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Thinking of updating my spotting scopes. I currently have an older Leupold 25x50 and a Nikon 15x45x60 something, also older. Both work well, just looking for something better. I know optics have improved since these were made and these scopes have obvious limitations.

Doing some research I have narrowed things down somewhat. Would like to stay under $1500 and would prefer something in the 62-66 mm range so as to keep it reasonable to backpack. So far, with some help from a member here, I have found a 6 year old Leica Televid 62 APO with a 20x60 eyepiece for $1300, no warranty. Have read very good reviews on a Kowa Prominar 66 HD with a 20x60 eyepiece brand new for about $1350. Of course the Leupold 12x40x60 HD is also an option, have found one new for $1059. Both the Kowa & Leupold are new and have lifetime warranties. I know there are also some others such as Nikon, Pentax, Vortex etc but so far have limited my search to those mentioned, but am open to suggestion.

So who has used what in this size and price range and what do the optics eagles here think? Anyone have a concern in regards to the Leica with no warranty?

Last edited by Gone_Huntin; 09/29/11.



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If I"m spending $1300 or so, I'm getting something with a warranty myself. For the cost of a Leica product they do a poor job with their non transferrable warranty. They may fix a problem anyway out of goodwill, but I'm not taking a chance with a Leica. Even their demo stuff has a sorry 10 yr warranty. Piss poor image from a maker that commands a premium price.

Kowa knows how to make spotters. They do it right. That Leupold HD you refer to is very good also, and is probably the toughest spotter on the planet. The Kowa is not rubber armored but their are protective cases available. The 664 is superior to the NIkon and Pentax 65mm class spotters.


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Thanks for your reply JG. The literature on the Kowa 664 states that it has the rubber armor though. What do you know about the eye relief on the Kowa? Seems Leupold leads the pack in that area.




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I have a new in box minox 62ed with the 21-42 ler eyepiece. You can research them and if you are interested I can get you more details.

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Really like my televid, but I would buy the swaro if I had to do it over. The swaro focus is much better in my opinion.

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I don't wear glasses, so it is a non issue for me, so I don't remember having any issues with it. You're right, nothing comes close to the Leupold in the eye relief category. As I mentioned before, much of it is individual preference, but I much prefer the dual knob focuser than I do the helical focuser like I had on my Nikon 82 ED.

Last edited by JGRaider; 09/30/11.

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Just when I think I have things all figured out, I go on Cabela's site and they are clearing out their Euro Spotting scope, 75 mm APO fluoride coatings etc with a 20x60 eyepiece for $799! Brand new with full lifetime warranty. Their Euro line is actually the Meopta with a Cabela's logo. No flies on Meopta products.




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Originally Posted by Gone_Huntin
What do you know about the eye relief on the Kowa?


The Kowa 20-60x Zoom has 16mm ER, 97' FOV @20x, and 53' FOV @60x

For longer ER, the fixed 25x and 30x would be your huckleberry.

25x has 32mm ER and 110' FOV
30x has 20mm ER and 126' FOV

The Kowa is water and fog proof, but is not rubber armored.

The Leupold 12-40x60mm HD has 30mm ER, 168' FOV @12x and 52' FOV @40x

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Good info - Thanks!




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Hi,

Have anyone used a Meopta Meostar APO Spoting Scope? Seems to me one of the most underated quality SS. And its price is very, very good.

Thanks

PH

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I sent in my well used by several different owners leica spotter and they serviced it with out any questions asked.

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I bought a Leica 62 straight a couple years ago - non APO as I recall. Either way, it was far better than the leupolds I'd looked through and was, at least for my eyes, a truly superb investment in glass.

I've never felt the need to look at anything else since.


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Originally Posted by firstcoueswas80
I sent in my well used by several different owners leica spotter and they serviced it with out any questions asked.


When they cost that much it should be standard procedure IMO.


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Originally Posted by PatagoniaHunter
Hi,

Have anyone used a Meopta Meostar APO Spoting Scope? Seems to me one of the most underated quality SS. And its price is very, very good.

Thanks

PH


Well guys after pondering over this for a few days I decided to give the Cabela's APO, (Meopta), spotter a try. For $799 and the fact that I could return it for a full refund if I was not happy was just too much to pass up. It is a bit too big for me to want to carry as a back pack scope, but I still have my little Leupold for that. One of the main uses for this scope was for checking targets at 300+ yards, probably that was more important to me than the backpack thing as the Leupold is quite good for that use. I have no alpha spotters to compare side by side, but this scope is pretty amazing. I have not taken it to the range yet but looking at stuff from my front porch, I live in the country, it is very clear and bright and without question I can see small detail much better than either the Leupold or Nikon. When comparing Big Eye binoculars, I ended up with Meopta because they were soooo close to the alpha's at 1/2 the price. I would venture to say the same is true with this spotter, except it was 1/3 the price!




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I've got a Meopta spotter. Paid a lot more than Cableas is asking. Get a decent tripod and head and your set.

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That is a very good price, about $630 less than the NY Stores.


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I wonder if Meopta is phasing out the 75mm and why the good price on the 75mm?
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=198746

Last edited by SteveWM; 10/10/11.

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Originally Posted by SteveWM
I wonder if Meopta is phasing out the 75mm and why the good price on the 75mm?
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=198746


Interesting...Looks like the new one will be an 82mm. In any event I would be happier with the 75mm as even that is a bit bigger than I wanted. For sure the price will be higher. Looks like according to that thread, it should roll out the end of this year.




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Have the tripod part and head covered, a Slik carbon fiber tripod and a Jim White head.




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$799 for the Meopta/Euro is a smoking deal. I almost jumped on it myself. The only reason I didn't is because it uses those archaic fold-down rubber eyecups instead of the more modern twist-up design.

Yes, Meopta is coming out with a new model, supposedly by the end of the year. It will be the S2. Looks very cool, and has my interest...if nothing else, just to figure out what exactly is the "soft-shell" armor they're using :-P


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