Spotting scope help

[wilkup]

I've avoided buying one of these for years now and have been satisfied with the Trijicon 10x42s I bought almost 10 years ago for my glassing needs.
I've recently had a change of heart. While I still doubt I'll ever do any backpack hunting with a spotter, I believe it'd be handy from the logging road for really working through some country.
I know the big German names are the top of the pile, but as long as I'm married and haven't won win the lottery I can't throw down that sort of cash on stuff without my wife trying to kill me.
I'm looking to stay <$1000 on a decent spotter. Doesn't need to be light since I don't see myself ever really hiking with it. Recommendations would be welcome.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

It would be our pleasure to discuss different options with you. In the under $1,000.00 price point we suggest either the Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide or Athlon Ares UHD. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss what would be best for you.

 

[zerosprk]

^^^ THIS ^^^
Doug and his crew at Camera Land will treat you right!

 

[Mountain Sloth]

Best option would be to go look at different ones, most LGS's should let you take it outside to get a real world look through the glass. Once you have what you like picked out you can shop around. the weight of a spotting scope and tripod in you pack isn't all that bad and you can get a closer look from just about anywhere. Just my .02.

 

[Sockeye66]

Midway has the Razor for 899.

 

[Huntnful]

That Athlon that doug mentioned above is legit. That's what I had my dad get as his situation is nearly identical to yours.

 

[dfanonymous]

 

[eric1115]

If your patient and willing to buy used, one of the older Leica APO or Kowa 663/664 spotters would certainly be my pick over anything vortex, athlon, Leupold, etc have to offer in the $1,000 neighborhood.

Also in that category of high value scopes that don't pop up all that often, the Nikon ED65 and the Pentax PF65 are great options.

 

[justinp61]

I bought a used Kowa 663 with a 20-50 eye piece for $500 and have been pleased.

 

[Brush4646]

I have had a Swift 15X60 model 841 for 45+ years and love it. I went to the Super Shoot for 30 years where you can look through every scope in any price range and sure the $1000+ ones were nice but not that much. You can find used Swift's on Ebay for $150 and I know you will like one?
Brush

 

[eric1115]

I bought a used Kowa 663 with a 20-50 eye piece for $500 and have been pleased.

That is an amazing deal. They are a bargain at the $800 range I seem to see them sometimes.

 

[wilkup]

Any tripod recommendations while we're at it? I'm leaning towards the Athlon after that video review and numerous other recommendations I've discovered online.