BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[csumerall]

I am thinking that I would like to purchase a spotting scope in this offseason, Im know they are all spendy but i was just wondering if anyone one had good luck with one brand more than the next.

[JCalhoun]

Like anything else in optics you get what you pay for.

What do you need it to do?

[Don Fischer]

Some guy's actually carry those things around with them while hunting; they're animals! When I lived in Alaska I bought a really nice Bushnell Trophy, I think it was, been awhile. I though I'd carry it into the mountains where I could spot sheep and moose. Well I'm not sure what got me first, the spotting scope or the tripod! What I discovered was that a good set of binoculars, which I also don't like to carry a lot, worked just as well, maybe better.

The advantage to the spotting scope seem's to be that once you spot an animal with the binoculars, you grade it with the spotter to see if you really want to go after it. If it's so far away that you need 25x to grade it, I don't want to walk that far in the first place and at 25x you'll have a hard time finding the animal and seeing much thru the mirage. That's a pretty big piece of equipment to carry around just for that. In over 45 yrs of hunting, I have never seen anyone carry one, but, I know there are those that do and guides that do.

Now with all I've said that sounds pretty negative, even to me, I bought another last year. Actually all I wanted it for was to look at bullet holes in paper target's down range, holes I could see just fine thru a 9x-14x rifle scope! But it is impressive to have a spoting scope setting in the bench next you. It defines who you are! :D

I did find it's place tho. I stopped at the Sheep Mountain viewing area in Kulane, Yukon last trip up there and I didn't have to wait on anyone getting done with the scopes they provide there to look at sheep! That one little use was worth the price of this scope to me. Of course it was from Sportsmans Whse and has "Winchester WT-541C" written on it in red letters. It came with a nice hard case, a soft case, a strap and a small tripod for $80! I doubt this is what anyone would want for serious spoting, Actually I kinda like the thing just can't find a really good use for it. Also not sure I'd enjoy viewing mirage for several hours thru it.

If you really want a spotter and plan on using it much, I suggest moving up out of the $80 bracket!

[csumerall]

I would like to get one mainly for hunting(more like looking and wondering when its going to be my turn) over at naches/yakima area, for the sheep and goats.. I really cant use it for my west side elk/deer hunts there are usually more than one tree in the way. I dont mind spending some money but it has to be less than my wife would notice. Dont know if that slims down the potentials or not.

[gr8fuldoug]

For something of very good quality (ED glass), light weight (only 1 pound) and small size (8") that would not be a burden to always have with you take a look at the Nikon 50ED http://www.cameralandny.com/op.....=nikon8320 I think you will find it to be a great "tool" to have along with you.

[csumerall]

thanks I'll check it out

[tim]

spotting scopes are essential for sheep hunting. I do like swarosvski and i won't ever have to buy one again. I am also lucky in that my wife understands good optics.

tim

[TheGreatwhitehunter]

Swarovski, zeiss and Leica all excellent top glass

If you're looking for something about a 1000 or less check out Nikon and leupold spotting scopes hard to beat for the money.