/4 mile.
The 20-60x85 is listed at 4.1 Lbs and the
16-48x65 is listed at 3.02 lbs so a tad over 1 lb. difference.
No matter what brand you get I would get the largest objective you think you can live with for your needs, that will allow you to effectively use higher magnification.

After looking through different brands and sizes of the same brands I noticed the bigger objectives allowed me to use higher magnification and retain a clear view than the smaller objectives did.

Good luck with your research.

Jerry

 

[MOhunter28]

I had looked at the Razor and taking your guys opinions into consideration I think the razor is what I should look at getting. should I go for the angled or the straight eye piece?

 

[300bee]

I had looked at the Razor and taking your guys opinions into consideration I think the razor is what I should look at getting. should I go for the angled or the straight eye piece?

Strictly personal preference IMO.
Do a search on the Eastman's optics forum and you can also Google the subject and find numerous threads. Also you can look at the FAQ's on some of the optics sales websites.
Bottom line is there are pros and cons for each.
Cameralandny.com and sportsoptics.com
Are good places to check out.
I found a sale a couple of weeks ago that was really good you can PM me if you would like that info.
Good luck

Jerry

 

[LaHunter]

I used a Vortex Razor HD 65mm for a couple years. For the price, it is hard to beat. After 2 years of use, I would consider it a good spotting scope. For me, the 65mm was the right compromise between wt and magnification/objective size for carrying in a pack.
I have used the ProMaster 525 carbon fiber tripod for about 3 years, and I really like it. It has twist lock legs which I like, but some don't. I have read good reviews on the Slik tripods as well.

Good Luck

 

[Montana]

I run both angled and straight. My preference is straight for a couple reasons. Cell phone adapter for pictures and window mounts when glassing from a vehicle. In the field they both have pros and cons but with those 2 situations pretty much just cons on the angled.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[ColoradoV]

I know a lot of guys like vortex and they do have good glass but if this is as you say once in a lifetime purchase I would look at getting one of the big 3 (Zeiss, swarvoski, or lecia). For me I look a loooong way off sometimes and have sat next to more than a couple vortex owners who were not quite as happy with their purchase once they looked through my zeiss side by side at distances of 3-12 miles.

Used glass can be found for reasonable prices if you look around and be patient.

Again I dont want to bash vortex as it is a good option for many but for me and for once in a lifetime look into one of the big 3.

 

[300bee]

I know a lot of guys like vortex and they do have good glass but if this is as you say once in a lifetime purchase I would look at getting one of the big 3 (Zeiss, swarvoski, or lecia). For me I look a loooong way off sometimes and have sat next to more than a couple vortex owners who were not quite as happy with their purchase once they looked through my zeiss side by side at distances of 3-12 miles.

Used glass can be found for reasonable prices if you look around and be patient.

Again I dont want to bash vortex as it is a good option for many but for me and for once in a lifetime look into one of the big 3.

I can't disagree with you ColoradoV.