Decent spotting scope

[snox801]

ok so I posted something like this in the optics but this might be a better place.
So I have the lieca hdb 3000's I use on a hog saddle for glassing. I don't take trophy game at real long range because I enjoy the getting within 300 yards part of hunting. I have taken game much farther if needed so I am capable. I tend to do most of my long range stuff on pigs.
This year while in Texas I was able to cull some deer. Problem was it was late in season and bucks started to drop horns. So I was not comfortable making that call with my 10 x bios. And it was a big pain trying to get the guide behind my atacr 7-35 so he could look then back on. So I don't wanna break the bank just for something I can get by without but would be handy. In other words I wouldn't use it much.
I was looking at the Redfield Rampage. Which can be had just over $200. Definitely don't wanna spend a large amount on this. I'd like to see how much I'd use it before I put up the cash for a higher end.
What are some thoughts?

 

[Hand Skills]

If there is a decent spotting scope for much under $1k I would love to hear about it! Sounds like a bit of a unicorn to me, but things are changing in the world of optics.

Meopta OEM's spotters for many brands. Good place to start, but ~$1K is where spotters start to become useful IMO.

You could always ask for a guide with a spotter. 20-60x should be standard issue I would think. You essentially have a spotting scope mounted to your rifle, so I can understand the reluctance to duplicate that piece of equipment.

 

[Schnyd112]

Vortex makes a couple razor HD scopes for less than $800 that I would buy, not very much high end magnification but they are nice enough to use and really nice to carry. There are always used ones, I am looking for an older leupold gold ring, they can be had for $550-600 but people don't like selling them.

For $200 you are throwing away money looking at spotting scopes. You will never use it because even a mid tier rifle scope is going to be noticeably better. This in turn means you will never take the scope out and you'll think spotting scopes are for the birds. A nice scope will save miles and miles both hunting and practicing. A bad one isn't worth the weight.

 

[dmj]

Sir,
I read your post in the optics section. Started to give you my opinion several times and always backed off. Mainly because wasn't sure you wanted to hear it and in all honesty I don't have any experience with the spotting scope you were asking about. It's apparent that you are use to good glass. I have done the cheap glass thing and it just didn't cut it. And someone that is use to quality glass probably isn't going to be satisfied with cheap glass. So basically I agree with the above posters that you may be throwing your money away. Couple thoughts. Can you go to a sporting goods store and get your hands on the spotting scope you are asking about and see what you think. Also have you considered finding something used? Best of luck and I hope you find what you want. And remember these are just opinions and in the end yours is the only one that counts.

 

[jjmp]

Save up your coin, buy a Leica 62 APO or the 77 APO , they come up for sale in the used market . Worth the coin& time spent saving for it. My 77 APO is fabulous , gd luck .

 

[snox801]

Thanks guys. That's what I really had in the back of my head the whole time. I was worried about not being happy with it after I got it. I've done that with scopes and don't want to repeat that.
I tried to hit up cabelas the other day and take a good look at as many as possible. Problem is both the sales staff and manager lost me when he tried to convince me that vortex was steps ahead of Leica and that's why they dont sell many of them anymore. Then was really pushing the mid level vortex. I was either gonna go Redfield and take a chance or just bite the bullet and go the $1000 plus route.

 

[sambo3006]

Kowa makes very good spotters. I have an older 663 that I bought after much research. Crystal clear with sharp focus even at the upper end of magnification. If you shop used you should be able to find the model you want for well under $1000. My previous spotter was a Burris Landmark. What a piece of crap.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I would be willing to sell an older Meopta for $450

 

[snox801]

Thanks guys. I'm just starting this search now. I'm in no hurry as nothing to hunt till fall. Gives me time to look at many options.

 

[Bravo 4]

I can send you a decent lower-mid level spotter to play around with. I have a Nikon XL II 16-48x60 I haven't used in a while, it's my loaner.

 

[jjmp]

Proud of all the Great people on this forum !!! GBYA!

 

[Hand Skills]

Anyone used a Nikon ED50? I've heard good things - thinking about a loaner/youth model for a couple of new hunters..?

 

[MudRunner2005]

I have a Vortex Diamondback 20-60x80 spotting scope, and it's a really nice scope for the money.

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/6...MI8v_Hm_zF4AIVA47ICh3P3wh5EAQYBSABEgIgOPD_BwE

I you have more to spend, the Viper HD would be a good option.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...r-hd-spotting-scope-20-60x-85mm-armored-green

 

[FIGJAM]

I bought the newer model vortex viper hd, (i think they started making them in 2018) 15-45x65 and hauled that around on several hunts in utah, idaho and north dakota last fall. It is pretty impressive. I think I picked it up for around $500. My buddy has a gen 1 razor and we couldn't tell the difference between the two and both tapped out the same time in low light...