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Spotting scopes

YOSEPPY

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2012
Messages
224
Location
Medford Oregon
What are you guys using for spotting scopes?? I've been drooling over a razor hd for as long as they've been out but after looking at the Alpen 856 Ed hd 25-75x86 I'm not sure anymore. Although it was a quick comparison in the store the Alpen seemed brighter and clear. Is the razor worth the $400 more?
 
I have a Razor 20-60x85 and am very happy with it. Not as good as Swarovski, but its's a great value. A bit heavy for packing around the mountains (but I do anyway...) great for the range.
 
I have one of the leupold gold ring 12-40x60. It's not the hd model. I'm not going to try and tell anyone that it compares to the swarovski, but it does seem to do pretty well. Especially when you keep it between the 12 to 30 power range. Seemed like it wasn't as clear when the power was turned up above the 30 power mark. Al least this is the way it seemed to me. Size wise it is packable and this was somewhat important in my decision. Good luck with your decision.
 
I bought a Leica APO 77 about 15 years ago. I kinda stressed about spending that much money ($1800.00) on a top end piece of glass. It paid off in spades!! The price of top end glass has skyrocketed. I don't think the quality has matched the price increases.

All I know is that I don't stress and daydream about new glass anymore. That in itself is worth something.

A year later I bought top end binos. Still have them.

Like BAT says...."BUY THE BEST AND CRY ONCE" !!! lightbulb
 
I bought a Leica APO 77 about 15 years ago. I kinda stressed about spending that much money ($1800.00) on a top end piece of glass. It paid off in spades!! The price of top end glass has skyrocketed. I don't think the quality has matched the price increases.

All I know is that I don't stress and daydream about new glass anymore. That in itself is worth something.

Like BAT says...."BUY THE BEST AND CRY ONCE" !!! lightbulb
 

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I have one of the leupold gold ring 12-40x60. It's not the hd model. I'm not going to try and tell anyone that it compares to the swarovski, but it does seem to do pretty well. Especially when you keep it between the 12 to 30 power range. Seemed like it wasn't as clear when the power was turned up above the 30 power mark. Al least this is the way it seemed to me. Size wise it is packable and this was somewhat important in my decision. Good luck with your decision.

My buddy has the one this gentleman referred to above and I have the HD. He's right about everything he says about the non-HD model. The HD model clears it up a fair amount more. It's not Swaro or any of the high end glass but it's short, fairly light, and very durable. It's an ok scope at the range but really nice in the mountains. 40x isn't a lot when you're talking spotting scopes but the 12x low end is great for finding something because it gives you a great field of view.

Cross
 
I haven't used the larger models in the field but I downsized my spotter and got the Razor 11-33x50. I have been very impressed with this scope and definitely could see myself using it more due to the compact size. I would say either of the larger models would be hard to beat for the price and also the warranty. The other fullsize spotter that I have use in the field is the Nightforce 82mm made by Meopta. I'm a believer in my Meostar binoculars and would consider one of these if looking for a bigger spotter in the $2k range.
 
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