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If you had $1000 to spend on a spotting scope, which one. I know it is not a lot of money, but as much as I can personally justify. It would be used for the range, out west hunting trips and that is about it. I don't see a sheep hunt in my future (depressing to say that). I hunt PA so no need for one there. I am leaning toward the nikon fieldscope but wonder if I should get the 60 mm or the 50 mm that the backpacking crowd likes.

Your thoughts please

leupold 12-40x60 HD model

+1

joes,

For a grand I would get a Bushnell 6500 in 4 1/2-30X50. Then I would mount this fantasic piece of glass on a good rifle and go play.

From what I understand game if found with binos and then inspected with a more powerful optic. By using the 6500 you will eliminate one weight and cut costs since you wont have to purchase a spotter and a rifle scope.

So far at the range I have encountered one spotter that was even as good as my 6500. It was a Minox 62mm model. None of the other brands have been as bright or as clear.

Have you considered the Vortex 15-45x65 Viper HD or the Pentax PF-65EDII?

I'm a big fan of Nikon spotting scopes and their better binoculars. I've been using both my 50mm ED and my 82mm ED Nikons hunting elk lately.
A 60mm ED Nikon would certainly be a good choice. But if I could only buy one, it would be the 60mm Leupold HD. They are smaller, more compact, not very heavy, and, above all, they have more eye relief and a larger eye box for those sessions where you might want to watch something for a while.
In fact, after a few years with both Nikons, I think a Leupold 60mm HD is definately on my list. E

I don't really see an issue with either the Nikon Fieldscope ED or the Pentax 65 ED II that Doug mentioned. I have used both scopes and think that either would satisfy your needs.

I just noticed a Pentax 65 ED with zoom lens for sale over in the birdforum classifieds yesterday.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=215747

I pm'ed the seller as I am interested in the XW 20 mm eyepiece. We are working out a deal on that one so he will still be looking to sell the Pentax scope with Pentax zoom eyepiece. I don't think it would be more than $465-$500 total for that combination.

I think he is also planning on selling a Nikon 50 ED with Nikon zoom eyepiece as well though he hasn't listed it yet.

Just a thought.

Cableas is closing out their branded Meopta spotter for the new model. If you can still find one you can get it and a nice tripod for under 1K.

I compared the 75mm Meopta to an 80mm Kowa last year. The Meopta spanked it. MUCH easier to see bullet trace with the Meopta. That 75mm Meopta combined with the 50 ED Nikon should just about cover all the bases.

All great suggestions, I would add that getting a good solid tripod will take any good spotting scope to another level. Personally I'd take a $250 spotter on a $350 tripod before I'd use a $2500 spotter on a $30 tripod. YMMV

Lee, I don't see them on sale now.

I have a NIB minox 62ed with the 21-42 ler eyepiece. That is the expensive eyepiece. If interested I can get you more details.

Leupold 12-40x60 HD model

I have the Pentax 65mm from Doug. In the mean time I picked up a Swaro 80mm (non hd) that would barely beat it out (clearer around the edges, wouldn't buy me more than a minute or two around last light) that I subsequently re-sold. Love the Pentax at 1/4 the price and smaller to boot. I use the spotter heavily to get onto elk, primarily at first and last light.

Btw, I bought the Swaro on Craig's list for almost what I had into the Pentax and could have kept either. For the size and quality there was no way I could justify the price difference--not even close. I pocketed almost 1k and never looked back. That's with the 20-60 variable zoom eyepiece, though I would prefer a fixed power around 20x in HD glass.

I put a buddy on a Bushenell Elite 15-45x60 that is fantastic. It is marginally weaker than the Pentax at first/last light and almost as good of image quality and is a slick package as far as fitting in a pack. It doesn't have an interchangeable eyepiece as with the higher quality scopes.

Im thinking of selling my 12-40x60HD Leupold
PM if interested

Steve, your correct, Cableas is back to list price on their Meopta/Cableas branded spotter. Must be hunting season. If you need one right now, I think I'd look over at Bear Basin at the Leupold Kenai HD package that comes with two eye pieces hard and soft case and tripod. That setup is going for 900 dollars. Sorry for the delay in answering. The only bad thing I've heard on this particular Leupold is that its made in China. I'm sure if you don't like it Bear Basin will take it back. Hope this helps.

In preperation for the upcoming holiday selling season we have put together an amazing spotting scope opportunity. The Kowa TSN 602 60mm Straight Camo Spotting Scope (HOLIDAY SUPER SPECIAL PACKAGE) (Part# TSN-602-CAM)
This kit which is normally $1000.00 is only $699.99 and includes:
Kowa TSN-602-Cam Spotting Scope with Kowa TE-9Z 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece & Kowa CNW-4 Case

Features
The addition of the TSN-603 & 604, with Kowa's PROMINAR ED objective lens, completes the 60mm spotting scope line-up. These spotting scopes realize high optical performance in an extremely compact and lightweight body.

Highest Level of Optical Performance
All optics are fully multi-coated for brighter, clearer and sharper viewing. Prominar ED models are also available for even better optical performance with optimum color definition.

Compact and Light Weight
Main body length of about 12.2 inches and weight of only 2.18 lbs. Available in Angled or Straight viewing types with all of the Kowa easy-to-use functions.

Fully Water-Proof Body
An all weather scope completely sealed making it fully water-proof. Nitrogen gas purged to prevent the lens from fogging. "Not intended for underwater use".

Please call Doug or Neil with any questions