Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics best value 50-55mm spotting scope?

what is a decent 50-55mm spotting scope? Yeah I know the kowa 550 series is the class leader here but that scope costs over $1700. I am interested in something $600 or less or thereabouts. currently I am leaning toward a vortex razor 11-33x50. Anything else a better value?

At that price point I'd think the Vortex is hard to beat. Maybe the Nikon Fieldscope is worth look as well.

If you can't swing the Kowa, the 50mm Razor is your best bet.

ILya

Tag

Yeah...Leupold Gold Ring Compact 15-30x50.
I have pics of me using it and vids i have phoneskoped with it if you wanna see those. Just shoot me a pm.
You can use it with a really lightweight tripod which makes it great. No problem seeing whether or not i should go for elk even 4 miles out. Go to cabelas and tell them you want the display discount (if they still do it). You wont be disappointed

I had a 15-30 gold ring years ago and hated it. The vortex seems light years better

I`m contemplating the same thing. Doug recommended this as a possible option.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...0135-d247-00163e90e196?variation=1628568

I’ve used a Bushnell Elite for years. I think it was in the $600 range new. One of those used would probably cost even less.

DF

I'm with you. I had one of those and thought it was one of the worst scopes I've ever used.

If that’s a legitimate step up over the Ares 15-45, ‘twould be formidable, indeed.

I’ll bet Doug would work with you to try it out. 😉

FC

I had a Leupold Gold Ring 15-30 years ago and I hated it also. It had poor eye relief, mediocre optics and I vaguely remember some problems attaching it to a standard tripod.