Vortex Nomad Spotter Help

MtnBoy

Member
Dec 27, 2012
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0
ID
Picked up a Vortax Nomad (angled) today, got a great deal on it I might add! $199 at Cabelas.

I need to get a decent tripod for it. I can't really justify a $350+ tripod, does anybody have any suggestions for a quality tripod around the $150 to $200 range. I'd like to keep it fairly light.

I was looking at the Vortex tripods, anybody have experience with these?

All help is greatly appreciated!
 

Grantbvfd

Active Member
Jun 10, 2011
223
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Anderson, CA
The new sumit ss tripod. It includes a ball head and weighs 1.8 lbs. It runs $125 and comes with a 3 year warranty. Check with Paul at Elknut
 

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
MT-boy I looked at one on Sat but could not test it outside. Are you happy with the eye reliefe and sharpness at the higher powers?
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
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Montana
Fish, I ran the Vortex Nomad for a couple seasons when they were new. It is a suitable spotter for the money (especially $199 - that is a good deal), but from 40x on up you do lose apparent resolution quickly with that model.
 

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
Bitterroot,
Do you think that scope at 40x would be good enough for use on antelope judging at 300-500yd? Do you know how the Nomad would stack up aganist the Celestron ultima 18x55x65mm. I have limited use for a spotter here in WA unless I draw a coverted sheep or goat tag. Will use it mainly for antelope when I draw a WY tag. I found the Nomad for $239 at the sporstmans show here in WA last sat, but will check around for a better deal.
Thank You
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
I haven't seen the Ultima, so couldn't say, but I have seen the Regal ED, and it is a sharp scope.

40x magnification at 400 yards would make the object (the antelope in this case) look like it was 10 yards away with the naked eye. So yes, 40x would be plenty of magnification for me in that application.

The Nomad would be a good scope for the occasional use.
 

Fish

Active Member
Jul 8, 2011
319
3
WA State
BB,
Thank you for your speedy reply and honest answer to my questions on the spotter. Looks like Cabellas has them for $199 and you can return it if you don't like it. Seems like a safe way to buy one.
 

Murdy

Active Member
Dec 13, 2011
359
0
North-Central Illinois
I understand that this is probably comparing apples to oranges. But, the Minox MD50 frequently draws great praise on this and other websites. How does the Minox vs. the Nomad compare? The Vortex obviously has more magnification, and admits more light, but are there other qualities of the Minox that make up for this? I guess, in the end, I'm asking is the Vortex better glass -- overall -- optically.
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
As far as 50mm spotters go, the Minox MD50 is pretty good. It still can't make up for the Nomad's aperture advantage, so the Nomad is better, IMO.